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BMW 5 Series Saloon vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (727 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (50,800 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 5 Series Saloon or Mercedes GLA?

BMW 5 Series Saloon vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

BMW 5 Series Saloon

  • considerably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • a bit lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

5 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Mercedes GLA is clearly cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the BMW 5 Series Saloon costs 50,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,992 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 5 Series Saloon uses 2.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 5 Series Saloon offers clearly more range – reaching up to 105 km, about 31 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 5 Series Saloon offers considerably more power – delivering 727 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 306 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 5 Series Saloon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 5 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 1,000 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 500 Nm more.

5 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is a bit lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,800 kg. The difference is around 230 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 5 Series Saloon offers slightly more boot space – 520 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 85 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 5 Series Saloon carries a bit more – 600 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 100 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 5 Series Saloon holds a decisive overall lead 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.

from £50,800
5 Series Saloon

BMW 5 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 727 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.1 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 67 - 105 km
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Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class is the practical, airy people‑carrier that prioritises space and comfort, while the Mercedes GLA takes the same mechanical smarts and adds SUV looks, higher ride height and a touch more road presence. Pick the B‑Class for family‑friendly sense and efficiency, choose the GLA if …
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BMW 5 Series Saloon
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The BMW 5 Series Saloon blends executive poise with a driver's instinct, delivering a supple, refined cabin and a chassis that prefers composed authority over bravado. For buyers who want a grown-up commuter that still enjoys a twisty road, it’s the kind of car that keeps your colleagues impressed and your weekend grin intact.

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Reviews BMW 5 Series Saloon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mercedes GLA

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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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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BMW 5 Series Saloon
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
50,800 - 124,500 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.1 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
67 - 105 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
48 - 152 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,800 - 2,515 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
466 - 520 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,900 - 1,970 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
425 - 600 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 727 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 7.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
330 - 1,000 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 535 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 4,395 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2,023 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the BMW 5 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.