Verdict
The Audi A3 Sedan costs RM338,990, a hefty RM48,102 above the RM290,888 Mercedes-Benz GLB, but it brings 187 hp and 320 Nm against 161 hp and 270 Nm. That cuts the 0-100 km/h run from 9.3 to 7.3 seconds and raises top speed to 240 km/h. The GLB answers with seven seats, a 2,829-mm wheelbase and a taller SUV body, plus blind-spot monitoring, collision warning and autonomous braking. For a Malaysian family, the Mercedes is the more useful and cheaper choice; the Audi is for those who value pace, a 425-litre boot and five-year unlimited-mileage warranty coverage.
Pick the Audi A3 Sedan if brisk 7.3-second performance, a 425-litre boot and five years of unlimited-mileage warranty matter more than extra seats and SUV practicality.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if you need seven seats, a longer 2,829-mm wheelbase and active safety features while spending RM48,102 less.
Key differences
- Price: Audi A3 Sedan RM338,990; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888.
- Performance: Audi A3 Sedan 187 hp/320 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLB 161 hp/270 Nm and 9.3 seconds.
- Seating: Audi A3 Sedan has 5 seats; Mercedes-Benz GLB has 7 seats.
- Dimensions: Audi A3 Sedan is 4,495 mm long and 1,425 mm tall; Mercedes-Benz GLB is 4,634 mm long and 1,663 mm tall.
- Boot space: Audi A3 Sedan has 425 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLB has 130 litres.
- Warranty: Audi A3 Sedan has 5 years unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLB has 2 years unlimited mileage.
A3 Sedan
- 187 hp and 320 Nm deliver a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 425-litre boot.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Costs RM48,102 more.
- Only five seats versus seven.
- No blind-spot monitoring, collision warning or autonomous braking.
GLB
- Seven seats and a sliding, split-folding second row.
- Blind-spot monitoring, collision warning and autonomous braking.
- RM48,102 lower purchase price.
- 0-100 km/h takes 9.3 seconds versus 7.3 seconds.
- 130-litre boot is 295 litres smaller.
- Two-year unlimited-mileage warranty versus five years.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM338,990 | RM290,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM372 | RM100✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 1,332 cc |
| Horsepower | 187 hp✓ | 161 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm✓ | 270 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82.5 mm | 72.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S tronic Transmission | 7G-DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | BorgWarner | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds✓ | 9.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 6.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h✓ | 207 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,634 mm |
| Width | 1,816 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,425 mm | 1,663 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,636 mm | 2,829 mm |
| Weight | 1,535 kg | 1,555 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 51 litres | 52 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 425 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R17 | 235/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R17 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005 | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Mexico (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" 5-Parallel-Spoke Style Alloy | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 5-Parallel-Spoke Style Alloy | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer middle row seats, two last row seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Sequential Indicators | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C 3rd Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Audi Virtual Cockpit | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used A3 Sedan & GLB for sale
A3 Sedan vs GLB FAQ
Is the Audi A3 Sedan or Mercedes-Benz GLB better?
The GLB is better for family carrying: it has seven seats, a longer wheelbase and autonomous braking, collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The A3 Sedan is better for performance, with 187 hp, 320 Nm and a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Audi A3 Sedan costs RM338,990 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB costs RM290,888, so the Audi is RM48,102 dearer.
Which has the larger boot?
The Audi A3 Sedan has the larger quoted boot at 425 litres, compared with 130 litres for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. The GLB counters with seven seats and a 40:20:40 split-folding, sliding second row plus a 50:50 third row.