VS

Citroen C3 Aircross vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (16,400 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 Aircross or Mercedes GLA?

Citroen C3 Aircross vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Citroen C3 Aircross

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly more electric range
  • a bit lighter
  • barely more trunk space
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

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

C3 Aircross

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Citroen C3 Aircross is significantly cheaper – starting at 16,400 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 22,388 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Citroen C3 Aircross with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2.4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C3 Aircross offers clearly more range – reaching up to 400 km, about 326 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 276 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Citroen C3 Aircross takes 12.3 s. That’s about 8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers considerably more torque with 500 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 270 Nm more.

C3 Aircross

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 Aircross is a bit lighter – 1,312 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 258 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Citroen C3 Aircross offers barely more boot space – 460 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 25 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries very slightly more – 500 kg compared to 462 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is far ahead overall 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 £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 74 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
VS
Deciding between the Citroën C3 and the Citroën C3 Aircross is basically a choice between a compact, city-focused hatch and a taller, more practical crossover. The C3 prioritises nimble handling, simplicity and economy for urban driving, while the C3 Aircross adds higher ride height, extra interior …
Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class and Mercedes GLA target buyers who want Mercedes practicality with premium touches, but they take different paths: the B‑Class is a spacious, hatchback-style people carrier while the GLA is a compact crossover with a higher ride height and sportier stance. This comparison looks …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroën C3 Aircross is a compact crossover that stands out with its quirky, friendly styling and a tall, airy cabin that prioritizes comfort. It suits buyers who value flexible interior space, good visibility and easy urban driving over sporty performance.

details
cl22010004-62d84cb377731
cl22010002-62d84ccb93b32
cl22010003-62d84cbdece69
c3_aircross_rip_curl_innen_1-62d84d1640e18

Reviews Citroen C3 Aircross

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
Mullié Bernard
11 Jul 2026, 09:42:41

Comfortable, this compact SUV has the advantage of being spacious for a reasonable price.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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
20C0047_067
20C0047_071
20C0047_104
20C0047_115

Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
Mercedes GLA
VW T-Roc
VS
The Mercedes GLA and the VW T‑Roc are compact crossover SUVs that aim to deliver city-friendly size with SUV practicality, but they take different approaches to luxury, technology and driving character. Choose the GLA if you prioritise a plush interior and refined on-road manners; pick the T‑Roc …
Citroen C3 Aircross
VW T-Cross
VS
Putting the Citroën C3 Aircross up against the VW T‑Cross pits a characterful, comfort-focused small SUV against a more conservative, all-round practical choice. Both target urban buyers who need space and versatility, but they differ in ride, interior quality and features—pick the C3 Aircross for …
Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes A‑Class is the sharper, more driver-focused hatch that feels nimble and refined on twisty roads, while the Mercedes GLA trades a bit of agility for SUV practicality with a higher ride height, extra luggage space and a commanding view of the road. Pick the A‑Class for sporty handling, …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Renault R4
VS
The Citroën C3 Aircross and Renault 4 go head-to-head in a clash of philosophies: the C3 Aircross is a compact family SUV built for practicality and comfort, while the Renault 4 is a charming, retro‑styled city car reimagined for modern life. We’ll cut through their space, drivability and everyday …
Audi Q2
Mercedes GLA
VS
Audi Q2 vs Mercedes GLA is a matchup between Audi’s compact, city-focused premium crossover and Mercedes’ slightly larger, tech-forward SUV. This comparison cuts through marketing to show where each car wins on space, comfort, driving feel, running costs and who should buy which. Quick snapshot - …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Renault Captur
VS
The Citroën C3 Aircross and Renault Captur are two compact crossover SUVs that blend city-friendly size with SUV practicality, each offering clever packaging, efficient engines and a comfortable ride. Choose the C3 Aircross if you prioritise quirky styling, outstanding interior flexibility and a …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Renault Symbioz
VS
Here’s a side-by-side look at the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Renault Symbioz. The C3 Aircross is a practical, production-ready compact crossover focused on everyday usability, while the Symbioz is Renault’s futuristic concept car showcasing advanced design and technology — compare them to weigh …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,400 - 29,000 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.1 - 18.1 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
307 - 400 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 134 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,312 - 1,608 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
407 - 462 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 145 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.3 - 13 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
74 - 107 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 Aircross have?

The Citroen C3 Aircross is available as Front-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.