Q3 vs GLA
Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: the Q3 and the GLA go after the same subcompact luxury suv buyer. If you only read one line, make it this: the GLA takes 1 of 4 compared areas, and the fuel economy & range gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range GLA wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance5.2
- Fuel Economy & Range3.7
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The GLA has better fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the GLA is in a different league: 29 mpg, next to 25 mpg for the Q3. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The GLA has better city fuel economy
For fuel economy (city), the GLA leads by a wide margin: 26 mpg versus 22 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the GLA has the better rating here.
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The GLA has better highway fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 34 mpg to the Q3’s 29 mpg, the GLA has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on engine & performance. In short, engine & performance is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLA leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the GLA is the stronger of the two. The GLA answers with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the GLA.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q3: 25 mpg GLA: 29 mpg The GLA uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Q3: 22 mpg GLA: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the GLA starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Q3 nor the GLA has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Q3 and the GLA each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q3 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 228 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q3 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q3 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q3 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q3 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the GLA if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (29 mpg vs 25 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 29 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q3 or the GLA?
On the specs compared here, the GLA makes more sense for most buyers; the Q3 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Audi or Mercedes-Benz? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Q3 versus the GLA. The GLA wins me over with better fuel economy. Add better highway fuel economy to the list, and the GLA looks even better.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Q3 fits better. For fuel economy & range, the GLA is the better match.
My pick: the GLA.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.