Verdict
These CKD C-segment SUVs take sharply different routes. The RM10,000-cheaper GLA pairs 161 hp and 250 Nm with a 5.6 L/100 km rating, and its 2,729-mm wheelbase is 27 mm longer. The XC40 counters with 263 hp, 390 Nm, AWD and a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h run, 2.3 seconds ahead, plus a 460-litre boot. Its 7.7 L/100 km rating and RM428 annual road tax against RM100 blunt that advantage. For Malaysian buyers, the Mercedes makes more sense for lower running costs; choose Volvo’s pace, traction and driver assistance if those matter more.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if lower fuel use, RM100 annual road tax and a 360-degree camera matter more than outright performance.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want 263 hp, 390 Nm, AWD and active driver assistance for the RM10,000 premium.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888; Volvo XC40 RM268,888.
- Output: GLA 161 hp and 250 Nm; XC40 263 hp and 390 Nm.
- Driveline and transmission: GLA front-wheel drive with a seven-speed 7G-DCT; XC40 all-wheel drive with an eight-speed Geartronic automatic.
- Acceleration: GLA 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds; XC40 in 6.4 seconds.
- Economy and road tax: GLA 5.6 L/100 km and RM100 yearly road tax; XC40 7.7 L/100 km and RM428.
- Boot space and safety aids: GLA 435 litres with no blind spot system or lane-keeping assist; XC40 460 litres with both.
GLA
- RM10,000 lower purchase price and RM100 annual road tax.
- Lower 5.6 L/100 km rated consumption.
- 360-degree surround-view camera, 10.25-inch MBUX screen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- 161 hp and 250 Nm trail the XC40’s 263 hp and 390 Nm, with an 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Front-wheel drive, with no blind spot information system or lane-keeping assist.
XC40
- 263 hp, 390 Nm and AWD deliver a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 460-litre boot is 25 litres larger.
- Blind spot information system, steering correction, active cruise control and auto parking.
- 7.7 L/100 km rated consumption versus the GLA’s 5.6 L/100 km.
- Costs RM10,000 more and annual road tax is RM428 versus RM100.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM258,888✓ | RM268,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM428 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 263 hp✓ |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 390 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7G-DCT | Geartronic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds | 6.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 5.6 L/100 km✓ | 7.7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 50 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | 1,875 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | 49 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact6 | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | Sport Chassis |
| 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, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Power safety lock for rear door |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (Up To 105 km/h) | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power-adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 9" Portrait Android Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| 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 | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | Yes |
| 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/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty |
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 & XC40 for sale
GLA vs XC40 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Volvo XC40 better?
The XC40 is the stronger choice for performance, AWD, boot space and driver assistance. The GLA is better for lower purchase price, fuel consumption and road tax, while also adding a 360-degree camera and wireless smartphone connectivity.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA costs RM258,888, while the Volvo XC40 costs RM268,888. The XC40 is RM10,000 more expensive.
Which is cheaper to run?
The GLA is cheaper on the quoted figures: 5.6 L/100 km versus 7.7 L/100 km, plus RM100 annual road tax versus RM428 for the XC40.