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Mercedes GLA vs smart #3 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 42,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or smart #3?

Mercedes GLA vs smart #3: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • visibly more power
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter
  • a bit more trunk space
details

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more electric range
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

GLA

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Mercedes GLA is marginally cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the smart #3 costs 42,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,155 £.

As for electric range, the smart #3 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 455 km, about 381 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

#3

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 visibly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 149 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the smart #3 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 384 Nm. That’s about 116 Nm more.

GLA

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, Mercedes GLA is moderately lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 240 kg.

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

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #3 has only a minor advantage 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.

£41,991
#3

smart #3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 272 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 455 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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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 …
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smart #3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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
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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

smart #3

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
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smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca13
smart-hashtag3-brabus-photon-orange-exterior-mallorca21
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smart-hashtag3-premium-ceramic-cream-interior-mallorca7

Reviews smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Ronny
16 Oct 2025, 13:10:59

Handsome design, packed with advanced driver‑assist technology and stellar performance — all at an attractive price. Highly recommended, this car!

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Mercedes GLA
smart #3

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
42,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
455 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
0 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
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
370 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,844 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
450 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, 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
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
384 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
200 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
smart
Is the Mercedes GLA offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes GLA 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.