Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA vs Volvo S90
Verdict
At RM7,000 less, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA is the lighter, taller and faster-at-the-top-end choice, with 1,680 kg to haul and a 250 km/h maximum. The Volvo S90 answers like an executive plug-in hybrid should: 315 hp, 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h, a 18.8 kWh battery and 90 km of EV range. It is also much longer, with a 2,941 mm wheelbase and 500-litre boot. For Malaysia, this is less SUV versus sedan than compact AMG aggression versus big, electrified comfort.
AMG GLA
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA if you want the cheaper, lighter SUV with a higher 250 km/h top speed, AMG adaptive dampers and paddle shifters.
S90
Pick the Volvo S90 if you want the larger executive sedan with plug-in hybrid EV running, stronger audio, more boot space and a longer warranty.
Key differences
- Power: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 302 hp vs Volvo S90 315 hp
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 5.2 seconds vs Volvo S90 4.9 seconds
- Battery and EV range: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 1 kWh with no EV range listed vs Volvo S90 18.8 kWh with 90 km
- Size: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 4,410 mm long with 2,729 mm wheelbase vs Volvo S90 4,969 mm long with 2,941 mm wheelbase
- Boot and tank: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 435 litres and 43 litres vs Volvo S90 500 litres and 60 litres
- Top speed and weight: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 250 km/h and 1,680 kg vs Volvo S90 180 km/h and 2,105 kg
AMG GLA
- RM7,000 cheaper than the Volvo S90
- Lighter by 425 kg
- Higher 250 km/h top speed
- Slower to 100 km/h by 0.3 seconds
- Smaller 435-litre boot and 43-litre fuel tank
- Shorter 4-year warranty
S90
- 90 km EV range from an 18.8 kWh battery
- Quicker 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Longer 5-year warranty plus 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty
- Costs RM7,000 more
- Lower 180 km/h top speed
- Heavier by 425 kg
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 363,888✓ | RM 370,888 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with Mild Hybrid Assistance and variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, supercharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,991 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 315 hp✓ |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 13 hp | 86 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 240 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1 kWh | 18.8 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | — | 90 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 3.7 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT | 8 Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.2 seconds | 4.9 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 2.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 46 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,969 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,879 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,941 mm |
| Weight | 1,680 kg | 2,105 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres | 500 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 255/40R20 | 255/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R20 | 255/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 6 | Continental ContiSportContact 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Transverse Leaf Spring, Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG 5-twin-spoke Light-alloy | 19" 10-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG Multi-spoke Light-alloy | 19" 10-spoke Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated, Cross-drilled Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated, Cross-drilled Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers, AMG Dynamic Select | Active Chassis - Adjustable Dampers |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric 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 passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED Projectors | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Integrated 2-stage Booster Child Seat Cushions for the Outer Seats |
| 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, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered rear sun shade, manual rear door window sun shades |
| 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 | 9" Sensus Connect with Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System, 19 Speakers, 1,400W |
| 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 Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360 camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Hybrid Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 436 | RM 365✓ |
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.
AMG GLA vs S90 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA or Volvo S90 better?
The Volvo S90 is better for space, plug-in hybrid running and acceleration. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA is better if you prefer a smaller SUV, lower price, lighter weight and higher top speed.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo S90 costs RM7,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA.
Which one is quicker?
The Volvo S90 is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 4.9 seconds against 5.2 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA has the higher top speed, at 250 km/h versus 180 km/h.