It wasn’t that way back that patrons desirous to get into the posh section wanted to plunk their cash down on a small sedan, after which they’d work their means up into bigger luxurious sedans. Now, subcompact SUVs just like the 2024 Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA are the starter automobiles. Every retains the hallmarks of its luxurious lineage whereas providing some great benefits of a small SUV.
Let’s take a better have a look at these entry-level luxurious choices.
2024 Audi Q3
The Q3 is Audi’s smallest SUV and its most inexpensive car. If you would like a foothold within the German luxurious model, this can be one of the simplest ways to get it. Properly into its second technology, the Q3’s exterior styling matches proper in with the remainder of the Q lineup: clear and up to date. It appears like an Audi.
That feeling carries over to the Audi Q3’s inside house, which is easy, clear, and accented with present security and comfort know-how. With large screens for drivers and passengers, everybody can simply see the required info.
The entry-level mannequin makes use of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is normal on all 4 trim ranges of the Q3, which isn’t the case for the Mercedes GLA. When you want extra energy, patrons can improve to a extra highly effective model of the identical 4-cylinder that develops 228 hp. Costs begin at $38,595, together with vacation spot prices.
Audi Q3 Highlights
Driver help: Adaptive cruise management with lane steering is now normal gear, or know-how on this case, throughout all Audi Q3 trim ranges.
Know-how bundle: That is an choices bundle with the Premium Plus trim. It brings a bigger 12.3-inch digital driver info show, a bigger infotainment touchscreen (10.1-inch), wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, highway signal recognition, navigation, satellite tv for pc radio, and an upgraded sound system.
Security first: The Audi Q3 earned a 5-Star score from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and achieved “Good” rankings in a lot of the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) exams.
Examine this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Q3 fashions close to you.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the gateway into the 3-pointed-star lineup. Probably the most inexpensive Mercedes-Benz car obtained a freshening for the 2024 mannequin yr with updates together with a revised entrance grille, a much bigger display screen for the infotainment system, and a hybrid-assist system for the engine, giving it just a little extra oomph off the road.
The GLA’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine develops 221 hp, considerably greater than the bottom mannequin Audi Q3. GLA patrons can improve to the AMG variant and its 302 hp.
The brand new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is hard to overlook. The GLA gives loads of room for adults within the again seat, however that comes on the expense of the car’s storage behind the second-row seats. Costs begin at $43,000, together with vacation spot prices.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Highlights
MBUX: The Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise (MBUX) is the grand title of the infotainment system. It responds to voice instructions utilizing pure speech (begin by saying, “Hey, Mercedes …”). Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is normal.
Superior audio: Burmester produces among the world’s finest audio techniques, significantly for Mercedes-Benz.
Augmented actuality: A forward-facing digital camera exhibits real-time pictures on the touchscreen, which then superimposes issues like home numbers and route arrows, making life simpler when driving to an unfamiliar location.
Examine this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the GLA fashions close to you.
Similarities
The Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA permit patrons to benefit from the perks of a luxurious car at a not-so-luxury value. Every gives the advantages of an SUV, similar to the next seating place, larger floor clearance, and room for 5 adults.
Conclusion
One might argue that the Audi Q3 is the extra sensible selection, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers a bit extra panache. The Q3 has a decrease beginning value, extra inside house, and normal AWD. Nevertheless, the GLA reaches larger ranges of luxurious and efficiency however at an additional value. The best luxurious SUV is dependent upon your priorities and your price range.
| 2024 Audi Q3 | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA | |
| Beginning Value | $38,595 | $43,000 |
| Fashionable Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4,800 rpm | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic quattro | 8-speed twin clutch |
| Gasoline Financial system | 22 metropolis/29 freeway/25 mixed mpg | 25 metropolis/34 freeway/28 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Out there | 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | 5 stars | N/R |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.5 inches | 107.4 inches |
| General Size | 176.6 inches | 173.6 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 72.2 inches |
| Top | 62.9 inches | 63.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.4 ft | 37.4 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.6 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.6 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 40.0 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.1 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 56.7 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.1 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 23.7 cubic ft | 16.0 cubic ft |
