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Mercedes GLA vs smart #1 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 428 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or smart #1?

Mercedes GLA vs smart #1: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat lighter
  • markedly more trunk space

smart #1

  • visibly cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • considerably more electric range
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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.

smart #1 is visibly cheaper – starting at 31,700 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,131 £.

As for electric range, the smart #1 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 440 km, about 366 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

#1

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 smart #1 offers very slightly more power – delivering 428 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #1 is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.3 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Mercedes GLA is moderately faster – reaching 210 km/h, while the smart #1 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 30 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #1 delivers a bit more torque with 584 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 84 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 somewhat lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,780 kg. The difference is around 210 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers markedly more boot space – 435 L compared to 323 L. That’s a difference of about 112 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA offers clearly more capacity – up to 1,385 L, about 399 L more than the smart #1.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries very slightly more – 500 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The smart #1 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 £31,700
#1

smart #1

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 428 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.8 - 18.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 310 - 440 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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The Mercedes B‑Class is the practical, airy people‑carrier that prioritises space and comfort, while the Mercedes GLA takes the same mechanical smarts and adds SUV looks, higher ride height and a touch more road presence. Pick the B‑Class for family‑friendly sense and efficiency, choose the GLA if …
Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
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Mercedes GLA
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

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
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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate
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

smart #1

The Smart #1 feels like a breath of fresh air in the compact EV world, pairing playful styling with usable space and a cabin that punches above its size. It skips the fuss and delivers an easygoing, city-friendly driving experience with clever features that make it a sensible, slightly cheeky choice for everyday motoring.

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Reviews smart #1

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

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Mercedes GLA
smart #1

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
31,700 - 45,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.8 - 18.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
310 - 440 km
Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
Battery Capacity
47 - 62 kWh
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,780 - 1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
313 - 323 L
Length
4,412 mm
Length
4,270 - 4,300 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,822 mm
Height
1,616 mm
Height
1,636 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,385 L
Max trunk capacity
976 - 986 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
425 - 470 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, 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
272 - 428 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 6.7 s
Max Speed
210 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
343 - 584 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
200 - 315 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,023 - 2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
smart
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.