Audi SQ5 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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi SQ5 Sportback starts from $109,900 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 $51,000.
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 $120,890 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $1,995 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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, 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 and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Drivetrain
The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 4.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 306mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 35L advantage.
For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $2,166/year for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ5 Sportback takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi SQ5 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 SQ5 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi SQ5 Sportback by $51,000.
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 — 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 SQ5 Sportback has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback makes the most power at 270kW. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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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