VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
200 kW
Torque
320 Nm
343 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
17.5 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
—
1400 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
5.3 s
Engine
1950 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Volvo EX30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 110 kW while the Volvo EX30 produces 200 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 5.1 l/100km while the EX30 uses 17.5 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R982 080 for the GLA and R968 400 for the EX30. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
110 kW
200 kW
Torque
320 Nm
343 Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
5.3 s
Top Speed
208 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
17.5 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
132 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4233 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1837-2032 mm
Height
1616 mm
1555 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
177 mm
Kerb Weight
1620 Kg
1850 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
318-622-904 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1400 Kg
Load Capacity
520 l
390 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo EX30
3 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
EX30
Practicality
EX30
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 200 kW)
Higher starting price
Volvo EX30
More powerful engine (200 kW)
Lower starting price (R968 400)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (17.5 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or EX30?
The GLA uses 5.1 l/100km and the EX30 uses 17.5 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLA or EX30?
The GLA produces 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the EX30 delivers 200 kW and 343 Nm of torque. The EX30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLA and EX30?
The GLA starts from R982 080 and the EX30 from R968 400. The EX30 is cheaper by R13 680 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or EX30?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the EX30 can tow 1400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA or the EX30?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.