Calstar Motors The Mercedes-Benz GLA vs. The Competition

Ranking the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, and BMW X1 for Your Los Angeles Drives

Driving in LA takes patience, comfort, and tech, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA outshines the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 for helping you navigate the tricky drive from Glendale to Burbank and beyond. Here we'll take a look at all three luxury crossovers and see why the Mercedes-Benz GLA outranks its competition for your daily Los Angeles drives.

Exterior

The Mercedes-Benz GLA distinguishes itself with a modern yet athletic exterior design that blends elegance and sportiness. Its sleek body lines and bold front grille offer a commanding road presence, while its compact size is perfect for navigating city streets or parking in tight spaces. Available LED lighting enhances visibility while adding to the GLA's sophisticated look. The combination of refined curves and sharp angles makes the GLA a standout vehicle, radiating both luxury and practicality.

Meanwhile, the restrained style of the Audi Q3 is bland when compared to the GLA's expressive curves. The Q3's robust yet understated appearance may appeal to those who prefer subtlety, but it lacks the same visual flair that the GLA brings to the table.

The *BMW X1 offers a more utilitarian design with a focus on sportiness. Its exterior is clean and functional, but some might find it lacks the distinctive charm of the GLA's refined lines. BMW's large kidney grille and boxy proportions offer a classic look, but the GLA's sleek and athletic appearance provides a more luxurious feel overall.

Interior

Inside, the Mercedes-Benz GLA sets itself apart with a cabin that's both luxurious and driver-focused. High-quality materials like genuine leather and premium wood or aluminum accents are available, giving the GLA a more upscale feel compared to its competitors. The layout of the interior is intuitive, with a focus on ergonomics and comfort. Its spacious cabin offers ample legroom for passengers, while the available Panorama Sunroof brings in natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The rear seats can fold down for additional cargo space, making it practical for day-to-day use or weekend getaways.

The Audi Q3 features an upscale interior with high-quality materials, but it feels slightly more confined than the GLA. Audi's design is minimalist and functional, which some may find appealing, but it doesn't exude the same sense of luxury as the GLA. Additionally, rear-seat legroom is slightly tighter in the Q3, which may be a drawback for passengers on longer journeys.

The BMW X1, known for its sporty focus, offers a well-crafted interior with high-quality materials, but the overall design feels more utilitarian than luxurious. The X1 prioritizes function over form, making it a great option for those who prefer a driver-centric cabin. However, compared to the GLA's more lavish interior, the X1 may feel less refined and not as comfortable for rear passengers.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers a smooth, responsive driving experience that strikes a perfect balance between comfort and agility. Its standard turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generates 221 horsepower, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system is available for enhanced handling in challenging road conditions, making the GLA an excellent choice for both urban and suburban settings. Additionally, the GLA's ride quality is superior, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience even over uneven road surfaces.

The Audi Q3 also features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine but produces slightly less horsepower at 184 in its base form, which makes it feel less energetic compared to the GLA. The Q3's handling is solid, but it doesn't deliver the same level of driver engagement as the GLA. It does offer Audi's signature Quattro® all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction, but overall, the Q3 lacks the dynamic performance of the Mercedes-Benz.

The BMW X1, true to its brand, offers a sportier driving experience with nimble handling and a more athletic feel on the road. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generates 241 horsepower, making it the most powerful of the three. While this power gives the X1 a performance edge in terms of acceleration, its ride quality is stiffer than the GLA, which may compromise comfort during longer drives or on rough roads around LA County.

Visit Our Dealership for a Test Drive

Looking to get behind the wheel of a new Mercedes-Benz GLA? Visit Calstar Motors in Glendale and explore our complete lineup of new SUVs today. And with a range of Mercedes-Benz promotions to work with, you can find your New Mercedes-Benz SUV in Glendale with ease.

Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.

AMG® and 4MATIC® are registered trademarks of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
harman/kardon® and Logic 7 are registered marks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Burmester® is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Bluetooth® is a registered mark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
  1. Calstar Motors

    700 South Brand Blvd
    Glendale, CA 91204

    • Sales: (818) 246-1800
Loading Map...

Get in Touch

  • Contact our Sales Department at: (818) 246-1800
  • Monday10:00AM - 8:00PM
  • Tuesday10:00AM - 8:00PM
  • Wednesday10:00AM - 8:00PM
  • Thursday10:00AM - 8:00PM
  • Friday10:00AM - 8:00PM
  • Saturday10:00AM - 8:00PM
  • Sunday10:00AM - 7:00PM