The suv cars they reign in practically the whole world, a trend that began more than a decade ago and is still very present today. However, we have wondered how much more expensive is an SUV with respect to an equivalent compact. Let's compare the price of two very similar cars, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and his brother Mercedes GLA.
We have chosen these two models because they are calked in practically all aspects. They are very similar in exterior and interior design, in dimensions and, of course, they share a platform and engines. Let's go to the configurator Mercedes y let's see the differences with two identical mechanical versions and equipment.
150 hp diesel engine, automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive
We have thought of a customer who travels several kilometers a year, who wants a reliable but not exorbitant mechanical response and, for his comfort, a variant with automatic gearbox. Thus, we opted for the 200 d diesel engine and automatic gearbox called 8G-DCT. In both cases, with front-wheel drive.
To offer some performance data, this diesel engine is a 2.0 liters with 150 hp and 320 Nm in both the Class A and the GLA. But of course, as you are going to know next, performance is different for each model, although the differences are not huge.
Mercedes Class A 200 d 8G-DCT
We start with the compact, the Mercedes Class A. Its body measures 4,41 meters and its trunk is 360 liters. In terms of performance, the A 200 d homologates the following data:
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,1 seconds
- Combined consumption of 4,9 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions of 128g/km
Mercedes GLA 200 d 8G-DCT
As for the compact SUV, the Mercedes GLA has practically the same length, also rounding up to 4,41 meters. However, due to the shape of its body it obtains a trunk with greater volume, 425 liters. Its approved performance data is as follows:
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds
- Combined consumption of 5,3 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions of 140g/km
The main differences between both Mercedes models, beyond the greater ground clearance and more country aesthetics for the GLA, is that the SUV has a higher boot capacity and lower performance, penalizing consumption and polluting emissions of carbon dioxide compared to the compact.
On the other hand, the Mercedes Class A has a better driving feel, is more efficient and faster, but results more uncomfortable when getting in and out of the car because the seats are lower to the ground. Like we have already said, load capacity is noticeably lower compared to GLA, which can make a difference.
Prices: How much more expensive is the Mercedes GLA compared to the Class A?
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Knowing all of the above, now we can go to the crux of the matter: prices. And it is that without adding any kind of extras, the starting price of the Mercedes A-Class with the mechanical version described above is $38.437. We recall that we have chosen the 200 d 150 hp diesel version with automatic transmission, selecting the access finish called Progressive Line in both cars.
With the same mechanical version, the Mercedes GLA has a rate of 43.355 euros. That yes, although the level of finish is the same (Progressive), in the case of the GLA 18-inch wheels are used while in the Class A they are 17. In the two configurations we have not selected any extra and the color of the bodywork is free of charge.
Therefore, the price difference between an otherwise identical compact and SUV, in this case, is practically 5.000 euros. Specifically, 4.918 euros. If we turn it into a percentage, we see that the SUV is 12,8% more expensive than the compact.
Of course, one offers some advantages over the other and, in other makes and models, the price difference will be different, and may be higher or lower.
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 116 - 421 hp
- Consumer goods 0,8 - 8,8l/100km
- Assessment 4,5