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Fiat 500 vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (118 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (17,100 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Fiat 500 or Mercedes GLA?

Fiat 500 vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Fiat 500

3.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly more electric range
  • markedly lighter
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably more trunk space
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

500

Battle of the Minis: Fiat 500 vs. Mercedes GLA

In the world of compact cars, few models have captured the imagination quite like the Fiat 500 and the Mercedes GLA. Both vehicles offer unique appeal and features suited for different tastes and needs. Let's embark on a comparative exploration of these two style icons, focusing on their technical aspects and the innovations they bring to the table.

GLA

The Fiat 500: Retro Charm Meets Green Tech

The Fiat 500, an emblem of Italian style, has taken a giant leap forward into the future by embracing electric power. This hatchback is available with an electric motor that produces a peppy 118 HP, making zipping through city streets a delightful experience.

On the sustainability front, the Fiat 500 achieves commendable efficiency. With a consumption rate of approximately 13-14.7 kWh/100km and an electric range of up to 321 km, it's a stellar choice for eco-conscious urban dwellers. The quaint dimensions of 3632 mm in length and 1683 mm in width ensure that parking in tight spaces is never a worry, while its curb weight ranges from 1330 to 1475 kg, promising agility and nimbleness.

Inside, the Fiat 500 comfortably seats four passengers, with a minimalist yet functional layout, perfectly in line with its retro-modern personality. While its trunk offers 185 L of cargo space, the vehicle prioritizes style and city-driving practicality over storage capacity.

500

The Mercedes GLA: A Compact Luxury Experience

In the opposite corner, the Mercedes GLA presents itself as a premium compact SUV that doesn't compromise on luxury or performance. With a range of engines, including powerful petrol and mild-hybrid options, the GLA delivers between 116 to an exhilarating 421 HP, catering to diverse driving preferences.

Fuel consumption varies widely, from the plug-in hybrid's impressive 1.1 L/100km to higher, sportier configurations. The GLA provides an electric range up to 74 km, which is ideal for mixed driving environments. This SUV's larger stature, with a length reaching up to 4443 mm and a width of 1849 mm, offers enhanced interior space and comfort for five passengers.

Cargo capacity is another strong point for the GLA, boasting a trunk space of 425 to 435 L, which is practical for families or those needing extra luggage room. The vehicle's curb weight spans from 1570 to 1770 kg, a reflection of its robust build and superior safety features.

GLA

Head-to-Head: Innovation and Features

When it comes to innovation, both vehicles bring exciting tech to the forefront. The Fiat 500 focuses on sustainability, being a zero-emission vehicle, ideal for city-centric lifestyles. Additionally, its CO2 efficiency class of A underlines this commitment.

Conversely, the Mercedes GLA, while not as eco-friendly, emphasizes luxury and high-tech features. With options like dual-clutch transmissions and different drive types, including all-wheel drive, the GLA caters to those who seek a versatile and luxurious driving experience.

500

Conclusion: Choosing Your Icon

Ultimately, the choice between the Fiat 500 and Mercedes GLA boils down to a matter of priorities. The Fiat 500 offers an electrifying, stylish ride, perfect for the environmentally conscious city dweller. In contrast, the Mercedes GLA provides luxury and performance, well-suited for those who favor power and space in a compact SUV package. Each brings a unique charm that continues to captivate and intrigue car enthusiasts around the world.

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

500

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Fiat 500 is considerably cheaper – starting at 17,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,702 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Fiat 500 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 2.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Fiat 500 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 331 km, about 257 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

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 substantially more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 118 HP. That’s roughly 303 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Fiat 500 takes 9 s. That’s about 4.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers substantially more torque with 500 Nm compared to 220 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.

500

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Mercedes GLA offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Fiat 500 is markedly lighter – 1,130 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 440 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers considerably more boot space – 435 L compared to 185 L. That’s a difference of about 250 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries markedly more – 500 kg compared to 325 kg. That’s a difference of about 175 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA 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 £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 74 km
Fiat 500
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is a cheeky, retro‑styled city car that turns heads with its iconic looks and playful personality. Perfect for weaving through tight streets and easing into tiny parking spots, it’s aimed at buyers who want style and character more than grand touring prowess.

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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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Fiat 500
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
17,100 - 27,400 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 14.7 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
190 - 331 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 121 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
3
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,130 - 1,475 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
183 - 185 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
3,631 mm
Length
-
Width
1,683 - 1,684 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
1,532 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
440 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
250 - 325 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
65 - 118 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9 - 16.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
155 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
92 - 220 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
48 - 87 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Fiat
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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.