2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Torn between ultimate practicality and slightly better efficiency? That's the heart of the 2025 Audi A4 allroad versus the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class debate. The Audi, starting at $47,600, offers significantly more heft and power, boasting 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, making it the stronger performer. However, the smaller GLA starts $4,600 cheaper at $43,000 and nets better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Audi's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the wagon body of the A4 allroad grants it a substantial 24.2 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. If spirited driving and serious hauling are key, the Audi leads, but the GLA offers better daily running costs and city maneuverability due to its smaller footprint and slightly superior City MPG of 26 versus the Audi's 23.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuting due to its better combined MPG of 29 and smaller exterior dimensions for city parking.
2025 Audi A4 allroad
The Audi A4 allroad is the family choice because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 24.2 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 Audi A4 allroad
The Audi A4 allroad provides superior performance thanks to its 261 hp and standard all-wheel drive.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers better initial value, undercutting the Audi by $4,600 while delivering superior fuel economy.
Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...
- You prioritize power, as the Audi delivers 261 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp.
- You need maximum space, benefiting from the 24.2 cu ft cargo capacity of the wagon body.
- All-weather security is paramount, as the A4 allroad comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Keeping the upfront cost down is a priority, given the $4,600 MSRP advantage.
- You want the best fuel efficiency, scoring 29 MPG combined versus the Audi's 26 MPG.
- You prefer the taller ride height associated with a crossover body style (63.5 inches tall).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 allroad | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 173.6" |
| Width | 72.7" | 72.2" |
| Height | 58.8" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/459.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R H | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
Which vehicle is better for hauling cargo on road trips?
The 2025 Audi A4 allroad is the clear winner for cargo, offering 24.2 cu ft of space. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is much smaller inside, providing only 15.4 cu ft, making the Audi much better suited for hauling luggage or gear.
Is the extra cost of the Audi A4 allroad worth the extra horsepower?
That depends on your driving style; the Audi offers 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. If you value spirited acceleration and towing capability, the $4,600 price jump might be justifiable for the extra power.
Which vehicle will save me more money at the pump?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class provides better fuel economy across the board, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Audi's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the GLA uses regular unleaded fuel more often (though both recommend premium for best results, the Audi requires it).
Does the difference in transmission matter between these two luxury models?
Both use automated manuals, but the GLA utilizes an 8-speed unit while the A4 allroad uses a 7-speed. While both will feel smooth, the extra gear in the GLA likely contributes to its slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 34 MPG.
If I live in an area with heavy snow, which drivetrain is better?
The 2025 Audi A4 allroad comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), which is generally preferred for maximum traction in adverse weather. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class comes standard in front-wheel drive (FWD), though AWD may be optional.
How much smaller is the GLA than the A4 allroad?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly shorter in length by nearly four inches (173.6 inches vs. 187.5 inches), making it easier to navigate tight urban parking spots. It is also slightly narrower, though the Audi sits lower to the ground.
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