Audi Q3 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi Q3 Sportback
From $64,600
SUV
Petrol
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD)
110kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
488L
Mercedes-Benz GLA
From $58,900
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
120kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
435L
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $5,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $71,060 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 Sportback uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 120mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Audi Q3 Sportback a 53L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Audi Q3 Sportback and $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 Sportback if: You need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLA takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q3 Sportback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q3 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q3 Sportback by $5,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q3 Sportback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q3 Sportback has the largest boot at 488L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA makes the most power at 120kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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