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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Mercedes GLA?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • visibly more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally more trunk space
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Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • only slightly lighter
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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

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

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.

Mercedes GLA is marginally cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,106 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers visibly more range – reaching up to 101 km, about 27 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

GLA

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 BMW 3 Series Saloon offers visibly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 109 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers markedly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

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, Mercedes GLA is only slightly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 5 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers marginally more boot space – 480 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 45 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon 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 £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range 96 - 101 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Mercedes GLA

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.

details
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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.