Audi e-tron GE vs Mercedes-Benz GLA H247

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron for a big cabin, smooth all-wheel drive and zero-emission driving in a premium SUV.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Pick the GLA for a raised driving position, space and efficient engines in a compact premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLA 200 (petrol) or GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	408 hp Winner	163 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	200 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	660 L Winner	435 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,73 m
Length	4,90 m	4,41 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	14,3 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics (early cars)
Long-term battery data still limited
High-voltage system check recommended

Mercedes-Benz GLA

M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)

Pros

Audi e-tron

Quiet, refined electric ride
Strong DC fast charging
Air-suspension comfort

Mercedes-Benz GLA

435 L boot growing to ~1,430 L — roomy for a subcompact SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.8 L/100 km)
MFA2 platform with MBUX and optional 4MATIC
GLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

Mercedes-Benz GLA

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
Dual-clutch gearbox needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Comfortable, easy and closer to a hatchback than an SUV to drive. The GLA rides smoothly, stays quiet at speed, and steers lightly and precisely with little feedback. The 2.0-litre M260 petrol is smooth and pulls strongly from low revs; the OM654 diesel is the one for high mileage, nearly inaudible on the motorway; the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. There is little here for keen drivers — the GLA puts comfort, quietness and the tech-heavy cabin ahead of any sporting pretension.