Audi Q2 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

Audi Q2

Audi’s compact crossover.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes' compact SUV on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the Q2 for quattro (on the 2.0-litre engines), the 1.5 TFSI’s cylinder-on-demand and the Virtual Cockpit — but check rear legroom.

Best engine: The mid-range 1.5 TFSI petrol for the best everyday balance.

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

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs M282 GLA 200 · Petrol

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Power	150 hp	163 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,5 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	211 km/h Winner	210 km/h
Power-to-weight	111,1 hp/t Winner	110,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	128 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km Winner	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Boot	405 L	435 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.050 L	1.430 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,60 m	2,73 m Winner
Length	4,19 m	4,41 m
Width	1,79 m	1,83 m
Height	1,51 m	1,61 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse, shared with the VW T-Roc)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W177, B-Class W247 and CLA C118)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual)
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics are the best-known weak point
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
DPF on diesels with mainly short trips

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 Q2

quattro available on the 2.0-litre engines
1.5 TFSI has cylinder-on-demand
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments on higher trims

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 Q2

Rear legroom is tight for adults
S line suspension rides firmly

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 Q2

As a model line, the Q2 steers quickly and lightly, and the raised seating position gives a good view out. The ride is firm rather than plush, and you feel it on rough roads. The 1.0 TFSI is adequate, the 1.5 TFSI is the one to have and the 2.0 TDI is the high-mileage pick. It is happiest in town, where its compact size makes it easy to place.