VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
130 kW
Torque
360 Nm
270 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
9.3 s
8.9 s
Engine
1968 cc
1332 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q3 delivers 110 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 130 kW. On fuel, the Q3 returns 6.4 l/100km while the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R925 150 for the Q3 and R913 640 for the GLA. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
110 kW
130 kW
Torque
360 Nm
270 Nm
0-100 kph
9.3 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
203 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
1332 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
167 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4484 mm
4412 mm
Width
1849-2024 mm
1834-2020 mm
Height
1585 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
—
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1655 Kg
1491 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
530-1525 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLA
Fuel Economy
Q3
Value
GLA
Practicality
Q3
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 130 kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLA
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Lower starting price (R913 640)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or GLA?
The Q3 uses 6.4 l/100km and the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Q3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q3 or GLA?
The Q3 produces 110 kW and 360 Nm of torque while the GLA delivers 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. The GLA is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and GLA?
The Q3 starts from R925 150 and the GLA from R913 640. The GLA is cheaper by R11 510 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q3 or GLA?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the GLA can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the GLA?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.