Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA

Are you thinking of upgrading to a luxury SUV for your next vehicle? Two of the top choices are the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA and the 2023 Audi Q3, and you may have been wavering back and forth between the two. We’ve compiled a guide to help you review the features of these two well-equipped luxury vehicles. Compare them for yourself and select the one that best meets your needs.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV, but it is every inch a Mercedes. The GLA is available in four different models, beginning with the GLA 250 and the GLA 250 4MATIC®. For those wanting a high-performance crossover, the AMG® GLA 35 and the AMG® GLA 45 will fit that bill. The GLA’s quiet interior is a very pleasant place. The front seats are comfortable, well-padded, and power-adjustable. Base models have two 7-inch displays, one for instrumentation and one for infotainment. Twin 10.25-inch displays are available, as is a full-color head-up display.

The GLA 250 SUV and the GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV

Both the GLA 250 and the GLA 250 4MATIC® models include a 221 horsepower turbocharged engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a split folding and reclining rear seat. Although compact SUVs, they feature a generous 50.5 cu-ft cargo capacity. While the GLA 250 has a front-wheel drive configuration, the GLA 250 4MATIC® adds all-wheel drive plus the Off-Road Engineering package that includes an additional drive mode. The GLA 250 4MATIC®’s other equipment is virtually identical to the GLA 250.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250’s fuel economy is at the top of its class. According to the EPA, a front-wheel-drive GLA 250 with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 25 mpg during city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive GLA 250 4MATIC® drops the fuel efficiency by 1 mpg. Mercedes says the GLA 250 4MATIC® will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and both models offer satisfying driving dynamics combined with a smooth ride.

The AMG® GLA 35 and the AMG® GLA 45

The Mercedes-AMG® models dial up the GLA’s performance considerably with more horsepower and sport-tuned suspensions. GLA 35 is the lesser of the two specialty performance versions of the GLA. It features a 302 horsepower version of the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 4MATIC® all-wheel drive, and an enthusiast-tuned suspension. The GLA 45 takes the performance and kicks it up a notch. It, too, has 4MATIC® all-wheel drive and specially tuned suspension, but Mercedes dials up its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce an impressive 382 horsepower.

The AMG® GLA 35 is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 in 5.1 seconds, but the AMG® GLA 45 will do the same in a scorching 4.3 seconds. Both AMG® GLA models perform more like tall sports cars rather than crossover SUVs. However, you won’t need to sacrifice fuel economy for performance. The AMG® GLA 35 returns 23/29 mpg city/highway, and the AMG® GLA 45 delivers 20/27 mpg city/highway. Every level of the GLA offers the latest driver-assistance systems. Standard safety technologies include active brake assist, blind-spot warning, crosswind assist, and driver attention monitoring.

2023 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is the luxury brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. It’s also one of Audi’s bestsellers, and for good reason. Every Q3 comes standard with all-wheel drive for sporty handling and all-weather traction. Its rivals offer all-wheel drive as an option. It doesn’t have the most spacious interior in its class, but there’s enough rear-seat legroom for average-sized adults to feel comfortable.

The Audio Q3 is available in four trim levels: Premium, S line Premium, Premium Plus, and S line Premium Plus. The Q3 offers a choice of two turbocharged engines. The standard Q3 receives a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The more expensive Q3 S line gets a more powerful version rated at 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Despite being slightly slower than its rivals, the Q3 has a sporty personality.

Audi Q3 Premium and Q3 S Line Premium

The Premium trim comes standard with plenty of desirable equipment. Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard, as is Audi Drive Select (drive modes). The base model Q3 also includes 18-inch wheels, full LED headlights with daytime running light (DRL) signature and high beam assist, a parking system with front and rear acoustic sensors, a wireless phone charging pad, a power panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch infotainment touch screen, a power tailgate, three-zone climate control, heated leather front seats, and power-adjustable mirrors.

The S line Premium adds a 44 horsepower boost along with sportier S line exterior styling. Other standard features are identical to the standard Premium model. The Convenience package is an option, as well as the Black Optic package with 19-inch titanium wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and S line sport seats.

Audi Q3 Premium Plus and S Line Premium Plus

The Q3 Premium Plus adds driver-seat memory, full LED headlights with a DRL signature, a top-view camera system, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and an LED light interior package. More important, at this trim level, the Tech package becomes available. This entertainment package includes Audi Connect Prime and Plus for six months, MMI/Navigation Plus, Audi Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster with a 12.3-inch screen, a 10.1-inch infotainment touch screen, Amazon Alexa, traffic sign recognition, Sonos premium sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

The S line Premium Plus builds on the standard Premium Plus with extra horsepower and 19-inch wheels. A 20-inch wheel package is available. The Black Optic and Tech packages are also available.

Mercedes-Benz of Tyler

There you have it: a comparison between two of the top luxury SUVs on the market. We hope you found the information useful in your search for a new vehicle. If you’re interested in learning more about any of the Mercedes-Benz GLA models, we’d love to help you out. You can shop for the model of your choice at our Mercedes-Benz of Tyler dealership.

We are based in Tyler, Texas, and are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Our impressive inventory includes many vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and our dedicated staff can assist you in getting more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLA model. If you decide it meets your needs, our in-house finance department is happy to discuss available finance options. We’ll find a car loan with competitive rates to suit any budget.

Image by Mercedes-Benz USA