Verdict
At RM258,888, the locally assembled GLA is RM32,000 less than the RM290,888 imported GLB, yet both use a 1.33-litre 161 hp turbo petrol four and seven-speed dual-clutch front-wheel-drive layout. The GLA is the sharper on-paper choice, reaching 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds against 9.3 seconds and returning a rated 5.6 L/100 km. But the GLB’s 200 mm longer body, 100 mm longer wheelbase and seven seats make it the useful family machine. Its 270 Nm also beats the GLA’s 250 Nm.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if five seats, quicker 8.7-second acceleration and RM32,000 in savings matter more than a third row.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if you need seven seats, a sliding second row and the extra 100 mm of wheelbase for family duties.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLA RM258,888; Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888.
- Torque: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Nm at 1,620 rpm; Mercedes-Benz GLB 270 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz GLA 8.7 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLB 9.3 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: Mercedes-Benz GLA 4,410 mm and 2,729 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLB 4,634 mm and 2,829 mm.
- Seating and boot space: Mercedes-Benz GLA five seats and 435 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLB seven seats and 130 litres.
- Warranty: Mercedes-Benz GLA four years unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLB two years unlimited mileage.
GLA
- RM32,000 cheaper
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time: 8.7 seconds
- 435-litre boot with five seats
- Only five seats versus the GLB’s seven
- No blind spot information system
- 250 Nm trails the GLB’s 270 Nm
GLB
- Seven seats with sliding second row and folding third row
- 270 Nm of torque
- Blind spot information system and paddle shifts
- RM32,000 more expensive
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 9.3 seconds
- Two-year warranty versus the GLA’s 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 at 5,500 rpm | 161 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm at 1,620 rpm | 270 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 72.2 mm × 81.4 mm | 72.2 mm × 81.4 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 | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (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 a five-seat buyer wanting lower outlay, a 435-litre boot and quicker acceleration. Choose the GLB if seven seats and a 2,829 mm wheelbase are non-negotiable, accepting its smaller 130-litre boot with all seats occupied.
What is the price difference?
The GLB costs RM32,000 more than the GLA. That gap brings two extra seats, a 100 mm longer wheelbase, 270 Nm instead of 250 Nm, blind spot monitoring and paddle shifts, but a shorter two-year warranty.
Which is quicker, the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The GLA is quicker, completing 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds versus 9.3 seconds for the GLB. It also has a 210 km/h top speed, compared with 207 km/h for the GLB.
