Verdict
These are close mechanically: both use a 1,332 cc, 161 hp petrol turbo and 7G-DCT, but the choice is not. The GLA reaches 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds against 9.3 seconds and has a 435-litre boot, while its four-year unlimited-mileage warranty is twice the GLB’s term. The GLB counters with seven seats, a 2,829 mm wheelbase and blind-spot monitoring; its quoted luggage capacity is 130 litres. For Malaysian families that genuinely need a third row, the RM32,000 gap is justified. Otherwise, the GLA is the sharper five-seater buy.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want the lower price, quicker 8.7-second sprint and a much larger 435-litre boot.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if you need seven seats, a sliding second row and blind-spot monitoring.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888.
- Torque: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLB 270 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz GLA 8.7 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLB 9.3 seconds.
- Wheelbase: Mercedes-Benz GLA 2,729 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLB 2,829 mm.
- Seats / quoted luggage capacity: Mercedes-Benz GLA 5 seats / 435 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLB 7 seats / 130 litres.
- Factory warranty: Mercedes-Benz GLA 4 years unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLB 2 years unlimited mileage.
GLA
- RM32,000 less expensive
- Quicker 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- 435-litre boot and four-year warranty
- Five seats versus the GLB’s seven
- No blind-spot monitoring
- 100 mm shorter wheelbase
GLB
- Seven seats with a sliding second row
- Blind-spot monitoring
- 270 Nm torque and 52-litre fuel tank
- RM32,000 more expensive
- 0.6 seconds slower to 100 km/h
- Two-year warranty versus four years
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM258,888✓ | RM290,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100 | RM100 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | 1,332 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 161 hp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 270 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | 72.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 7G-DCT | 7G-DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds✓ | 9.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 5.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 207 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,634 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,663 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,829 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | 1,555 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/55R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact6 | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Mexico (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 18" 5-twin-spoke 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 Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| 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 | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for two outer middle row seats, two last row seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (Up To 105 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| 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 | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C 3rd Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| 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 | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, 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 | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | 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✓ | 2 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 GLA & GLB for sale
GLA vs GLB FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Mercedes-Benz GLB better?
The GLA is better for most five-seat buyers: it is cheaper, reaches 100 km/h 0.6 seconds sooner, has a 435-litre boot and gets a four-year warranty. Choose the GLB only if its seven-seat layout and blind-spot monitoring matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB costs RM32,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLA: RM290,888 versus RM258,888.
Which has more usable family seating?
The GLB does, with seven seats, a sliding 40:20:40 second row and a 50:50 folding third row. The GLA has five seats, but its quoted luggage capacity is far larger at 435 litres versus 130 litres.
