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Mercedes GLA vs Volvo EC40 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 46,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Volvo EC40?

Mercedes GLA vs Volvo EC40: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat cheaper
  • very slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
details

Volvo EC40

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
  • considerably more electric range
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.

Mercedes GLA is somewhat cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the Volvo EC40 costs 46,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,698 £.

As for electric range, the Volvo EC40 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 585 km, about 511 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

EC40

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 Volvo EC40 offers barely more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is very slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Volvo EC40 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EC40 delivers clearly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 170 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 markedly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 2,065 kg. The difference is around 495 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers barely more boot space – 435 L compared to 404 L. That’s a difference of about 31 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries somewhat more – 500 kg compared to 435 kg. That’s a difference of about 65 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EC40 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £46,500
EC40

Volvo EC40

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.2 - 17.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 486 - 585 km
details

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Mercedes GLA
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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

Volvo EC40

The Volvo EC40 feels like a polished slice of Scandinavian calm on wheels, blending minimalist design with a cocoon-like interior that makes everyday driving surprisingly serene. It’s an electric compact that puts safety and comfort front and center, while still injecting enough personality and tech-savvy charm to keep city buyers smiling.

details
310887_Volvo_C40_Recharge_Pure_Electric

Reviews Volvo EC40

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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Mercedes GLA
Volvo EC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
46,500 - 59,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.2 - 17.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
486 - 585 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
2,065 - 2,185 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
404 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,873 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
395 - 435 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, 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
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
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.