Mercedes-Benz Comparison: GLA vs GLC

Drivers who are looking for a smaller SUV that’s suited for zipping through the city in style should take a look at Mercedes-Benz’s GLC and GLA SUVs. These small luxury-focused SUVs deliver the same luxurious experience you expect from Mercedes with a body that strikes an excellent balance between interior space and overall maneuverable size.

Here’s a quick comparison of both models to help you decide which of these first-class Mercedes-Benz SUVs is the right option for you.

Trim Levels and Models

The GLC and GLA have relatively simple trim level offerings, choosing instead to give you plenty of features with the base model and allowing you to adjust your experience with optional packages. Here is a guide to each model’s versions to help you with your shopping experience.

GLA

The 2021 GLA is offered in four versions:

• GLA 250 SUV.
• GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV.
• AMG® GLA 35 SUV.
• AMG® GLA 45 SUV.

The first two are essentially the same vehicle, but the 4MATIC® model has a four-wheel-drive system. The AMG® series are performance-tuned versions of the standard GLA.

GLC

The 2021 GLC is offered in a similar set of models:

• GLC 300 SUV.
• GLC 300 4MATIC® SUV.
• AMG® GLC 43 SUV.
• AMG® GLC 63 SUV.

Like the GLA, the AMG® GLC is more or less the standard model with stronger engine options. Let’s take a look at what those engines look like.

Strength and MPG Ratings

GLA

The GLA features a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that offers 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Choosing the AMG® 35 version will increase that engine’s power to 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AMG® GLA 45 pushes this strength even higher to 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.

The 2021 GLA gets up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway thanks to its efficient powertrain.

GLC

The GLC 300 comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. For more power, choose the AMG® GLC 43, which features a turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. If that’s not enough for you, there’s the AMG® GLC 63, which boasts a turbocharged V-8 engine that pumps out 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.

The 2021 GLC can reach up to 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space

GLA

Both the GLAand the GLC seat up to five passengers in two-row cabins. The GLA is one of the smallest (and most affordable) SUVs Mercedes-Benz offers. If you’re looking for the most room for your passengers to relax in between these two models, the GLA offers more headroom and legroom.

• Front-row room:
• Headroom: 39 inches.
• Legroom: 41 inches.
• Shoulder room: 55.9 inches.

Second-row room:

• Headroom: 38.1 inches.
• Legroom: 38 inches.
• Shoulder room: 54.8 inches.
• Cargo volume with seats folded: 50.5 cubic feet.

GLC

Though the GLC offers less legroom and headroom than the GLA, you’ll get more shoulder room in both rows. The GLC-Class also offers significantly more cargo volume if you’re looking for an SUV that can fit your supplies and gear.

• First-row room:
• Headroom: 37.8 inches.
• Legroom: 40.8 inches.
• Shoulder room: 57.3 inches.
• Second-row room:
• Headroom: 38.5 inches.
• Legroom: 37.3 inches.
• Shoulder room: 56.5 inches.
• Cargo volume with seats folded: 56.5 cubic feet.

Luxury Features

Naturally, both of these Mercedes-Benz SUVs come with plenty of luxurious features with every model. Both SUV models feature standard simulated leather upholstery for two rows, but the GLC comes standard with heated front seats, which is an optional feature for the GLA. Both models prepare you for today’s weather with standard dual-zone automatic climate control. Three-zone climate control is available for the GLC. Genuine leather upholstery, a ventilation function for the front seats, and a heated steering wheel are optional upgrades for both models.

Though both of these Mercedes-Benz models deliver luxury experiences, the GLC offers a little bit more to go along with its greater size and higher price point.

Packages

Rather than give you a list of trim levels to sort through, Mercedes-Benz gives you a quality, luxury SUV upfront with the ability to customize and upgrade them with multiple packages.

These packages include the Premium Package, which gives you a full tech loadout that includes larger screens, power-folding mirrors, a hands-free liftgate, and more. If you want a more sporty and edgy appearance for your GLC or GLA, opt for the available AMG® Line with the Night Package, which adds black-on-black accents to your SUV’s exterior and gives the cabin aluminum paddles, aluminum pedals, and sport front seats. These are just some examples of the packages you can add to your SUV. Both of these models offer them, so you can customize your favorite one to your heart’s content.

Smart Safety

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLAand GLC offer some next-level advanced safety technologies to keep you secure on the road. Both models come standard with a forward collision mitigation system that issues warnings to the driver about slowed or stopped vehicles ahead and then applies the SUV’s brakes if needed. Other useful safety features include a rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and active brake assist system.

If you want to take advantage of these models’ full lists of intelligent safety technologies, equip either one with their available Driver Assistance Package. This package includes features such as the active lane-keeping assist system, active blind spot assist that lets you know when you can change lanes, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, and many more. If your travels often take you through the city streets and you want to protect yourself and your Mercedes from potential surprises, this safety package is a must-have upgrade.

Find Your GLA or GLC at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler

Whether you’re a fan of the GLA or the GLC, you’ll find your chance behind the wheel at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler, Texas. Finding a luxurious Mercedes-Benz SUV to treat yourself with is an easy task. It’s choosing between these first-class options that’s the hard part.

Get in contact with our team to schedule a test drive today. If you have any questions about the GLC, GLA, or any of the other top-notch Mercedes-Benz models in our inventory, feel free to send us a message with your question or give us a call.