Spec Comparo: Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

Mercedes-Benz updated the GLA crossover with minor cosmetic upgrades and added features. The mid-life update for the crossover was introduced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The GLA continues the tussle with its direct rivals which include the other two Germans in the segment – the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Here is a spec comparison so see how the triad compares on paper.

Looks and Styling

The minor cosmetic tweaks to the GLA gets the car a new set of bumpers, ‘stardust’ tail lights, a new lighting signature on headlamps, stylish wheels and chrome dash on the grille. The GLA continues its bulbous silhouette and hunched stance. It has an imposing design with large set headlamps, body cladding, and a right dose of chrome all around. The BMW, on the other hand, is subtle and well proportioned. The design of the new X1 has come a long way from its predecessor with BMW’s SUV family design and a bold appearance. The Audi Q3 here is the understated of the two. It looks like a scaled down Q5 with smooth flowing lines and a neat approach. The five-seater trio carries almost similar dimensions.

All three crossovers carry distinct styling which could suit different tastes of buyers.

Interior and Features

The new GLA carries forward the same eight-inch infotainment screen which now comes with smartphone integration. The cabin is well laid out with jet turbine styled aircon vents, floating centre screen, tweaked instrument binnacle and a spacious cabin. The Bavarian has the longest wheelbase translating more space to its five occupants. It gets power seats in the front, power with a separate zone climate control system, floating infotainment screen and leather upholstery for the premium feel. The dashboard layout is similar to all other BMWs and can be had with a wooden trim as well. The Q3 has a very functional cabin with dashboard mounted screen, electrically adjusted seats, two zone climate control all as standard. One can opt for either aluminium inlays or walnut brown inserts for the Q3’s dashboard.

Engine and gearbox

The GLA is available with a petrol and diesel engine option with the seven-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system is available in GLA220d variant only. The 2.0-litre inline-four petrol engine, which powers the GLA220 variant, puts out 181bhp and 300Nm. The diesel, on the other hand, is a 2.2-litre inline four available in two states of tune – 134bhp/300Nm and 168bhp/350Nm powering the GLA200d and GLA220d 4Matic respectively. 

The X1 gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the 320i developing 188bhp and 270Nm that comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The oil burner is a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that develops 188bhp of power and 400Nm of torque. It gets four-wheel drive with both diesel and petrol engines.

The Q3 petrol is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. It develops 150bhp of power and 250Nm of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels. The Q3 also comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine variant which is offered with a 150bhp front-wheel drive setup and the 180bhp all-wheel drive setup, mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Pricing

Prices for the Mercedes-Benz GLA start at Rs 30.65 lakh, while the petrol variant can be had at Rs 32.20 lakh. The top-spec GLA220d 4MATIC retails at Rs 36.75 lakhs. Meanwhile, the X1 starts at Rs 31.2 lakhs for the base diesel while petrol variant is priced at Rs 35 lakhs. The top-of-the-line xDrive20d M Sport costs a whopping Rs 41.1 lakh. The base petrol of the Q3 is priced at Rs 31.23 lakhs whereas the diesel variant ranges between Rs 34.67 lakhs – 38.15 lakhs.