Audi vs. Mercedes-Benz: Which is Better?
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Audi vs. Mercedes-Benz: Which is Better?
Audi Q3 VS Mercedes-Benz GLA
| 2026 Audi Q3 | VS | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC |
| $43,700 | MSRP* | $43,500 |
| 255 HP / 273 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 221 HP / 258 LB-FT TQ |
| 5.5 seconds ✓ | 0-60 Time | 6.6 seconds |
| 1,500 pounds ✓ | Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| 29 cubic feet ✓ | Rear Cargo Space | 15.4 cubic feet |
| 10 ✓ | Speakers | 6 |
| Standard ✓ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Genuine Leather Upholstery | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Navigation | Optional |
| 36 months / 30,000 miles ✓ | Included Maintenance | None |
Compact luxury SUVs are a popular segment at the moment, and the Q3 has emerged as one of Audi’s best-selling models. It competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, so we decided to put together a head-to-head comparison. The GLA doesn’t come with standard all-wheel drive, which the Q3 does, so we’ve added AWD to the Mercedes, which also makes the price nearly identical. What isn’t identical is performance. While the power output of the Q3 is a bit higher, the Audi also makes significantly better use of that power, and the result is a 0-60 that is 1.1 seconds quicker, a staggering difference in this segment. On top of that, the Audi is rated for towing, which isn’t unheard of for a compact SUV, but it’s more than Mercedes has managed with the GLA. Add to that the fact that the Q3 has a lot more cargo space, and it’s clear that carrying cargo is a lot easier with the Audi.
You might be thinking that Mercedes-Benz is going to make up for the performance deficit with some great standard equipment, but that’s far from the truth. The Q3 comes with a superior stereo, as well as heated front seats, something you would expect to be standard throughout the segment. Less common these days is standard leather upholstery, but it is still included on the Q3. Navigation is standard too, but it’ll cost you extra on the GLA. Lastly, the Q3 scores some major points thanks to the three years of routine maintenance included in the price, easily beating the Mercedes, which offers none.
Audi Q5 VS Mercedes-Benz GLC
| 2026 Audi Q5 Premium | VS | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 |
| $52,800 | MSRP* | $49,550 |
| All-wheel drive ✓ | Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 268 HP / 295 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 255 HP / 295 LB-FT TQ |
| 27.6 cubic feet ✓ | Rear Cargo Space | 24.4 cubic feet |
| Standard ✓ | Leather Upholstery | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Active Lane Keeping Assist | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Real-Time Traffic | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Fog Lights | Not Available |
| 36 months / 30,000 miles ✓ | Included Maintenance | None |
The Q5 and GLC are the most popular models from each brand, so obviously we had to compare them. Pricing is similar, but that similar money gets you AWD and more horsepower with the Q5. You also get a bit more cargo space, which is always important. And just like we saw with the Q3, genuine leather upholstery is a standard feature for Audi a lot more frequently than it is with Mercedes-Benz.
Audi finds it important to always be a technology leader, and this very much comes across in the standard features of the Q5. Tech like Active Lane Keeping Assist, Real-Time Traffic, and Adaptive Cruise Control all come standard with the Q5, but are extra-cost options for the GLC. Audi is also a leader in exterior lighting, so it’s fitting that the Q5 comes with a set of LED fog lights, while the GLC doesn’t. And finally, the Audi included maintenance is once again a clear winner over the nothing that Mercedes-Benz includes.
*Price excludes $1,295 destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer changes. Dealer sets actual price