Audi Q3 vs BMW X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: here's our winner.

By Farzana Chaumoo

Generic comparison of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

 

Engines

The new GLA features a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Short shift throws and crisp handling guarantee plenty of driving fun and a direct, intensive driving experience. Benefit from tangibly more comfort on demand with the automatic 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. It shifts gears without interruptions in tractive force and thanks to the sporty paddle shifters you can manually change gears at any time. The extremely agile 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine blends its thrilling performance and the exemplary efficiency to put out 141 kW. Topping the range is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre and power cranked up to deliver 381hp to all four wheels, ensuring a 0-62mph time of just 4.4 seconds.

Audi offers three petrol engines and two diesels for the Q3. Petrol engines consist of a 1.5-litre and a pair of 2.0-litre engines, ranging from 112 kW - 171 kW. Both diesels are 2.0-litres in size and range from 112- to 142 kW. Most of the engines are paired with a DSG automatic gearbox, but entry-level 112 kW engines can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units can be found in the X1. There's also an efficiency-optimised version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to palpably enhance the sporting ability and ride comfort. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by up to 17 per cent over outgoing models. Two petrol and one diesel unit are available with outputs that range from 100 kW to 170 kW. The engines link up with either a six-speed manual (sDrive 18i and sDrive20d only) or an eight-speed Steptronic unit (standard in all xDrive models and six-speed Steptronic unit in sDrive18i only), both of which are new developments.

 

Infotainment 

Get the full breakdown on the infotainment systems you can find in these vehicles here: BMW iDrive vs. Audi MMI vs. Mercedes-Benz COMAND

 

Space and Comfort

The X1 has impressive rear-seat and luggage space and more head and legroom than you get in the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Audi Q3. That's 505 litres in the X1, 481 litres in the GLA and 420 litres in the Audi Q3. The sliding second row of seats is standard-fit and will allow passengers either more or less legroom, depending on how much boot space is required. Two adults and a kid can fit comfortably, even in its most forward position, and headroom is also generous. The competitive amount of boot space is complemented by a standard-fit electronic tailgate and a handy 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

The GLA is not super-practical and the low roof can make it tricky for entry and exit. It is, however, more comfortable and refined than the A-Class. Diesel powered models will be heard from the cabin, otherwise, it's relatively quiet on the road. Standard equipment levels are generous and the chunkier styling will appeal to some.

The tall body of the Audi Q3, along with the boxy styling, allows for a good amount of space inside the cabin. Tall passengers won't have a problem getting comfy in the front, while there are several adjustment options for the seat and steering wheel. Space in the rear seats is quite good, too. The rear seats in the Q3 also slide forwards and backwards by up to 15cm to allow rear passengers a tad bit more legroom or to expand the boot. The back seats can do a three-way split and allow the Audi Q3’s boot space to expand to 1,525 litres – only just shy of the space you get in the X1.

 

Safety

GLA

• Crash-responsive emergency lighting
• Front and rear seatbelt reminder
• Adaptive brake system
• Window airbags
• Hill start assist
• Drivers knee airbag
• Electronic parking brake
• 3 rear 3-point seatbelts
• Electronic Stability Program with Anti-Skid Control
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Dual stage Driver/Passenger Airbags
• Warning triangle and first aid kit
• Childproof door locks
• Occupancy sensor for passenger seat
• Anti-lock brake system with Brake Assist
• Front side airbags

X1

• Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)
• Braking readiness
• Battery safety cut-off
• Brake drying
• Brake energy regeneration
• Collision mitigation braking system
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Audio/visual collision warning system
• Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors
• Front passenger airbag deactivation
• Hill start assist
• Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
• Electronic parking brake
• 3 rear 3 point seatbelts
• Driver/front passenger side airbags
• Driver/Front Passenger airbags
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dynamic brake control
• CBC - (Cornering brake control)
• Warning triangle and first aid kit
• Front ventilated disc brakes
• Twin horns
• Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
• Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Pyrotechnically pre-tensioned front seatbelts
• Seatbelt warning
• Front seatbelt force limiters
• Rear disc brakes
• Side impact protection
• Rear door child safety locks
• DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

GLA

• 6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side windows
• Electronic stabilisation control including ABS, ASR and EDL
• Seatbelt monitoring
• Pre sense basic
• 3x3 point rear seatbelts
• Warning triangle and first aid kit
• Tyre pressure warning

 

Fuel Consumption

Depending on the specific model and depending on the drive cycle of urban/extra-urban/combined

The BMW X1's claimed fuel consumption ranges between 4.9-6.4L/100km. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLA's claimed fuel consumption ranges from 7.4- to 9.6L/100 km.

The Audi Q3's claimed fuel consumption ranges from 4.2 - 7.1L/100 km.

 

Price

The GLA sells from R532 321,20.

The X1 sells from R518,538,50.

The Q3 sells from R507,000.

 

Verdict

Audi’s Q3 has a supreme cabin, there are several powertrain options, and it's quite practical. However, keen drivers will find it a little boring behind the steering wheel.

If you're looking for a vehicle with an SUV-look but not too concerned about additional off-road talent, then a model from the GLA-Class will be best suited for you. However, keep in mind that it doesn't offer a whole lot more than the regular A-Class.

BMW’s X1 has scored well for its overall practicality and build quality and remains a competitive option in the medium-sized SUV market. It has sporty driving characteristics, and if you're willing to pay, there's plenty of tech you can add on. However, it does have a firm ride and lacks Android Auto. It's a close call between the Audi Q3 and BMW's X1, but our pick here goes to the X1.