VS
At a Glance
Power
132 kW
130 kW
Torque
320 Nm
270 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
8.9 s
Engine
1984 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 132 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 130 kW. On fuel, the Q3 returns 8.3 l/100km while the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R855 900 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
132 kW
130 kW
Torque
320 Nm
270 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1332 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4412 mm
Width
1843-2022 mm
1834-2020 mm
Height
1567 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
—
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1695 Kg
1491 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
410-1280 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 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
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
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
Audi Q3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q3
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
Q3
Practicality
Q3
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
More powerful engine (132 kW)
Lower starting price (R855 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (130 kW vs 132 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or GLA?
The Q3 uses 8.3 l/100km and the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA 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 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the GLA delivers 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. The Q3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and GLA?
The Q3 starts from R855 900 and the GLA from R913 640. The Q3 is cheaper by R57 740 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 2100 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.