Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Audi Q5
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.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
From $58,900
SUV
Petrol
120kW
6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
435L
Audi Q5
From $80,900
SUV
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology
150kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q5 opens at $80,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $22,000.
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 $64,790 and $88,990 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 85% for the Audi Q5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q5 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 7 in the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLA misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q5 gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 counters with power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that the Mercedes-Benz GLA does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Audi Q5 responds with a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology making 150kW and 340Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Audi Q5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q5 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 306mm shorter than the Audi Q5 at 4,717mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 520L in the Audi Q5, giving the Audi Q5 a 85L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q5 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 to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $1,710/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $1,625/year for the Audi Q5. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $1,625 (Audi Q5). The Audi Q5 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 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Audi Q5).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q5 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Audi Q5 will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q5 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, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q5?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q5 by $22,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q5 has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q5 makes the most power at 150kW. The Audi Q5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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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