Verdict
At RM220,000, the Toyota bZ4X undercuts the RM258,888 Mercedes-Benz GLA by RM38,888 while bringing 224 hp, 269 Nm and a claimed 525 km EV range. Its 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.3 seconds quicker, and the 2,850 mm wheelbase should be the more useful starting point for rear-seat space. The GLA counters with a 5.6 L/100 km rating, 210 km/h top speed and a smaller 1,485 kg kerb weight. For Malaysian buyers able to charge, the Toyota is the more complete package; the Mercedes suits petrol convenience and tighter parking spaces.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if petrol refuelling, a 210 km/h top speed and a 280 kg lower kerb weight matter more than EV range and outright acceleration.
Pick the Toyota bZ4X if you can charge regularly and want to save RM38,888 for 224 hp, 525 km of claimed range, more cabin length and stronger driver assistance.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888; Toyota bZ4X RM220,000.
- Power and torque: GLA 161 hp and 250 Nm; bZ4X 224 hp and 269 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: GLA 8.7 seconds; bZ4X 7.4 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: GLA 4,410 mm and 2,729 mm; bZ4X 4,690 mm and 2,850 mm.
- Boot space and kerb weight: GLA 435 litres and 1,485 kg; bZ4X 452 litres and 2,020 kg.
- Top speed: GLA 210 km/h; bZ4X 160 km/h.
GLA
- 5.6 L/100 km rated fuel economy
- 210 km/h top speed
- 360-degree camera with six front and six rear parking sensors
- Slower 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 7.4 seconds
- Smaller 435-litre boot versus 452 litres
- No blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping steering correction or adaptive cruise control
bZ4X
- RM38,888 lower purchase price
- 224 hp motor, 269 Nm and 525 km claimed EV range
- Blind spot monitoring, steering correction, adaptive cruise control and auto parking
- 160 km/h top speed versus the GLA's 210 km/h
- 2,020 kg kerb weight is 535 kg higher
- Four front and four rear parking sensors versus six front and six rear
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM258,888 | RM220,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM200 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | — |
| Torque | 250 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 224 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 269 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 73.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 525 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 150 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7G-DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds | 7.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 5.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,690 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,860 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | 2,020 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres | 452 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact6 | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front Centre, 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 for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (Up To 105 km/h) | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation & Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 1 Front, 2 Wireless Chargers, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Panoramic Roof Shade |
| Audio | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 14" Display Audio with Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and 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 | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery, Inverter and PCU |
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 GLA & bZ4X for sale
GLA vs bZ4X FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Toyota bZ4X better?
The Toyota bZ4X is the stronger choice if regular charging is practical: it costs RM38,888 less, reaches 100 km/h 1.3 seconds sooner and has a 525 km claimed range. Choose the GLA for petrol refuelling, lower weight and a 210 km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota bZ4X costs RM220,000 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA costs RM258,888, so the bZ4X is RM38,888 cheaper. Annual road tax is RM200 for the Toyota and RM100 for the Mercedes.
Which has the better EV range and charging capability?
Only the Toyota bZ4X is an EV. It has a 73.1 kWh battery, a claimed 525 km range, 22 kW AC charging and 150 kW DC charging. The GLA is a 1.332-litre turbocharged petrol model.