Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA
Verdict
The E-Class is the larger buy on paper: 4,949 mm long with a 2,961 mm wheelbase, 540 litres of boot space and a 66-litre tank. The AMG GLA is RM8,000 dearer but much quicker, with 302 hp/400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time against the E-Class’s 201 hp/320 Nm and 7.5 seconds. For a Malaysian buyer, this is sedan space against AMG pace and AWD hardware.
E-Class
Pick the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you want the roomier executive sedan, with the 540-litre boot, 66-litre tank, rear window shade and longer wheelbase.
AMG GLA
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA if you want the faster SUV, with all-wheel drive, 302 hp and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz E-Class RM355,888; Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA RM363,888
- Body/segment: Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan/executive; Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA SUV/C-segment
- Output: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 201 hp/320 Nm; Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 302 hp/400 Nm
- Performance: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 7.5 seconds and 240 km/h; Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 5.2 seconds and 250 km/h
- Size: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4,949 mm long/2,961 mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 4,410 mm long/2,729 mm wheelbase
- Boot and tank: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 540 litres/66 litres; Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 435 litres/43 litres
E-Class
- Much longer body and 2,961 mm wheelbase
- Bigger 540-litre boot and 66-litre fuel tank
- Rear side airbags, rear window shade and electric steering adjustment listed
- Slower: 7.5 seconds to 100 km/h versus 5.2 seconds
- Less engine output: 201 hp/320 Nm versus 302 hp/400 Nm
- Rear-wheel drive versus the AMG GLA’s all-wheel drive
AMG GLA
- Far stronger engine output: 302 hp and 400 Nm
- Quicker 5.2-second 0-100 km/h and 250 km/h top speed
- All-wheel drive, AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers and AMG Dynamic Select
- Smaller boot: 435 litres versus 540 litres
- Shorter wheelbase: 2,729 mm versus 2,961 mm
- Smaller tank and higher annual road tax: 43 litres/RM436 versus 66 litres/RM380
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 355,888✓ | RM 363,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with Mild Hybrid Assistance and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,991 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 302 hp✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 23 hp✓ | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1 kWh | 1 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 9G-Tronic | 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT |
| Gears | 9 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Daimler AG | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | 5.2 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,949 mm | 4,410 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,611 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,961 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Weight | 1,825 kg | 1,680 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 66 litres | 43 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 540 litres✓ | 435 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/40R19 | 255/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Continental SportContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Multi-spoke Two-tone Alloys | 20" AMG 5-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Multi-spoke Two-tone Alloys | 20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated, Cross-drilled Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated, Cross-drilled Disc |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | — | AMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers, AMG Dynamic Select |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Reflector LED with Adaptive High Beam | Multibeam LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.4" MBUX Multimedia with Online Music Streaming, AI functionality built-in, Seven Speaker Sound System | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Mercedes me connect, Voice Control, Burmester Sound System, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 12-Speaker 710W Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, MBUX Interior Assistant |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 380✓ | RM 436 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
E-Class vs AMG GLA FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA better?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is better for space and executive-sedan use; the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA is better for performance. The AMG GLA’s 302 hp/400 Nm and 5.2-second sprint beat the E-Class, but the E-Class has the 540-litre boot and 2,961 mm wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA is RM8,000 more expensive: RM363,888 versus RM355,888 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Annual road tax is also higher at RM436 versus RM380.
Which one is quicker from 0-100 km/h?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA is quicker at 5.2 seconds, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes 7.5 seconds. The AMG GLA also has the higher top speed, 250 km/h versus 240 km/h.