Audi S3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Audi S3

Hatchback · Gasoline · AWD

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Hatchback · Gasoline · FWD

Car A

Audi S3

The Audi S3 blends all-weather AWD grip with brisk 310 hp performance and a 4.8 s 0–100 km/h sprint, while remaining usable as a compact five-seater. It offers good value in its segment for buyers who want everyday usability with genuine pace.

5 seatsHatchbackGasoline5-star safety7.2 L/100kmAWD

Car B

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG blends compact family practicality with serious performance, pairing five-seat usability and a 435 L trunk with top-tier power and brisk acceleration. It’s efficient for its class and good value among performance compacts, though FWD and modest cargo space limit winter and cargo-heavy roles.

5 seatsHatchbackGasoline5-star safety421 hp

Why compared more powercomparison picksame body typesame powertrainsame ranking profilesame seats

Usage fit

Family 61 / 56

City 56 / 51

Budget / value 59 / 36

Road trip 46 / 42

Performance 39 / 36

Cargo 18 / 24

Practical 49 / 36

Premium 50 / 55

Winter 66 / 26

Scores out of 100. Blue = Audi S3 · Orange = Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Specs side-by-side

Spec Audi S3 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Values are representative — confirm for your market and trim.

Pros & cons

Audi S3

AWD traction boosts confidence in winter and wet conditions
Quick acceleration for effortless merging and passing (0–100 km/h in 4.8 s)
Efficient for its class at 7.2 L/100km combined
Good value in its segment for an AWD performance compact
Small 325 L trunk limits cargo-heavy trips
Not focused on hardcore performance driving or track use
No hybrid or EV option for maximum fuel savings
Price around 44,000 may exceed strict economy-car budgets

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Very quick performance for confident passing and merges (0–100 km/h in 4.0 s).
Top-tier power from a 2.0L turbo (421 hp, 500 Nm) for an engaging drive.
Usable daily with 5 seats and a 435 L trunk for family needs.
Efficient for its class at 9.1 L/100 km and good value in its segment.
FWD may limit traction in winter compared with AWD rivals.
435 L trunk is only moderate if you often carry bulky gear.
Fuel use remains higher than non-performance compacts.
Price around 55,000 is above mainstream compact alternatives.

Verdict

Pick Audi S3 if…

Best fuel economy

Audi S3 uses 7.2 L/100km vs 9.1 — a meaningful saving if you cover high mileage.

Pick Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG if…

More power

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG puts out 421 hp vs 310 — meaningfully quicker and more confident on motorways.

Usage fit

Specs side-by-side

Pros & cons

Audi S3

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Verdict

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