Verdict
At RM363,888 to the Renault’s RM368,888, the AMG GLA is the more rounded Malaysian daily: it is quicker to 100 km/h at 5.2 seconds, sends power to all four wheels and carries 435 litres versus 384 litres in the Megane RS. It also brings autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, steering lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera. The Renault counters with 420 Nm, a 260 km/h top speed and 275 kg less mass, plus Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Choose based on use: SUV practicality and assistance systems versus a lighter hatch with more focused chassis hardware.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA if you want all-wheel drive, a 435-litre boot, 5.2-second acceleration and a much fuller active-safety and parking package.
Pick the Renault Megane RS if you prioritise its 420 Nm output, 1,405 kg kerb weight, 260 km/h top speed and Cup suspension hardware.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA RM363,888; Renault Megane RS RM368,888.
- Performance: AMG GLA makes 302 hp and 400 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds; Megane RS makes 296 hp and 420 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
- Driveline and gearbox: AMG GLA has all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch; Megane RS has front-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch.
- Weight and top speed: AMG GLA weighs 1,680 kg and reaches 250 km/h; Megane RS weighs 1,405 kg and reaches 260 km/h.
- Practicality: AMG GLA has a 435-litre boot and 43-litre tank; Megane RS has a 384-litre boot and 50-litre tank.
- Road tax: AMG GLA costs RM436 yearly; Megane RS costs RM279 yearly.
AMG GLA
- Quicker 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time and all-wheel drive.
- 435-litre boot, powered boot lid and 40:20:40 rear seat split.
- Autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping steering correction and 360-degree camera.
- 400 Nm is 20 Nm down on the Megane RS.
- At 1,680 kg, it is 275 kg heavier than the Megane RS.
- RM436 annual road tax is RM157 higher.
Megane RS
- 420 Nm torque and a 260 km/h top speed.
- At 1,405 kg, it is 275 kg lighter.
- Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering, Torsen limited-slip differential and launch control.
- Its 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time is 0.6 seconds slower.
- Front-wheel drive instead of the AMG GLA’s all-wheel drive.
- It lacks the AMG GLA’s autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, collision warning and front parking sensors.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM363,888✓ | RM368,888 |
| Body type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM436 | RM279✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with Mild Hybrid Assistance and variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,991 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 302 hp✓ | 296 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore | 83 mm | 79.7 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 9.2 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 13 hp | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT | 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | Getrag |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.2 seconds✓ | 5.8 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 260 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 181 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,364 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,669 mm |
| Weight | 1,680 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres✓ | 384 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/40R20 | 245/35R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R20 | 245/35R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 6 | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | France (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG 5-twin-spoke Light-alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy | 19" Interlagos Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers, AMG Dynamic Select | Cup Suspension, Rear-wheel Steering, Torsen Limited-slip Differential, Launch Control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, 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 On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED Projectors | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 3 Rear |
| Audio | 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 | R-Link 2 Infotainment System with 8.7" Vertical Touchscreen and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger, MBUX Interior Assistant | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years✓ | 3 years |
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.
Used AMG GLA & Megane RS for sale
AMG GLA vs Megane RS FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA or Renault Megane RS better?
The AMG GLA is better for daily Malaysian use, with all-wheel drive, more boot space and substantially more driver assistance equipment. The Megane RS is the pick for lower weight, greater torque and its specialised Cup suspension, rear-wheel steering and Torsen differential.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Megane RS costs RM5,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA: RM368,888 against RM363,888. The AMG GLA also has lower annual road tax, at RM436 versus RM279 for the Renault.
Which is quicker, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA or Renault Megane RS?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA is quicker from 0-100 km/h, taking 5.2 seconds against the Renault Megane RS’s 5.8 seconds. The Renault has the higher top speed, however, at 260 km/h versus 250 km/h.