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@ Renault Group Media
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Mercedes GLA vs Renault Austral – Differences & prices compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Renault Austral?

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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.

Austral @ Renault Group Media

Design and Dimensions

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.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Performance and Engine Options

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.

Austral @ Renault Group Media

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

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.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Interior Comfort and Technology

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.

Austral @ Renault Group Media

Safety Features and Ratings

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.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Conclusion: Choosing Between Luxury and Practicality

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.

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

Austral @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Renault Austral has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 9094 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLA manages with 2.90 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Renault Austral with 4.80 L. The difference is about 1.90 L per 100 km.

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 Mercedes GLA has a decisively edge – offering 421 HP compared to 200 HP. That’s roughly 221 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the Renault Austral takes 8.40 s. That’s about 4.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs evident better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Renault Austral tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls decisively stronger with 500 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 230 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Renault Austral is barely noticeable lighter – 1539 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 31 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Austral offers noticeable more room – 555 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 120 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Austral performs somewhat better – up to 1761 L, which is about 331 L more than the Mercedes GLA.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLA minimal takes the win – 500 kg compared to 477 kg. That’s a difference of about 23 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes GLA proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes GLA is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £38,800
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, 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
  • Electric Range : 74 km

Mercedes GLA

5 (1)
rate

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.

details

Renault Austral

5 (2)
rate

The Renault Austral dresses the family SUV in elegant modern looks and a surprisingly grown-up cabin that feels thoughtful and livable. It balances comfort and clever technology with a relaxed road presence—an appealing choice for buyers who want style and everyday sense without fuss.

details
Mercedes GLA
Renault Austral
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Austral @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
38800 - 75300 £
Price
29700 - 37800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
4.8 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
109 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Curb weight
1539 - 1613 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
527 - 555 L
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Length
4533 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Width
1825 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Height
1645 mm
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Max trunk capacity
1736 - 1761 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
464 - 477 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
158 - 200 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
270 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
116 - 147 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 - 1332 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Renault
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes GLA have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.