Audi Q3 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
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 GLA
From $58,900
SUV
Petrol
120kW
6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
435L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 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 $2,700.
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 $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 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 GLA.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate 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.
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 GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, 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 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 575L in the Audi Q3 and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Audi Q3 a 140L 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $1,710/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q3) vs $1,710 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Audi Q3 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. 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 GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLA takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi Q3 will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. 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 GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q3 by $2,700.
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 GLA 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 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.
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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