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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Mercedes GLA?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • noticeably cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • clearly lighter
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
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  • significantly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit more trunk space
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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

DS 3

Costs and Efficiency:

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

DS Automobiles DS 3 is noticeably cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,334 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers significantly 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 significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 265 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 240 Nm more.

DS 3

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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 321 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more boot space – 435 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 85 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries barely more – 500 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 34 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA 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 £38,800
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
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DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

DS Automobiles DS 3

The DS 3 is a chic, compact premium hatch that stands out with couture styling and an interior that feels more boutique than bargain-bin. It serves up a poised, city-friendly drive with plenty of French flair — ideal for buyers who want personality as much as practicality and don’t mind turning heads at the lights.

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Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

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

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.

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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
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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

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DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 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
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the DS Automobiles DS 3?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 is offered with 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.