Spec comparison: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan

Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2017 GLA in India at Rs 30.65 lakh, ex-showroom. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the entry-level SUV from the German car manufacturer. The main rivals that the GLA competes with is the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The Audi Q3 is seen as a proper SUV and so is the X1. However, there is a new batch of premium compact SUVs that have recently surfaced in the market. And we are talking precisely about the Volkswagen Tiguan, an offering that debuts VW in the premium SUV space. How do these cars stack against each other, here is a spec comparison.

Starting with dimensions, the car that beats the other SUVs is not one of the popular options. It is the Volkswagen Tiguan. At 4,486mm, 1,839mm and 1,672mm, it is clearly the longest, widest and the tallest compact SUV. The BMW X1 measures 4,439mm more than the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Among the popular three, it is the Audi Q3 that is the widest ensuring more shoulder room. Being the tallest of the three, the BMW X1 has more headroom while the least is in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA at is measures 1,494mm.

The cabin of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift offers similar lines as seen in the previous model. The highlight of the cabin is the new 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options. The instrumental cluster has been updated with new dials and red needles to make it look sportier than before. the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan comes equipped with three-zone automatic climate control, pedestrian safety, hill start assist, auto hold, self sealing tyres, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, LED headlamps with DRLs, electrically adjustable ORVMs, LED illuminated panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and app connect infotainment system.

The new Q3 gets a four-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifts and standard electric seat adjustment for the driver. There is also a new dual-zone automatic climate control that's standard in both the variants. Whereas the BMW X1 comes equipped with head-up display, navigation and other set of features that come standard with the SUV.

Powering the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is the 2.0-litre TDI that makes 143PS and generates 340Nm. This motor is mated to a 7-speed DSG unit. The Tiguan comes with the brand's 4Motion all-wheel drive tech that splits the torque between the front and rear wheels. The Audi Q3 makes use of a 2.0-litre TDI front-wheel drive and 2-litre TDI quattro. The former produces 150PS and 340Nm of torque while the latter produces 184PS and 380Nm. Both engines are mated to an updated 7-speed S tronic transmission. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA continues to be powered with an option between the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.1-litre diesel engines. The most powerful of the lot is the BMW X1 with its 190PS petrol and diesel engines.

Here is a table of the specifications along with the prices of these models.