Mercedes-Benz GLA35 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

$38,800 - $59,888

2021 price

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Audi Q4 E-Tron

$64,990 - $114,990

2025 price

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Summary

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA35

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

By Peter Anderson

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Chunky AMG looks
Terrific interior
Great engine and chassis

Interior packaging and design
Efficient yet powerful EV drivetrains
Easy and enjoyable driveability

Dislikes

Tyre noise
Price
Slightly grim rear seats

No spare wheel
Needs single-pedal driving/braking
Base equipment levels a bit stingy

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA35 Summary

Fast SUVs, we can't get enough of them. The fastest of the small SUV set was the previous-generation GLA 45, a high-riding version of AMG's bonkers A-Class hatchback. Tons of power, more ride height (and, by extension, a better ride) and an obnoxious soundtrack.

It had its problems - the GLA was literally just a jacked up A-Class, so it had tight rear legroom and a chintzy interior but for me it was the pick of the two cars because it didn't rearrange your spine and, perversely, was more fun to drive.

This year, we got the second generation GLA which built on the success of the first GLA. While, yes, it is a jacked-up A-Class, it is much more of an actual SUV and with it comes more space, more of its own personality and, like its hatchback sibling, there's a new high-performance version, the GLA 35 to sit under the even more bonkers GLA 45.

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2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Summary

Here’s a fun fact.

Audi has only ever offered two rear-wheel drive (RWD) production cars in its entire 116-year history… the spectacular R8 supercar and the electrifying e-tron GT.

Now there’s this, the Q4 e-tron – a small-ish medium-sized SUV electric vehicle (EV), and Audi’s overdue response to the BMW iX1 and iX2, Polestar 4, Volvo EX40, Mercedes EQA and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

Overdue? It’s been in production since March, 2021, making it very, very late to Australia.

But, you know what? You might be very glad the local team waited, because this MY25 update might be the premium medium electric SUV to buy right now.

To find out, read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA35 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

Verdict

Fast and small SUVs from Germany have arrived thick and fast over the last couple of years and of course Mercedes has to show off by having two, the GLA 45 will be along shortly.

A new addition to the GLA range, the GLA 35 is a welcome one, a step down from the brink of madness that will undoubtedly be the GLA 45 while putting itself into combat with the X2 M35i.

It's fast, fun and for a family, it's reasonably roomy, a sensible upgrade to an A 35. It's not cheap, but that doesn't ever seem to have stopped Mercedes buyers. I'm pretty sure the GLA 35 will be no exception.

Verdict

Audi is famous for sticking doggedly to front-wheel drive and quattro AWD, but clearly, when it puts its mind to it, the few RWD machines it has produced over its 116 years have been exceptional.

While not as exciting as the R8 or as supersonic as the e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron is an impressive machine. Thoroughly engineered and thoughtfully designed to be a friendly, refined, comfortable, safe and capable family SUV, it deserves to be on your shortlist.

With a couple of choice option packages, the base 45 seems remarkably complete, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the hot-shot 55 quattro as well. Either way, Audi seems to be on a winner.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mercedes-Benz GLA35 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLA35 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron
What's the difference?