Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Volvo XC40
Verdict
At RM258,888, the Mercedes-Benz GLA undercuts the RM268,888 Volvo XC40 by RM10,000, and it backs that with lower fuel use at 5.6 L/100 km versus 7.7 L/100 km, plus RM100 annual road tax instead of RM428. The Volvo answers hard: 263 hp, 390 Nm, all-wheel drive and 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds make it the quicker, stronger car, and it has a 460-litre boot. The GLA is the thriftier C-segment SUV; the XC40 buys pace, traction and space.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want the lower purchase price, 5.6 L/100 km economy, RM100 road tax and the latest MBUX in a facelifted CKD SUV.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want 263 hp, 390 Nm, all-wheel drive, a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a larger 460-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888; Volvo XC40 RM268,888
- Output: Mercedes-Benz GLA 161 hp and 250 Nm; Volvo XC40 263 hp and 390 Nm
- Driven wheels: Mercedes-Benz GLA front-wheel drive; Volvo XC40 all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz GLA 8.7 seconds; Volvo XC40 6.4 seconds
- Fuel economy: Mercedes-Benz GLA 5.6 L/100 km; Volvo XC40 7.7 L/100 km
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz GLA 435 litres; Volvo XC40 460 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 258,888✓ | RM 268,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 1,332 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Power | 161 hp | 263 hp✓ |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 390 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.7 s | 6.4 s✓ |
| Top speed | 210 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 5.6 L/100km✓ | 7.7 L/100km |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 435 L | 460 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 43 L | 49 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 100✓ | RM 428 |
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.
GLA
- RM10,000 cheaper to buy
- Lower fuel use: 5.6 L/100 km
- Lower annual road tax: RM100
- 161 hp and 250 Nm trail the XC40
- Front-wheel drive only
- Smaller 435-litre boot
XC40
- Much quicker 0-100 km/h time: 6.4 seconds
- Higher outputs: 263 hp and 390 Nm
- All-wheel drive, plus a 460-litre boot
- RM10,000 dearer to buy
- Higher fuel use: 7.7 L/100 km
- Higher annual road tax: RM428
GLA vs XC40 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Volvo XC40 better?
For most cost-conscious Malaysian buyers, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the better all-rounder; it is cheaper to buy, uses less fuel and has lower road tax. Choose the Volvo XC40 only if its 263 hp, all-wheel drive and 6.4-second sprint matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC40 costs RM10,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which is faster, the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 is quicker from 0-100 km/h, taking 6.4 seconds against the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s 8.7 seconds. The GLA has the higher top speed, at 210 km/h versus 180 km/h.