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Mercedes GLA vs Lotus Emira comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 83,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Lotus Emira?

Mercedes GLA vs Lotus Emira: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • marginally more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly more trunk space
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Lotus Emira

  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
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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

GLA

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 significantly cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the Lotus Emira costs 83,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 44,735 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Lotus Emira with 9.2 L/100km. The difference is about 6.3 L/100km.

Emira

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 Mercedes GLA offers marginally more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 406 HP. That’s roughly 15 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lotus Emira is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers very slightly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 480 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.

GLA

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 2.

In terms of curb weight, Lotus Emira is barely lighter – 1,521 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 49 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers clearly more boot space – 435 L compared to 151 L. That’s a difference of about 284 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries clearly more – 500 kg compared to 230 kg. That’s a difference of about 270 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

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.

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
details

Frequently compared as well

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Mercedes GLA
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Mercedes GLA
Lotus Emira

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

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.

details
20C0047_067
20C0047_071
20C0047_104
20C0047_115

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

Lotus Emira

The Lotus Emira is a supremely alive sports coupe that blends razor‑sharp handling with enough everyday comfort to make it usable beyond the track. It looks gorgeous, sounds eager and delivers a focused, smile-inducing drive that will seduce enthusiasts and tempt sensible buyers alike.

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_LOT-3872
_LOT-3901
_LOT-3802
_LOT-3584
Lotus_Emira-Full-on-Interior
Lotus_Emira_DeadRear_3

Reviews Lotus Emira

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

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Lotus Emira

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
83,600 - 107,600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9.2 - 11.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
208 - 245 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,521 - 1,533 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
151 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,895 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
213 - 230 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
365 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 4.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
420 - 480 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
268 - 298 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,456 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,023 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Lotus
Is the Mercedes GLA offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes GLA is available as Front-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.