2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Rivals: Specifications Comparison

Mercedes-Benz's latest launch is the updated GLA SUV. The latest version of the SUV sports some subtle design changes such as new LED lighting and body-coloured wheel arches that replace the previous black plastic accents. The changes on the interior include an upgraded version of the MBUX infotainment system. The SUV’s rivals in the segment include the likes of the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. With that said, let’s see how it stacks up against the competition in terms of technical specifications.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA gets subtle design changes

Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the least long SUV here with a length of 4409 mm. In comparison, the BMW X1 is the longest, being 4500 mm long, with the Audi Q3 close behind (4485 mm). However, this doesn’t exactly translate into legroom for the rear passenger as the GLA, surprisingly has the longest wheelbase here. The BMW X1 which was the longest vehicle out of the bunch has the shortest wheelbase which amounts to 2692 mm. The Q3 is right in the middle with a wheelbase of 2679 mm. 

The Audi Q3 is the least tall SUV here with a height of 1598 mm

The Mercedes-Benz GLA (1613 mm) sits below the BMW X1 which is 1642 mm tall. The vehicle with the least headroom here would be the Audi Q3, with a height of 1598 mm. In terms of width, the GLA, X1 and Q3 are closely matched with figures of 1834 mm, 1845 mm and 1849 mm respectively.

Engine and Transmission

The BMW X1 is offered with a 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engine

On the powertrain front, the diesel variant (193 bhp, 400 Nm) of the Mercedes-Benz GLA manages to hold its own with the other models in the bunch while its petrol variant (165 bhp, 250 Nm) ends up being the least powerful SUV here. The BMW X1 is offered with a 2.0 litre petrol engine (195 bhp, 280 Nm) which exceeds the petrol GLA in terms of power figures, and a 2.0 litre diesel variant (193 bhp, 400 Nm) which churns out identical figures as the diesel GLA. The Audi on the other hand, is only offered with a petrol engine which churns out 188 bhp and 320 Nm of torque.