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Audi Q3 vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (38,200 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q3 or Mercedes SL Class?

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

Audi Q3

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • considerably cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • somewhat lighter
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Mercedes SL Class

  • clearly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Q3

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi Q3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 38,200 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 74,476 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi Q3 uses 1.7 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 7.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Audi Q3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 119 km, about 107 km more than the Mercedes SL Class.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers clearly more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 544 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Audi Q3 takes 5.7 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers substantially more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 1,020 Nm more.

Q3

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Audi Q3 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Audi Q3 is somewhat lighter – 1,635 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 175 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Audi Q3 carries visibly more – 535 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 160 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi Q3 stands well ahead of its rival 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.

from £38,200
Q3

Audi Q3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 118 - 119 km
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Frequently compared as well

Audi Q3
VW T-Roc
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The Audi Q3 plays the compact‑premium role perfectly — a hushed, well‑built cabin, polished manners and a level of refinement that makes the higher price feel like an investment in peace of mind. The VW T‑Roc, meanwhile, is the cheekier, better‑value sibling: bolder styling, sprightlier handling …
Audi Q3
Hyundai Tucson
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In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Audi Q3 stands out with its premium interior and cutting-edge technology, offering a luxurious driving experience. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Tucson impresses with its spacious cabin, user-friendly features, and excellent value for money. Both models have …
Audi Q3
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 feels like a grown-up compact SUV with premium polish and city-friendly agility, the sort of car that makes weekend escapes and daily commutes equally satisfying. Inside, you get quality materials and smart packaging that keep things practical without skimping on style, so it’s an easy pick for buyers who want luxury without the drama.

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Reviews Audi Q3

5 (1 Reviews)
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dd
2 Nov 2025, 22:05:04

Very comfortable. Precise steering. E35 petrol engine, 150 hp — sufficient. Manual gearbox very good and well-geared. Looks very handsome. Very large boot. Premium interior.

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Audi Q3
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,200 - 52,900 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
118 - 119 km
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
39 - 195 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,635 - 1,900 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 488 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,859 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
505 - 535 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 272 HP
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Torque
480 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
110 - 200 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, G, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Audi Q3 have?

The Audi Q3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.