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Mercedes GLA vs VW ID.3 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 231 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW ID.3?

Mercedes GLA vs VW ID.3: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
  • a bit more trunk space
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VW ID.3

4.6 (4 Reviews)
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  • noticeably cheaper
  • substantially more electric range
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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

GLA

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.

VW ID.3 is noticeably cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,698 £.

As for electric range, the VW ID.3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 629 km, about 555 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

ID.3

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 Mercedes GLA offers significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 231 HP. That’s roughly 190 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the VW ID.3 takes 7.1 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers markedly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 350 Nm. That’s about 150 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 noticeably lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,885 kg. The difference is around 315 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more boot space – 435 L compared to 383 L. That’s a difference of about 52 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries very slightly more – 500 kg compared to 464 kg. That’s a difference of about 36 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is narrowly ahead 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

Renault R5
VW ID.3
VS
The Renault 5 arrives as a cheeky retro reboot — compact, full of personality and perfect for nimble city living — while the VW ID.3 plays the sensible electric family car, offering more range, room and that reassuringly German calm. If you want fun and style for town runs choose the Renault 5; if …
Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class is the practical, airy people‑carrier that prioritises space and comfort, while the Mercedes GLA takes the same mechanical smarts and adds SUV looks, higher ride height and a touch more road presence. Pick the B‑Class for family‑friendly sense and efficiency, choose the GLA if …
Mercedes GLA
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

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.

details
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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

VW ID.3

The VW ID.3 is a crisply styled electric hatch that masks serious practicality behind a friendly, modern face, making city runs and longer trips pleasantly fuss free. For buyers seeking a sensible, well-equipped EV that doesn't take itself too seriously, the ID.3 strikes a neat balance of comfort, tech and everyday usability with a cheeky smile.

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DB2019AU01515_medium
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Reviews VW ID.3

4.6 (4 Reviews)
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Pennings
6 May 2026, 08:03:27

ID.3 catches less wind. It's more pleasant, especially on the highway. Also: more economical, lighter and with the same step‑in height.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mr C Blagdon
14 Jan 2026, 12:07:54

Great all rounder, surprisingly spacious cabin. Rapid and refined. Not quiet enough space in the boot for a bike, could use more ground clearance.

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

Frequently compared as well

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, …
VW ID.3
VW ID.4
VS
Choosing between the VW ID.3 and VW ID.4 is really a question of priorities: the ID.3 trims the fat and fizzes through city streets with hatchback agility, while the ID.4 stretches out for SUV practicality and relaxed long-distance cruising. Pick the ID.3 if you crave compact punch and parking …
Ford Puma
VW ID.3
VS
If you want a cheeky, petrol-powered crossover with nimble handling and clever storage, the Ford Puma punches above its class; if you prefer silent, techy electric motoring with a roomy, refined cabin, the VW ID.3 is the smarter, greener choice. Choose the Puma for personality and everyday …
Kia EV3
VW ID.3
VS
Pitted against each other, the Kia EV3 feels like the roomy, no-nonsense upstart — taller, more practical and geared toward families who want SUV style without the fuel bill — while the VW ID.3 is the sharper, more polished hatch that rewards drivers who prefer nimble handling and mature software. …
VW ID.3
VW Polo
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Comparing the ID.3 and the Polo pits Volkswagen's all-electric compact against its conventional small hatchback, highlighting a choice between emissions-free efficiency and traditional practicality. The ID.3 emphasizes electric range, advanced tech and a spacious cabin, while the Polo offers lower …
BYD Dolphin
VW ID.3
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Comparing the BYD Dolphin and the Volkswagen ID.3 gives a clear picture of two distinct approaches to compact electric hatchbacks: the Dolphin emphasizes value, efficiency and clever packaging, while the ID.3 leans on refinement, driving dynamics and European build quality. If you prioritise range, …
VW ID.3
Skoda Elroq
VS
Line them up and the electric VW ID.3 comes off as the clever, zippy high-tech hatch you want for city runs and engaging driving, while the Skoda Elroq plays the straight man—roomy, practical and relentlessly sensible. Pick the ID.3 for zero‑emission fun and gadgetry; go for the Elroq if everyday …
VW ID.3
Toyota C-HR+
VS
This comparison pits the Volkswagen ID.3 — a compact, all-electric hatch — against the Toyota C-HR+ — a stylish compact crossover often offered with hybrid powertrains — to help you decide between pure-electric driving and crossover practicality. If you want low running costs, instant torque and a …
Mercedes GLA
VW ID.3

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
29,100 - 40,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
13.9 - 14.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
410 - 629 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
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,885 - 1,966 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
383 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,809 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
422 - 464 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
170 - 231 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
350 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
125 - 170 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
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.