Verdict
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger technical choice: its 235 hp, 420 Nm electric motor and all-wheel drive cut the 0-100 km/h time to 7.3 seconds, against the GLA’s 161 hp, 250 Nm, front-wheel drive and 8.7 seconds. Its 70 kWh battery also brings a quoted 488 km range and up to 200 kW DC charging. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with a 435-litre boot, 22 litres more luggage room, a longer 2,729 mm wheelbase and RM100 annual road tax versus RM220. For long-distance EV use, the EC40’s charging provision matters more; for petrol familiarity and cargo space, the GLA remains sensible.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you want the larger 435-litre boot, lower RM100 annual road tax and a petrol drivetrain with 5.6 L/100 km rated economy.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want 235 hp, 420 Nm, all-wheel drive, a 488 km quoted EV range and adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go.
Key differences
- Performance: GLA 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds; EC40 in 7.3 seconds.
- Power and torque: GLA 161 hp and 250 Nm; EC40 235 hp and 420 Nm.
- Driveline: GLA front-wheel drive; EC40 all-wheel drive.
- Energy and range: GLA 43-litre petrol tank and 5.6 L/100 km rated economy; EC40 70 kWh battery and 488 km EV range.
- Luggage space: GLA 435 litres; EC40 413 litres.
- Road tax: GLA RM100 per year; EC40 RM220 per year.
GLA
- 435-litre boot is 22 litres larger.
- Longer 2,729 mm wheelbase.
- Lower RM100 annual road tax.
- Slower 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 7.3 seconds.
- Front-wheel drive versus the EC40’s all-wheel drive.
- No blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping steering correction or adaptive cruise control.
EC40
- 235 hp and 420 Nm with a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 70 kWh battery, 488 km quoted range and up to 200 kW DC charging.
- All-wheel drive, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
- 413-litre boot is 22 litres smaller.
- At 2,185 kg, it is 700 kg heavier.
- RM220 annual road tax is RM120 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM258,888 | RM248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM100✓ | RM220 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 161 hp at 5,500 rpm | — |
| Torque | 250 Nm at 1,620 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 72.2 mm × 81.4 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7G-DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Volvo |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 5.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,485 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact6 | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| 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" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (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 | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (Up To 105 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| 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 |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| 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 | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, 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 (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| 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, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| 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 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 & EC40 for sale
GLA vs EC40 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is better for performance, electric range and driver assistance, with 235 hp, 420 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 488 km quoted range. Choose the GLA for its larger 435-litre boot, longer wheelbase and lower annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888, which is RM10,000 less than the RM258,888 Mercedes-Benz GLA. Both are locally assembled in Malaysia.
How quickly can the Volvo EC40 charge?
The EC40 supports 11 kW AC charging and up to 200 kW DC charging from its 70 kWh battery. The GLA is petrol-powered, using a 1.33-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 43-litre fuel tank.
