The Mercedes-Benz is a small crossover SUV offered in diesel and petrol derivatives and three trim levels. Based on the A Class platform, Mercedes-Benz's smallest vehicle, the GLA is larger but shorter, taller and wider than the model it replaces. The previous and first model of the GLA sold more than one million units worldwide.
Related: Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA good for new drivers?
Although the compact SUV segment is highly saturated, the models we are pitting together compete within the higher-end of the market. For this comparison, we will be comparing the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line with the BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine and the Swedish Volvo XC40 T3 Inscription.
The figures
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200 AMG Line | BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine | Volvo XC40 T3 Inscription | |
| Engine | 1.3-litre, Turbocharged, 4-cylinder, Petrol | 1.5-litre, Turbocharged, 3-cylinder, Petrol | 1.5-litre, Turbocharged, 3-cylinder, Petrol |
| Transmission | 7-speed, automated dual-clutch | 7-speed, automated dual-clutch | 8-speed, automatic |
| Power | 120 kW | 103 kW | 110 kW |
| Torque | 250 N.m | 220 N.m | 265 N.m |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7s | 9.6s | 10.1s |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 203 km/h | 195 km/h |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.0 L / 100 km | 6.3 L / 100 km | 6.7 L / 100 km |
Dimensions
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is offered in standard, AMG Line and Edition 1 trim levels and measures 4 410 mm in length, 2 020 mm wide and 1 611 mm tall. The boot offers 487-litres of loading capacity and expands to 1 198-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
The Volvo is the tallest measuring 1 652 mm from the ground, 4 425 mm long and 2 034 mm wide. The Volvo offer the least luggage space of 460-litres with the seats upright but sits in between the two Germans at 1 336-litres when flat.
The BMW X1 starts with 505-litres but sees this grow to an impressive 1 550-litres when the rear bench goes flat, the most luggage space in this comparison. However, this achieved being the widest 2 060 mm, as well as the longest, 4 439 mm but is the least tall at 1 598 mm.
Warranty and service
Both the Mercedes-Benz and BMW provide owners with a 2-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty whilst Volvo supply a 5-year / 100 000 km warranty as standard. In terms of service/maintenance plans, all three offerings come as standard with a 5-year / 100 000 km with service intervals set at 20 000 km for the GLA and XC40.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is not only the best in terms of performance but also in terms of frugality, however, the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 are not far behind. The Volvo offers the most torque which can come in handy during overtaking and when the car is heavily loaded.
Speaking of loading capacity, the BMW X1 shines out in this regard offering 212-litres more than the Volvo and 352-litres more than the GLA when the seats are folded flat. It also offers the most luggage space even when the seats are upright. This feat is achieved by having the largest body dimensions and if you need to squeeze into a tight spot the GLA will be the most compact option.
It is not a fair comparison if we do not mention the price of each vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz GLA200 AMG Line is the most premium at R692 215 whilst the Volvo XC40 T3 Inscription the most affordable, priced at R640 300. The BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine will cost you R2 534 more than the XC40 as it is priced at R642 834.
The BMW X1 is R48 381 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz and yet provide similar performance. It is also not only a standard X1 as it includes the xLine package which sees a host of features and styling updates applied. Furthermore, the BMW provides a small family all the space they require and proves superior to the other models in this regard. It is because of this that we say the BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine is our winner.
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