Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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
From $61,600
SUV
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD)
110kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
575L
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
From $48,900
Hatchback
Petrol
100kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
370L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class opens at $48,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the more affordable entry point by $12,700.
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 $67,760 and $53,790 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Audi Q3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 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 A-Class responds with a Petrol making 100kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Audi Q3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q3 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 112mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class at 4,419mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 575L in the Audi Q3 and 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, giving the Audi Q3 a 205L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $1,625/year for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q3) vs $1,625 (Mercedes-Benz A-Class). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Audi Q3 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 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the cheapest at $48,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q3 by $12,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q3 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class 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 has the largest boot at 575L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Audi Q3 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
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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