Compare performance (400 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes GLA?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the hotly contested automotive market, the Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes GLA stand out as two robust choices for those seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. Both vehicles have their unique attributes, catering to different driving tastes and lifestyles. In this article, we delve into a thorough comparison of these two models, highlighting their technical aspects, innovations, and overall appeal.
The Audi A3 Sportback boasts a sleek, hatchback design with contemporary lines that symbolize its sporty character. Measuring 4,353 mm in length and 1,816 mm in width, it offers a compact yet spacious feel, making it suitable for urban jungles. The vehicle stands at 1,470 mm high, perfectly balancing style and aerodynamics.
On the other hand, the Mercedes GLA presents a more robust SUV silhouette, with dimensions of 4,412 mm in length and 1,834 mm in width. Its height of 1,616 mm provides a commanding view of the road, appealing to those who prefer a taller driving position. The GLA's design reflects modern elegance, with a more rugged personality suited for both city driving and agile off-road adventures.
The Audi A3 Sportback offers a diverse lineup of powertrains that includes petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Power outputs range from 116 HP in the base model to a potent 400 HP for the high-performance variant. With impressive torque figures reaching up to 500 Nm, the A3 Sportback demonstrates thrilling acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h times as swift as 3.8 seconds for its top engine variant.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLA also provides a range of engine options, including mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations. Power outputs range from 116 HP to an exhilarating 421 HP in its performance-focused models. The GLA can sprint from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds, showcasing its capability to deliver exhilarating performance whenever required.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Audi A3 Sportback offers some impressive figures. The model achieves consumption rates as low as 4.8 L/100 km for certain variants, making it a standout option for eco-conscious drivers. Furthermore, the plug-in hybrid variant boasts an electric range of up to 139 km, supported by a robust battery capacity of 19.7 kWh.
The Mercedes GLA, while slightly less efficient with consumption rates starting at 5.4 L/100 km, compensates with advanced hybrid technology. Its plug-in hybrids offer an electric range of approximately 74 km, backed by a smaller battery capacity of 12.9 kWh. Together, both models represent their brands' commitment to sustainability, along with innovative technologies that enhance driving experiences while minimizing environmental impact.
The A3 Sportback's interior is characterized by a modern, minimalist approach, highlighted by the high-quality materials and advanced technology. The Virtual Cockpit fully digital instrument cluster provides customizable displays, while the intuitive MMI infotainment system ensures seamless connectivity with smartphones and other devices. With ample space for five passengers and a trunk capacity of up to 380 liters, it effortlessly combines style with practicality.
On the other hand, the GLA's cabin features a slightly more luxurious aesthetic with a focus on comfort and cutting-edge technology. The MBUX infotainment system, equipped with voice command and touch-enabled controls, makes for an interactive driving experience. With generous rear-seat space and a trunk capacity varying from 425 to 435 liters, the GLA champions versatility, appealing to those with active lifestyles.
Both the Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes GLA are equipped with comprehensive safety and driver assistance technologies. The A3 includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-sense safety systems that help prevent accidents before they occur.
The GLA takes safety a notch higher with its array of standard and optional features. Many models are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s Advanced Driver Assistance Package, which includes enhanced versions of the A3's systems along with additional measures to ensure a safe drive. Both vehicles navigated Euro NCAP crash tests with high ratings, solidifying their positions as safe choices in their respective classes.
In conclusion, the Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes GLA each present compelling cases for different drivers. The A3 Sportback appeals to enthusiasts looking for a sporty, efficient hatchback, while the GLA caters to those who desire an upscale and spacious SUV experience. With exciting performance, modern technology, and a commitment to sustainability, these vehicles represent the pinnacle of their respective brands, ensuring impressive driving experiences for years to come.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Audi A3 Sportback is considerably cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,836 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.8 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Audi A3 Sportback offers considerably more range – reaching up to 141 km, about 67 km more than the Mercedes GLA.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers marginally more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.
Both models offer the same torque – 500 Nm.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is somewhat lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 210 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more boot space – 435 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries very slightly more – 500 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.
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The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
134 - 141 km
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Electric Range
74 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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co2
66 - 216 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
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Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Payload
480 - 500 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Torque
230 - 500 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
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Brand
Audi
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España