Dimensions – Length and width of Mercedes Benz GLA is right in middle of respective values of the other Crossovers, while overall height is lowest. Even wheelbase of GLA is in between the measures of Audi Q3 and BMW X1, at 2699 mm. Though GLA is shortest, it has highest ground clearance of 183 mm, Q3 stands at 170 mm and X1 at 179 mm.
Engine & Performance – Mercedes Benz GLA comes with two engine options, GLA 200 (petrol) and GLA 200 CDI (diesel). GLA is the only petrol powered entry level premium Crossover as Audi has discontinued petrol variant of Q3; it comes with 2.0 TDI motor only. BMW X1 also has only one 2.0 litre diesel engine across variant range.
Engine of Mercedes Benz GLA 200 displaces 1991 cc, produces 183.5 PS max. power and 300 Nm peak torque, whereas GLA 200 CDI displaces 2143 cc and generates 136 PS and 300 Nm; both mated to 7 speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). As of now all GLA variants are front wheel driven, Mercedes Benz India will launch all wheel drive configuration version at later stage. Mileage of Mercedes Benz GLA is 13.8 kmpl in petrol trim and 17.9 kmpl in diesel model.
Audi Q3s is powered by under-tuned 1968 cc TDI motor that produces 140 PS and 320 Nm, coupled to 6 speed manual transmission (front wheel drive). Audi Q3 houses same 2.0 TDI unit tuned to push out 177 PS and 380 Nm, paired with 7 speed S-Tronic transmission connected to all wheels (Quattro permanent all wheel drive system). Fuel efficiency of Audi Q3s is 17.71 kmpl while automatic variant manages 15.73 kmpl. BMW X1 gets 1995 cc powerhouse sending 184 PS and 380 Nm to rear wheels via 8 speed Steptronic transmission. Fuel consumption figure of BMW X1 is 17.05 kmpl.
Price – Audi Q3s is most affordable in this segment, starting at Rs. 25.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), whereas range topping version comes with price tag of Rs. 36.80 lakhs. BMW X1 is priced at Rs. 30.75 lakhs for base trim and Rs. 36.00 lakhs for fully loaded model. Entry level and top spec variant of Mercedes Benz GLA SUV are most expensive compared to competition, at Rs. 32.75 lakhs and Rs. 36.90 lakhs respectively.
