Compare performance (421 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Renault Rafale?
The automotive market continues to evolve, offering consumers an array of options that blend technology with performance. In this article, we will compare two versatile SUVs: the Mercedes GLA and the Renault Rafale. Both models present unique features and innovations that cater to different tastes and driving preferences.
The Mercedes GLA measures between 4412 and 4443 mm in length, with a width ranging from 1834 to 1849 mm and a height of around 1616 mm. This compact SUV is designed to embody luxury while maintaining a sporty demeanor.
In contrast, the Renault Rafale is slightly larger at 4710 mm in length, 1886 mm in width, and a height of 1613 mm. Its aesthetic appeals to a broader range of consumers, combining ruggedness with a sleek profile.
The Mercedes GLA offers a diverse lineup of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines with power outputs ranging from 116 HP to a powerful 421 HP. Its turbocharged engines ensure robust performance, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds in the top-performing variant. With a consumption range between 5.4 and 9.5 L/100km, the GLA provides a balanced approach to efficiency and power depending on the chosen variant.
The Renault Rafale, on the other hand, boasts a simpler engine lineup with options that deliver between 200 HP and 300 HP. Both the full hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations promise remarkable efficiency, with a fuel consumption as low as 0.6 L/100km, significantly outperforming many competitors. Its acceleration time of 6.4 seconds for the high-performance model is impressive, making it a worthy contender in the performance department.
Both SUVs come equipped with automatic transmission systems. The Mercedes GLA features a dual-clutch automatic gearbox that ensures smooth transitions and enhanced driving pleasure, available in both front and all-wheel drive options.
Conversely, the Renault Rafale is equipped with a traditional automatic gearbox, maintaining a front-wheel-drive layout. While it may not offer the same versatility in terms of drive types, it still delivers a comfortable driving experience, ideal for city and highway cruising.
Inside, the Mercedes GLA exudes luxury with premium materials and a high-tech infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with smartphone technologies. Seating five comfortably, it also offers a trunk capacity of up to 435 liters, providing ample room for luggage and everyday use.
The Renault Rafale's interior is designed to prioritize space, providing a generous trunk capacity of 627 liters. Its infotainment system is state-of-the-art, featuring advanced connectivity options that cater to a tech-savvy audience, rounded out by a spacious and modern cabin.
The GLA performs adequately in terms of CO2 emissions, particularly in its hybrid variants, with figures between 24 g/km and 216 g/km. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice within the luxury SUV segment.
The Renault Rafale takes the lead in this category, emitting as low as 14 g/km in its most efficient versions. Its hybrid technologies and outstanding fuel economy make it a compelling choice for eco-conscious consumers.
In conclusion, choosing between the Mercedes GLA and the Renault Rafale depends largely on personal preferences and priorities. The GLA offers a refined luxury experience with exceptional performance capabilities, making it a top choice for those seeking a blend of style and sportiness. Meanwhile, the Rafale stands out for its impressive hybrid options and eco-friendliness, appealing to those looking for efficiency without sacrificing space and practicality.
Ultimately, both vehicles showcase the advancements in automotive technology, making them strong contenders in today's competitive SUV market.
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 Rafale is very slightly cheaper – starting at 37,700 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,122 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 0.9 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Renault Rafale offers clearly more range – reaching up to 97 km, about 23 km more than the Mercedes GLA.
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 markedly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 121 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 Rafale takes 6.4 s. That’s about 2.1 s quicker.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is somewhat lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 164 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers noticeably more boot space – 627 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 192 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries somewhat more – 500 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 56 kg.
The Mercedes GLA is slightly 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.
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.
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The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 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
97 km
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Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
66 - 216 g/km
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co2
43 - 109 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
35 L
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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
5
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
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Length
4,412 mm
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Length
-
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Width
1,886 mm
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Height
1,616 mm
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,385 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
480 - 500 kg
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Payload
415 - 444 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
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Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
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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
Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Power HP
200 - 300 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
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Max Speed
210 km/h
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
230 - 500 Nm
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Torque
-
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Power kW
147 - 221 kW
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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Model Year
2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
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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
España