@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ smart Europe GmbH
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Mercedes GLA vs smart #3 – Which car suits you better?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or smart #3?

Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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.

smart #3 has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34700 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 4131 £.

As for range, the smart #3 performs convincingly better – achieving up to 455 km, about 381 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

#3 @ smart Europe GmbH

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 smart #3 has a slight edge – offering 428 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #3 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.70 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.30 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the smart #3 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: smart #3 pulls a bit stronger with 584 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 84 Nm difference.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 curb weight, Mercedes GLA is slightly lighter – 1570 kg compared to 1780 kg. The difference is around 210 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more room – 435 L compared to 370 L. That’s a difference of about 65 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs somewhat better – up to 1430 L, which is about 270 L more than the smart #3.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLA minimal takes the win – 500 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who wins the race?

The smart #3 proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
smart #3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

Mercedes GLA
smart #3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £34,700
#3 @ smart Europe GmbH

smart #3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.3 - 17.6 kWh
  • Electric Range : 325 - 455 km

Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

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smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
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The Smart #3 turns the brand's cheeky city-car attitude into a grown-up compact SUV, pairing sleek styling with a surprisingly roomy, well-made interior. It's a brilliant pick for buyers who want electric ease without dullness — practical enough for daily life, but still lively enough to make parking and grocery runs feel a little fun.

details
Mercedes GLA
smart #3
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
#3 @ smart Europe GmbH

Costs and Consumption

Price
38800 - 75300 £
Price
34700 - 45800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 - 17.6 kWh
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
325 - 455 km
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
47 - 62 kWh
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Curb weight
1780 - 1910 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
370 L
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Length
4400 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Width
1844 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Height
1556 mm
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Max trunk capacity
1160 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
419 - 450 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
272 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.7 - 5.8 s
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
343 - 584 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2023 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
smart
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes GLA have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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