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Mercedes GLA vs Renault Espace comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 200 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 37,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Renault Espace?

Mercedes GLA vs Renault Espace: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

Renault Espace

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • noticeably 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:

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 Espace is marginally cheaper – starting at 37,500 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,294 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Renault Espace with 4.9 L/100km. The difference is about 2 L/100km.

Espace

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 considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 200 HP. That’s roughly 221 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 Espace takes 8.8 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

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: Renault Espace offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is barely lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,673 kg. The difference is around 103 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Espace offers noticeably more boot space – 692 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 257 L.

When it comes to payload, the Renault Espace carries a bit more – 581 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 81 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is decisively ahead 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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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 …
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Mercedes GLA
Renault Espace

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

Renault Espace

The Renault Espace is the sort of roomy, clever family cruiser that makes long journeys feel effortless, its interior prioritising comfort and practical thinking without drifting into blandness. It won't pretend to be a sports car, but its composed ride, smart packaging and a whisper of French flair make it a sensible and subtly stylish choice for buyers who value space and versatility.

details
r230363p
r230361p
r230345p
r230344p
r230333p

Reviews Renault Espace

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
BIEVELEZ
18 Nov 2025, 10:34:15

A very pleasant vehicle to drive, with excellent comfort and plenty of rear legroom.

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Mercedes GLA
Renault Espace

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
37,500 - 41,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
110 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,673 - 1,783 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
212 - 692 L
Length
-
Length
4,746 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
1,645 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
2,054 - 2,224 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
404 - 581 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
200 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
174 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
147 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Renault
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.