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Mercedes GLA vs VW Arteon comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 320 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 43,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Arteon?

Mercedes GLA vs VW Arteon: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
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VW Arteon

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • visibly more trunk space
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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 slightly cheaper – starting at 38,800 £ , while the VW Arteon costs 43,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,445 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the VW Arteon with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 L/100km.

Arteon

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 offers markedly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 320 HP. That’s roughly 101 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the VW Arteon takes 4.9 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers a bit more torque with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 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 only slightly lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,607 kg. The difference is around 37 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Arteon offers visibly more boot space – 590 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 155 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Arteon carries a bit more – 569 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 69 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is clearly superior overall 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
VW Arteon

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

VW Arteon

The VW Arteon cuts a fastback silhouette that manages to look more expensive than it is, with a cabin that feels calm, roomy and smartly finished. It blends relaxed long distance comfort with a touch of sporting poise, making it a clever choice for buyers who want grand touring polish without shouting for attention.

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DB2020AU00755_medium
DB2020AU00757_medium
DB2020AU00769_medium

Reviews VW Arteon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

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Mercedes GLA
VW Arteon

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
43,300 - 60,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 8.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
133 - 195 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
66 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,607 - 1,773 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
590 L
Length
-
Length
4,866 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,871 mm
Height
-
Height
1,434 - 1,451 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,632 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
467 - 569 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol
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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
150 - 320 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
216 - 250 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
320 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
110 - 235 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 - 1,984 cm3

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