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Mercedes GLA vs VW Tiguan - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (421 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (38800 £ vs 33600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Tiguan?

GLA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Volkswagen: A Comparative Analysis of SUVs

The automotive landscape is always evolving, with manufacturers vying for dominance in various segments. Among the most popular are the luxury and mainstream SUV markets, where brands like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have created compelling offerings. This article delves into the technical aspects and innovations of both, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help buyers make informed decisions.

Tiguan

Powertrain Innovations

Both Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have embraced the modern trend of electrification, incorporating various engine types into their SUV lineups. Mercedes offers a diverse range of powertrains, including Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, and traditional Petrol engines, producing power outputs ranging from 150 HP to a remarkable 421 HP.

In contrast, Volkswagen's models are also equipped with a selection of Petrol MHEV and Diesel engines, alongside Plugin Hybrids. VW's offerings span from 130 HP to 272 HP, showcasing a slightly less powerful lineup but still competitive in various specifications. Notably, both brands offer efficient combustion engines with environmentally friendly performance profiles.

GLA

Transmission and Drive Type

Regarding transmission, both brands predominantly utilize Automatic transmissions with dual-clutch technology, ensuring smooth gear changes and an engaging driving experience. Mercedes-Benz offers both Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive systems, providing versatility for different driving conditions.

Similarly, Volkswagen adheres to the same principle, catering to diverse consumer needs. The choice between Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive allows consumers to prioritize personal preferences and regional driving conditions, thus making both brands adaptable to their markets.

Tiguan

Performance Metrics

Acceleration figures are always a critical aspect of performance. In this category, Mercedes-Benz vehicles shine, with models capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds. This remarkable acceleration places Mercedes in a segment of its own, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking pertinent driving experiences.

Volkswagen, while slightly behind in raw figures, showcases respectable performance metrics with models accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 5.9 seconds. This difference caters to various preferences, with consumers who prioritize speed leaning towards Mercedes and those valuing practicality looking at Volkswagen.

GLA

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

With rising fuel costs and growing environmental awareness, fuel efficiency is a substantial consideration for buyers. Mercedes-Benz offers impressive consumption rates that average between 1.1 and 9.5 L/100km across its range. The brand also features a Plugin Hybrid option, significantly reducing consumption during urban driving.

Volkswagen counters with an equally impressive set of stats, showcasing consumption as low as 0.4 L/100km for its Plugin Hybrid models. This highlights VW’s commitment to sustainability, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious drivers without compromising performance.

Tiguan

Interior Comfort and Technology

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its luxurious interiors, characterized by high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and spacious cabins. The brand consistently pushes for innovative technology integration, such as the MBUX system, offering voice recognition and extensive customization options.

In comparison, Volkswagen’s interior design leans towards a minimalist yet functional approach. The brand integrates its latest infotainment technology, including intuitive touch screens and digital dashboards. Although not as luxurious as Mercedes, VW ensures a comfortable and user-friendly experience.

GLA

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Both brands pride themselves on providing robust safety features and driver assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz often leads the way with innovations such as active brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, offering advanced technology to enhance driver confidence and vehicle safety.

Volkswagen also boasts a strong safety record, complementing its vehicles with comprehensive safety systems, including standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Both manufacturers are committed to continuous improvement in safety, ensuring that their vehicles meet and exceed industry standards.

Tiguan

Conclusion: Choosing the Right SUV for You

The choice between Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. If luxury, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance are paramount, then Mercedes likely holds the upper hand. However, for those seeking excellent practicality, efficiency, and modern design without breaking the bank, Volkswagen emerges as a strong competitor.

As both manufacturers continue to innovate, the automotive market remains dynamic and exciting, making it essential for buyers to stay informed and choose a vehicle that best fits their lifestyle and aspirations.

Mercedes GLA

4.6 (3 Reviews)
rate

VW Tiguan

3.9 (7 Reviews)
rate

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

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.

VW Tiguan has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 33600 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5258 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Tiguan manages with 1.40 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.90 L. The difference is about 1.50 L per 100 km.

As for electric range, the VW Tiguan performs clearly better – achieving up to 126 km, about 52 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

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 Mercedes GLA has a evident edge – offering 421 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 149 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the VW Tiguan takes 5.90 s. That’s about 1.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Tiguan performs slight better – reaching 215 km/h, while the Mercedes GLA tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 5 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls somewhat stronger with 500 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 100 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 1599 kg. The difference is around 29 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Tiguan offers noticeable more room – 652 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 217 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Tiguan performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1486 L, which is about 101 L more than the Mercedes GLA.

When it comes to payload, VW Tiguan slight takes the win – 533 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 33 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Tiguan holds a decisive overall lead 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.

Mercedes GLA
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £33,600
Tiguan

VW Tiguan

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 130 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.4 - 8.4 L
  • Electric Range : 118 - 126 km

Mercedes GLA

4.6 (3 Reviews)
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

VW Tiguan

3.9 (7 Reviews)
rate

The VW Tiguan blends sensible family practicality with a dash of German polish, delivering a calm, reassuring ride and a cabin that never feels like an afterthought. For buyers who want an SUV that’s easy to live with yet still nicely dressed, the Tiguan is the grown‑up choice that keeps a cheeky wink in reserve.

details
Mercedes GLA
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption

Price
38800 - 75300 £
Price
33600 - 54600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
32 - 190 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 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
1599 - 1879 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
4412 mm
Length
4539 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Width
1842 - 1859 mm
Height
1616 mm
Height
1658 mm
Max trunk capacity
1385 L
Max trunk capacity
1486 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
460 - 533 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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
130 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.6 s
Max Speed
210 km/h
Max Speed
210 - 215 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes GLA have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.