Audi Q3 vs Audi Q3 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz GLA (2026)
The classic luxury suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Audi Q3 if you want the most power (201 bhp), the biggest boot (488 L).
- Pick the Audi Q3 Sportback as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
- Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want the lowest starting price (₹51.80 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Audi Q3 in short
The third-generation Audi Q3 launched in India on 16 October 2026 at an introductory ₹51.99 lakh for the Nova trim and ₹55.99 lakh for the Zenith, ex-showroom. Both run the same 204 PS 2.0L TFSI petrol with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, and the car is assembled locally at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. It replaces the 2022 second-generation Q3 (₹43.67–53.00 lakh), which is now discontinued, and rivals the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Full Q3 prices & variants →Audi Q3 Sportback in short
The Q3 Sportback is the coupe-roofed version of the Q3, sold in India as a single S line variant at ₹54.25 lakh — the most affordable coupe-SUV from a German luxury brand here. It carries the same 190 PS 2.0L TFSI petrol and standard quattro as the regular Q3, trading some practicality for the sloping roofline and sportier S line trim. No direct coupe-SUV rival exists at its price; the standard Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA are the cross-shops.
Full Q3 Sportback prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLA in short
The GLA is the entry point to Mercedes-Benz SUV ownership in India, priced ₹51.80–55.00 lakh across three variants. The 2024 facelift carries a 163 PS 1.3L turbo-petrol (GLA 200) or a 190 PS 2.0L diesel with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (GLA 220d), both with dual-clutch automatics. It is the only car in its class to pair a diesel with AWD, and its 425-litre boot is usable for the footprint. Rivals are the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.
Full GLA prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q3 vs Q3 Sportback vs GLA — which should I buy?
Pick the Audi Q3 if you want the most power (201 bhp), the biggest boot (488 L). Pick the Audi Q3 Sportback as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want the lowest starting price (₹51.80 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Q3, Q3 Sportback, GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts lowest at ₹51.80 Lakh, against ₹51.99 Lakh for the Q3 and ₹54.25 Lakh for the Q3 Sportback (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Audi Q3: not yet NCAP-tested; Audi Q3 Sportback: not yet NCAP-tested; Mercedes-Benz GLA: not yet NCAP-tested.