Comparison Test: 2015 Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA 250
Story by John LeBlanc
It’s been more than a decade now since luxury compact crossovers have become immensely popular and have become almost as commonplace as their sedan counterparts. SUVs like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class sell almost as much as their respective A4, 3 Series and C-Class siblings, greatly helping their parent companies attract new customers.
However, this being the automobile industry, there’s never too much of a good thing. So to further mine new markets, luxury car brands are now offering even smaller SUVs. Two great examples are the new-for-2015 Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, tinier versions of their larger Q5 and GLK (soon to be renamed GLC) siblings. We tested each of these entry-level compact German cute-utes to find out which one is the overall best choice.
FIRST PLACE: 2015 Audi Q3 Quattro
You can buy a front-wheel-drive 2015 Audi Q3 for as little as $37,750 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees), but this being the land of bad roads and worse driving conditions, most Canadians will opt for the $40,350 all-wheel-drive Q3 Quattro (Audi-speak for all-wheel-drive).
No matter how many wheels are being powered, all Q3s get the Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Here, the mill makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Unlike European-market Q3s, which get a dual-clutch automatic transmission, our models employ a six-speed automatic (it’s a Tiptronic, so you can also shift gears manually).
Unlike its rivals at BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi does not penalize owners of its less expensive models with downmarket interiors. So even though the Q3 Quattro costs less than the GLA 250 4MATIC, the interior makes its owner feel like they paid more.
You might be in the German brand’s smallest SUV, but all of the Q3’s ergonomics, dials, buttons and controls feel like they came from any of Audi’s upper crust models. I also feel that Audi’s Multimedia Interface central controller is easier to use than the Mercedes-Benz Command system found in the GLA.
Although the Q3 is a relatively small vehicle with a rear opening for loading, it is no hot hatch. So where the GLA feels like you’re piloting a compact car, the Q3 feels taller and better insulated from the road — qualities we think small SUV buyers are looking for. And compared to the less-refined Benz, the Audi is quieter at highway speeds and offers a more comfortable ride over bad pavement.
Overall, between a distinct cost advantage, a nicer interior and a more luxurious ride and handling combo, we feel the 2015 Audi Q3 Quattro fits the bill better for buyers looking for luxury and a bit of utility in a small vehicle.
SECOND PLACE: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class shares a compact front- and all-wheel-drive platform with the CLA-Class four-door sedan.
Unlike the Audi, the GLA only comes with 4MATIC (Mercedes-Benz-speak for all-wheel-drive). However, to match the Q3 Quattro’s list of standard fare (including features like blind-spot detection, rear backup camera, proximity keyless entry and start, power tailgate and upgraded sound), the GLA 250 4MATIC costs you $45,275.
At least for that price premium, the Mercedes-Benz is the faster (and surprisingly), more frugal small SUV.
Employing a 208-hp and 258 lb.-ft. turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, the Mercedes-Benz takes only 7.1 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour — 1.5 seconds faster than the Audi. (There is a 355-hp GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC. But its $52,595 starting price and higher performance is in another league.) Plus, the Mercedes-Benz cute-ute’s fuel economy estimates of 9.8 litres per 100 km city and 7.4 highway are more frugal than the Audi’s respective 11.8 and 8.4 ratings.
Further emphasizing its raised-hatch design, the Mercedes-Benz SUV drives like a small hatch, too. Where the Q3 Quattro feels solid and composed in spirited driving, the lower-slung GLA 250 4MATIC is more nimble. The downside to the Mercedes-Benz’s sharper chassis tuning, though, is a rougher ride.
Not only does the Mercedes-Benz have less luxurious driving characteristics, its interior feels less premium as well. Like the CLA-Class, the GLA 250 4MATIC doesn’t offer the same level of luxury (quality materials, fit and finish, ergonomic design) that luxury car buyers are being asked to pay for. Compared to the Q3’s cabin, the GLA feels more mainstream, and less cohesive in its design.
In the end, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC is more like an expensive all-wheel-drive compact hatchback than a luxury SUV. Although it’s faster and offers more car-like handing than the Audi, the Mercedes-Benz SUV doesn’t feel as comfortable or as luxurious as its price tag (or badge) suggests.