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Mercedes GLA vs Volvo XC40 – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes GLA or Volvo XC40 fits your lifestyle better.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

The Battle of Premium Compact SUVs: Mercedes GLA vs Volvo XC40

In the world of premium compact SUVs, the competition is fierce, and two contenders that often dominate discussions are the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Volvo XC40. Both German engineering and Swedish innovation come to life in these models, each with its unique strengths and features. In this head-to-head comparison, we dissect their technical aspects and innovations to see how they stack up against one another.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Engine and Performance

The Mercedes GLA offers a diverse range of engine types, including Petrol Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV), diesel, plug-in hybrid, and conventional petrol engines. This diversity allows Mercedes to cater to a broader audience with varying power preferences, boasting power outputs from 116 HP up to a whopping 421 HP, depending on the model variant. The GLA reaches a top speed of up to 270 km/h.

On the other side, the Volvo XC40 is equipped with practical Petrol MHEV engines available in 163 HP and 197 HP variants. While slightly less powerful than its German rival, the XC40 emphasizes efficiency and smooth acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h in as little as 7.6 seconds, and it has a top speed of 180 km/h due to Volvo’s commitment to safety.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Both vehicles recognize the growing importance of sustainability. The Mercedes GLA stands out with an excellent plug-in hybrid option featuring a consumption rate as low as 1.1 L/100km and an electric range of up to 74 km, thanks to its 12.9 kWh battery. The traditional combustion engines exhibit varied fuel consumption rates, capped at a reasonable 9.5 L/100km for the high-performance models.

The Volvo XC40, with its MHEV setup, offers a consistent fuel efficiency of around 6.5 L/100km. CO2 emissions range between 147 and 148 g/km, positioning it within the 'E' efficiency class. While it may not have an electric range, its overall efficiency remains competitive.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Dimensions and Practicality

Both the GLA and XC40 feature the practicality inherent to small SUVs. The Mercedes measures up to 4443 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and 1616 mm in height, offering a trunk capacity of up to 435 liters. Volvo's XC40, although slightly more compact with a length of 4425 mm, provides more width and height at 1863 mm and 1652 mm respectively, and exceeds in trunk space with 452 liters.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Driving Dynamics and Comfort

Mercedes prides itself on offering both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations for the GLA, tailored through a dual-clutch automatic transmission for a dynamic drive. The vehicle is designed for those who appreciate precision and luxury in their journeys.

Volvo offers a straightforward front-wheel-drive with their XC40 model, focusing on a refined and smooth driving experience. Both SUVs come with a well-tuned suspension to ensure comfort, making them ideal for both city drives and long-distance travel.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Conclusion: Premium Choice Depends on Personal Preferences

Ultimately, the choice between the Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40 boils down to individual preferences. If diversity in engine options and raw power is your goal, the Mercedes GLA shines with its broad spectrum of configurations. On the other hand, if you prioritize efficiency, Scandinavian design, and a slightly more eco-friendly footprint, the Volvo XC40 emerges as a compelling alternative.

Both the Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40 continue to set benchmarks in the compact SUV segment with their innovative features and meticulous craftsmanship, leaving buyers with the luxurious yet challenging decision of choosing which path aligns with their lifestyle.

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

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Volvo XC40 has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 36800 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 2074 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLA manages with 2.90 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 3.60 L per 100 km.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

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 significantly edge – offering 421 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 224 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 Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 3.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls noticeable stronger with 500 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

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 curb weight, Mercedes GLA is hardly perceptible lighter – 1570 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 118 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Volvo XC40 offers slight more room – 452 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 17 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs minimal better – up to 1430 L, which is about 102 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 slight takes the win – 532 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 32 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes GLA proves to be is largely superior 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
details

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
20C0047_067 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_071 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_104 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_115 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Volvo XC40

5 (1)
rate

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

details
223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal @ Volvo Cars
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl @ Volvo Cars

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Costs and Consumption
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 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
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
54 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
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo

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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.