Compare performance (272 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (41,400 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Terramar or Mercedes GLA?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the world of compact SUVs, two contenders stand out in the 2024 landscape: the bold CUPRA Terramar and the iconic Mercedes GLA. Both vehicles represent a formidable mix of innovation, power, and design, appealing to the modern driver who values performance and tech-savvy features. Let’s delve into the features and specs that set these two apart.
The CUPRA Terramar, with its athletic stance, measures 4519 mm in length, 1869 mm in width, and 1586 mm in height. Its distinctively aggressive look fits perfectly with urban and off-road enthusiasts. On the other side, the Mercedes GLA slightly differs in its modern elegance, spanning a length of 4443 mm, a width of 1849 mm, and a height of 1616 mm. Both models offer five doors and comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
The Terramar's engine lineup highlights variety, offering a plugin hybrid with a power output of 272 HP, a petrol MHEV generating 150 HP, and a conventional petrol engine with 265 or 204 HP. The highlight is its plugin hybrid, boasting an impressive electric range of 120 km, backed by a 19.7 kWh battery. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h varies between 5.3 to 9.3 seconds, depending on the engine choice, with a top speed reaching up to 243 km/h.
In contrast, the Mercedes GLA offers a more extensive engine variety, including petrol, diesel, a plugin hybrid, and petrol MHEV. The petrol engines range from 150 HP to a staggering 421 HP. The plugin hybrid option provides an electric range between 70 to 74 km, with a 12.9 kWh battery. The GLA sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds, with the top speed capping at an exhilarating 270 km/h.
Eco-friendly drivers will appreciate the Terramar’s plugin hybrid, boasting a fuel consumption rate of 0.4 L/100km and CO2 emissions of just 10 g/km. The CUPRA model's overall efficiency ranges from class B to G, depending on the variant. Meanwhile, the GLA’s plugin hybrid showcases impressive consumption at only 1.1 L/100km, with minimal CO2 emissions at 24 g/km. The efficiency classes for the GLA span from B to G, with the plugin option leading the way as the greenest model.
Both the Terramar and GLA feature a smooth dual-clutch automatic transmission, promising a seamless driving experience. The Terramar gives buyers the choice between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive systems, providing flexibility for different driving preferences. Similarly, the GLA also offers both drive types, enhancing its versatility across various terrains.
Practicality is key for SUVs, and both vehicles deliver. The CUPRA Terramar comes with a generous trunk capacity of 450 to 540 liters, depending on configurations. In contrast, the Mercedes GLA offers a slightly smaller range of trunk space from 385 to 435 liters. Despite these differences, both SUVs ensure ample room for everyday needs, from family activities to adventurous getaways.
The decision between the CUPRA Terramar and the Mercedes GLA boils down to personal preference and priorities. If an extensive electric range, cutting-edge design, and potent hybridization are your focus, the Terramar stands as a strong contender. Conversely, for those who crave high-end performance alongside luxurious finesse, the Mercedes GLA is an irresistible option. Whichever SUV you choose, rest assured that both offer an impressive mix of excitement and efficiency, reflecting the latest advancements in automotive engineering.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Mercedes GLA is barely cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the CUPRA Terramar costs 41,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,581 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Terramar uses 1.6 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 L/100km.
As for electric range, the CUPRA Terramar offers markedly more range – reaching up to 118 km, about 44 km more than the Mercedes GLA.
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 Mercedes GLA offers visibly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 149 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the CUPRA Terramar takes 5.9 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers slightly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.
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 very slightly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,638 kg. The difference is around 68 kg.
Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Terramar offers a bit more boot space – 540 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 105 L.
When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Terramar carries marginally more – 542 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.
The CUPRA Terramar 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.
The CUPRA Terramar blends the brand’s sporty DNA with the practicality of a compact crossover, offering striking design and a driver-focused, premium-feeling cabin. It’s aimed at buyers who want engaging handling and athletic looks without giving up everyday usability and modern connectivity.
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The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
41,400 - 50,600 £
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 8.4 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
118 km
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Electric Range
74 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
36 - 191 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
-
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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
-
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Curb weight
1,638 - 1,904 kg
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Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Trunk capacity
450 - 540 L
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,869 mm
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
512 - 542 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, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
150 - 272 HP
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 9.3 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
-
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Torque
250 - 400 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
110 - 200 kW
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 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
2,024 - 2,025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
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Brand
CUPRA
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España