Compare performance (421 HP vs 148 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 29,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Renault Austral?
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 ever-competitive world of compact SUVs, the Mercedes GLA and the Renault Austral are notable contenders, each offering a distinct blend of luxury, performance, and innovation. As we dive into a detailed comparison of these two models, we'll explore their technical specifications, innovative features, and what makes each vehicle stand out in its segment.
The Mercedes GLA boasts an elegant design that reflects the quintessential Mercedes-Benz DNA, characterized by its sleek lines and sophisticated silhouette. With dimensions of 4,412 mm in length, 1,834 mm in width, and 1,616 mm in height, it maintains a compact yet spacious feel.
On the other hand, the Renault Austral showcases a robust and modern appearance, with a slightly larger footprint at 4,510 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,618 mm in height. This gives the Austral a commanding presence on the road and enhances its practicality for families.
In terms of powertrains, the Mercedes GLA offers a variety of options, including petrol MHEV, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and petrol engines, with outputs ranging from 116 HP to a powerful 421 HP in its flagship performance variant. The GLA also features all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and control.
The Renault Austral provides a more concise engine lineup, featuring petrol MHEV and full hybrid options with power outputs of 158 HP and 200 HP. Its maximum speed reaches 174 km/h, which, while impressive, doesn't quite match the GLA’s higher performance models. Both vehicles come standard with automatic transmissions, but the Austral uses a CVT or automatic gearbox, which leads to a different driving experience.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Renault Austral shines, offering a consumption rate as low as 4.7 L/100 km while achieving CO2 emissions as low as 105 g/km. This makes it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious drivers.
The Mercedes GLA, while slightly less efficient with consumption rates peaking at 9.5 L/100 km for high-performance variants, still provides respectable figures, particularly with its hybrid options contributing to lower emissions and improved fuel economy. The range can go from 5.4 to 7.5 L/100 km, depending on the engine choice.
Inside the Mercedes GLA, luxury meets practicality. The cabin features high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems with the MBUX interface, and spacious seating for up to five passengers. The GLA also offers a trunk capacity ranging from 425 to 435 liters, accommodating everyday needs.
The Renault Austral also provides a comfortable interior, equipped with modern technology and spacious seating for five. Its trunk capacity surpasses that of the GLA, offering 500 liters to facilitate family trips and storage requirements. The Austral’s multimedia system is user-friendly, featuring connectivity options suited for today’s tech-savvy individuals.
Both models prioritize safety, with the Mercedes GLA equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, ensuring a secure driving experience. Features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking systems.
The Renault Austral does not lag in this respect either, featuring essential safety technology such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard in most variants. Each vehicle aims to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Ultimately, the choice between the Mercedes GLA and the Renault Austral comes down to personal preference and priorities. The GLA represents a premium option with an impressive power lineup and luxury touches, ideal for those who seek prestige and performance. On the other hand, the Austral excels in efficiency, practicality, and cost-effectiveness, making it a compelling choice for families or drivers placing environmental considerations higher on their list.
Both models showcase the latest innovations in the automotive world, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the SUV market and offering exceptional value in their own right. Whether you lean towards the luxury of the GLA or the practicality of the Austral, both vehicles stand out as commendable choices in their respective categories.
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.
Renault Austral is visibly cheaper – starting at 29,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,922 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Renault Austral with 6.4 L/100km. The difference is about 3.5 L/100km.
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 Mercedes GLA offers significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 148 HP. That’s roughly 273 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Renault Austral takes 9.9 s. That’s about 5.6 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers significantly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 230 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Renault Austral is marginally lighter – 1,548 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 22 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries very slightly more – 500 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.
The Mercedes GLA is far ahead overall 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 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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The Renault Austral is a stylish, well-built crossover that blends a comfortable ride with a spacious, modern cabin. It combines everyday-friendly refinement and contemporary technology with a focus on safety and practicality, making it a sensible choice for drivers who want an all-round family car.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Price
29,900 - 34,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
6.4 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
74 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
66 - 216 g/km
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co2
145 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
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Curb weight
1,548 kg
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Width
1,825 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
480 - 500 kg
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Payload
455 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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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
CVT
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Power HP
148 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
230 - 500 Nm
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Torque
270 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Power kW
109 kW
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,332 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
Renault
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España