The GLA-Class and GLC-Class from Mercedes-Benz represent different approaches to the premium SUV market, with the GLA serving as Mercedes' entry-level offering and the GLC positioned as a more substantial family-focused proposition. Both vehicles have undergone significant transformations in recent years, with the current GLA launched in 2020 representing a vast improvement over its predecessor, whilst the latest GLC arrived in 2023 with enhanced technology and electrification options.
The GLA-Class competes directly with the Audi Q2, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40. Meanwhile, the GLC-Class occupies the crucial mid-size family SUV segment, where it faces off against the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60. This positioning difference influences everything from interior space and boot capacity to engine options and pricing, making the choice between them largely dependent on your specific needs.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Practicality
The practicality comparison between these two Mercedes SUVs reveals a clear hierarchy, with the GLC offering substantially more space in virtually every dimension. The GLC provides masses of headroom and legroom in the rear seats, easily accommodating two tall adults, whilst the GLA offers decent rear legroom but can feel tight on headroom for passengers over six feet tall. Both vehicles feature well-designed interiors with quality materials, although the GLC's cabin feels more spacious and premium (it is more expensive, after all), with a driver's seat offering electric adjustment and four-way lumbar support as standard across the range.
Boot space represents one of the most significant differences between the two models. The GLC's mild-hybrid variants offer between 600-620 litres of boot capacity, which compares favourably with key rivals in the mid-size SUV segment. However, the GLC's plug-in hybrid variants see this reduced to 400 litres due to the large battery pack and air suspension components. The GLA, whilst offering a bigger boot than its predecessor and decent space that compares well with compact SUV rivals, cannot match the GLC's generous cargo capacity. You get 485 litres in regular versions, but the PHEV variant doesn't lose anything like as much boot space, with 445 litres. Both vehicles feature split-folding rear seats for added versatility, each offering a versatile 40/20/40 configuration.
For families requiring maximum space, the GLC is the clear winner, though the GLA proves adequate for smaller households or those prioritising urban manoeuvrability over outright capacity.
Driving Impressions
The GLA offers the more agile driving experience with tidy handling and well-contained body roll, although it should be noted that we've so far only driven AMG Line cars with their lowered suspension. The steering provides a nice meaty weight and good responsiveness, though feedback is limited. The ride quality in AMG Line cars can feel slightly fidgety and unsettled at low-to-moderate speeds. However, the suspension is better at dealing with large bumps than smaller ones, and the ride does improve at higher speeds, making it comfortable on motorways.
The GLC, based on testing of the 300e plug-in hybrid variant, demonstrates a more refined approach to ride and handling, although is should be noted that plug-in GLCs have self-levelling rear air suspension, which isn't available on the rest of the range. The ride is a tad lumpy at low speed, but is generally more than acceptable, and comfier than the GLA's. The additional weight from the battery pack (resulting in a kerb weight of around 2.3-2.4 tonnes compared to more like 2.0 tonnes in non-plug-in GLCs) does manifest in more pronounced body lean during direction changes, but the overall driving experience feels mature and composed. The GLC's steering feels direct with an intuitive build-up of weight, though it's worth noting that the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 offer sportier handling characteristics.
Both vehicles offer all-wheel-drive capability, with the GLC featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard across the range.
Technology and Equipment
Both Mercedes models showcase impressive technology and equipment levels, albeit with different approaches to standard specification.
The GLA is available in a dizzying array of different trim levels. Even the entry-level Sport is well equipped, with climate control, part-leather (man-made) upholstery, alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, DAB radio, satnav, heated front seats, cruise control and a reversing camera. AMG Line cars add some sportier styling details and sports seats, and the Sport Executive and AMG Line Executive trims add all-round parking sensors, wireless phone charging and Apple Carplay/Android Auto on top of those. You then progress up the range through trims named AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, Exclusive Edition, Exclusive Edition Premium and Exclusive Edition Premium Plus, each one getting more and more luxury kit. And that’s before you’ve even started with the five bespoke trim levels available on the high-performance Mercedes-AMG cars.
The centrepiece of any GLA is the excellent MBUX infotainment system, which includes a central touchscreen and configurable digital dials presented in one integrated unit. The system looks great, works really well, and has one of the best voice control systems you’ll find anywhere. Higher-spec cars have other neat tricks, too, such as ‘augmented reality’ satnav, which displays a camera image of the road in front of you and overlays it with animated instructions, pointing out exactly which turning you need to take.
It's a similar story in the GLC. Even the entry-level car is generously appointed with luxury kit, with 19-inch alloys, LED lights, ambient lighting, heated seats, wireless phone charging, and a powered tailgate. The popular AMG Line Premium specification adds memory seats, matrix digital LED lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, 360-degree parking camera, blind spot warning, and traffic sign recognition. Every GLC features an 11.9-inch touchscreen with the MBUX interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus integrated navigation and online music streaming.
However, there's a frustrating omission with both cars: adaptive cruise control is only available with the expensive Driving Assistance Package, and only on the highest-level trims, so getting this desirable feature costs a lot.
The GLC has a slight edge in terms of standard equipment generosity, which you'd expect given the price difference, but the gulf isn't huge, and both vehicles offer impressive technology packages that should satisfy most buyers' expectations for premium SUVs.
Running Costs
The financial comparison between these two Mercedes SUVs reveals significant differences in both purchase prices and running costs. The GLA-Class starts at upwards of £35,000 for new examples, with the range-topping GLA 45 version commanding around £75,000. These prices appear steep when compared model-for-model with rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
The GLC-Class commands an even higher price premium, with prices kicking off at £60,000, and rising all the way up to more than - wait for it - £125,000 for the most powerful Mercedes-AMG versions. Even compared to equivalent Audi Q5 and BMW X3 models, the GLC looks pricey model-for-model. The GLC does partly justify some of this premium through generous standard equipment: features like head-up displays that require top-spec trims on competitors come as standard on mid-level GLC variants.
For company car users, the GLC plug-in hybrids offer exceptional value, falling into a lower Benefit-in-Kind tax band than rivals due to the superior all-electric range. The GLC's historically strong residual values also help offset the higher purchase price over time, and reduce finance payments.
Overall, the GLA represents the more affordable entry point into Mercedes SUV ownership, whilst the GLC demands a significant premium but offers better equipment levels and superior practicality.
Verdict
The choice between the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and GLC-Class ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and space requirements. The GLA-Class represents a compelling entry point into Mercedes SUV ownership, offering a vastly improved package compared to its predecessor with plausible SUV styling, decent practicality, and impressive technology. Its more compact dimensions make it ideal for urban use, whilst the varied engine range from the sensible 134bhp GLA 180 to the sensational 415bhp GLA 45S provides options for every preference.
The GLC-Class is a more family-focused option with significantly more interior space, boot capacity, and standard equipment. Its refined driving experience, class-leading plug-in hybrid technology offering up to 80 miles of electric range, and comprehensive equipment levels make it an excellent choice for those who can justify the higher purchase price. However, the substantial price premium over rivals, and the frustrating omission of adaptive cruise control, are notable drawbacks.
Both vehicles represent significant improvements over their predecessors and offer the premium feel expected from Mercedes-Benz, but the GLC is the winner here for its superior overall refinement and practicality.