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Mercedes GLA vs Polestar 2 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 476 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Polestar 2?

Mercedes GLA vs Polestar 2: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • markedly lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
details

Polestar 2

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately more power
  • substantially more electric range
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
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

GLA

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Mercedes GLA is moderately cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the Polestar 2 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,326 £.

As for electric range, the Polestar 2 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 659 km, about 585 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

2

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 Polestar 2 offers moderately more power – delivering 476 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 55 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 2 is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Polestar 2 delivers clearly more torque with 740 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 240 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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is markedly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 2,069 kg. The difference is around 499 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers only slightly more boot space – 435 L compared to 405 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries moderately more – 500 kg compared to 421 kg. That’s a difference of about 79 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Polestar 2 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 £45,200
2

Polestar 2

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 299 - 476 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.8 - 16.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 568 - 659 km
details

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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

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 is a crisp, Scandinavian-styled electric liftback that pairs minimalist luxury with a focused, driver's attitude. It feels agile and composed whether you’re commuting or heading out for the weekend, with a tech-forward cabin and enough personality to make everyday driving a bit more fun.

details
663194_20230124_Polestar_2_MY24
652865_20220602_Polestar_2_BST_edition_270
663199_20230124_Polestar_2_MY24
651029_20220427_Polestar_2

Reviews Polestar 2

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

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

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Polestar 2

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
45,200 - 57,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 16.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
568 - 659 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
78 kWh
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
2,069 - 2,188 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
405 L
Length
-
Length
4,606 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
1,473 - 1,479 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,095 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
412 - 421 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
299 - 476 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
205 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
490 - 740 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
220 - 350 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Polestar
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.