Audi Q3 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB opens at $63,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB the more affordable entry point by $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 $70,290 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLB by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi Q3 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz GLB hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 Sportback and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB 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 and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The Mercedes-Benz GLB counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. 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 GLB offers synthetic leather.

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 GLB responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q3 Sportback is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 103mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLB at 4,634mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 82L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLB leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Audi Q3 Sportback and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz GLB). The Mercedes-Benz GLB saves you roughly $285 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 GLB). Both match on warranty length.