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Mercedes GLA vs Polestar 3 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 680 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 67,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Polestar 3?

Mercedes GLA vs Polestar 3: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably lighter
details

Polestar 3

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • clearly more electric range
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit 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

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 considerably cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the Polestar 3 costs 67,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 28,792 £.

As for electric range, the Polestar 3 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 647 km, about 573 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

3

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Polestar 3 offers noticeably more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 259 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 3 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Polestar 3 delivers substantially more torque with 870 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 370 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 considerably lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 2,315 kg. The difference is around 745 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Polestar 3 offers a bit more boot space – 484 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 49 L.

When it comes to payload, the Polestar 3 carries clearly more – 645 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 145 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Polestar 3 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 £67,600
3

Polestar 3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 333 - 680 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17.7 - 20.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 601 - 647 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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The Mercedes B‑Class and Mercedes GLA target buyers who want Mercedes practicality with premium touches, but they take different paths: the B‑Class is a spacious, hatchback-style people carrier while the GLA is a compact crossover with a higher ride height and sportier stance. This comparison looks …
Polestar 3
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Two Scandinavian siblings square up for the tech‑luxury crown: the razor‑edged, driver‑focused Polestar 3 vs the elegant, safety‑obsessed Volvo EX60. We're lining them up to find which deserves your money—and your garage: the sharp, sporty statement or the cosseting, clever cruiser.
Mercedes GLA
Polestar 3

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
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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 3

Polestar 3 arrives as a Scandinavian-styled electric SUV that marries minimalist design with a statuesque presence, looking smarter than most in the car park. Inside, the cabin feels airy and thoughtful, with tech and driving manners that lean toward composed comfort rather than outright drama — perfect for buyers who want electric prestige without shouting about it.

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660426_20221012_Polestar_3
660442_20221012_Polestar_3
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Reviews Polestar 3

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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Mercedes GLA
Polestar 3

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
67,600 - 91,600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17.7 - 20.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
601 - 647 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
2,315 - 2,525 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
484 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,935 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
605 - 645 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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
333 - 680 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
480 - 870 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
245 - 500 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
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.