Compare performance (268 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (35,500 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Alfa Romeo Tonale or Mercedes GLA?
In the world of compact luxury SUVs, the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Mercedes GLA are making waves. Both offer a blend of style, performance, and innovation that attracts a variety of buyers. But how do they stack up against each other? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is quintessentially Italian, characterized by its bold design and flowing lines. It's a modern tribute to the brand's racing legacy, imbued with elegant styling cues that turn heads. Measuring 4528 mm in length, 1835 mm in width, and standing at 1614 mm in height, it carries a robust presence on the road.
The Mercedes GLA, while slightly more understated, exudes a sophistication expected of the German marque. Its design is sleek and aerodynamic, with a size that includes a length ranging up to 4443 mm, a width of up to 1849 mm, and a height of 1616 mm. These dimensions give the GLA a compact yet stylish stance.
When it comes to performance, the Tonale offers a range of powertrains. The most potent is a plugin hybrid providing 280 HP, while other options include petrol MHEV and diesel variants with outputs of 130 and 160 HP. Its acceleration is impressive, with the top model reaching 0-100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 212 km/h. The advanced dual-clutch automatic transmission and choice between all-wheel and front-wheel drive further enhance its driving dynamics.
On the other hand, the GLA offers greater variety in terms of engine options. It houses engines ranging from 116 HP to a formidable 421 HP. Particularly notable is the plugin hybrid model with a power output of up to 218 HP, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, and a maximum speed of 240 km/h. Like the Tonale, the GLA employs a dual-clutch automatic transmission, available in both front and all-wheel drive configurations.
For those conscious of their carbon footprint, the Tonale's plugin hybrid variant boasts an electric-only range of 63 km, with fuel consumption as low as 1.3 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 30 g/km. These figures mark it as a leader in efficiency among its peers.
Mercedes takes a similar stance with its GLA plugin hybrid, offering an electric range of up to 74 km, even managing slightly better fuel economy at 1.0 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 23 g/km. This makes the GLA a strong contender for environmentally conscious buyers.
Inside the cabin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is designed with a driver-centric approach, featuring a clean dashboard layout and the latest infotainment system. With a trunk capacity of 500 L, it offers practical space for everyday use.
In contrast, the Mercedes GLA leans towards luxury with a high-tech interior, offering advanced digital displays and numerous connectivity features. Its trunk holds up to 435 L, providing ample room for luggage or groceries.
Choosing between the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Mercedes GLA comes down to personal preference and priority. If dynamic styling and a storied pedigree excite you, along with spirited performance, the Tonale might just be the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize a wider array of powertrain options, cutting-edge technology, and greater electric range, the GLA is hard to overlook. In the end, both vehicles bring the essence of luxury and innovation to the compact SUV segment, each in its own distinctive way.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Alfa Romeo Tonale is barely cheaper – starting at 35,500 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,351 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the Alfa Romeo Tonale with 3.4 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes GLA offers slightly more range – reaching up to 74 km, about 12 km more than the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers markedly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 268 HP. That’s roughly 153 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Alfa Romeo Tonale takes 10.9 s. That’s about 6.6 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is barely lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,600 kg. The difference is around 30 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Alfa Romeo Tonale offers slightly more boot space – 500 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 65 L.
When it comes to payload, the Alfa Romeo Tonale carries barely more – 535 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 35 kg.
The Mercedes GLA stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale embodies the brand's timeless elegance and sporty DNA, captivating drivers with its bold design and dynamic presence on the road. Inside, the Tonale impresses with a perfect blend of luxury and cutting-edge technology, offering a sophisticated driving experience that remains true to the Alfa Romeo spirit. With its agile performance and distinctive character, the Tonale stands out in the competitive SUV market, appealing to those who seek both style and substance.
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The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
35,500 - 53,200 £
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Consumption L/100km
3.4 - 5.6 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
62 km
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Electric Range
74 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
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co2
77 - 138 g/km
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co2
66 - 216 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
35 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,600 - 1,910 kg
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Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Trunk capacity
385 - 500 L
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,412 mm
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Width
1,835 mm
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,616 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,385 L
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Payload
510 - 535 kg
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Payload
480 - 500 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
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Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
130 - 268 HP
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
210 km/h
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Torque
320 Nm
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Torque
230 - 500 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
96 - 197 kW
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,598 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E
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CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
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Brand
Alfa Romeo
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España