New Mercedes GLA EV revealed: how does it compare to the Tesla Model Y?

Mercedes has just replaced the EQA, its smallest electric SUV, with the all-new GLA. It shares parts with the CLA saloon, and provides an alternative to cars like the BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron and, most importantly, the Tesla Model Y.

Carwow data shows that the Model Y is the most popular alternative to the old EQA, with almost 8% of people who configured an EQA through Carwow going on to buy a Model Y instead. To find out how the new GLA stacks up against the Tesla, I’m going to compare the stats on both cars.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

New Mercedes GLA vs Tesla Model Y: batteries and range

The new Mercedes GLA will be available with two battery options from launch: 58kWh and 85kWh. These are the same options as you’ll find in the CLA, but being a boxier, less aerodynamic SUV it can’t quite match that car on range.

Mercedes hasn’t confirmed the range for the smaller battery yet, but the larger option can do up to 408 miles on a charge. That’s 75 miles less than the CLA, but it’s over 60 miles more than the old EQA could manage and it’s 17 miles up on the Tesla Model Y. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive version of that car has 391 miles of range.

The GLA also has the Tesla licked on charging speeds. It can top up at up to 320kW using a DC fast charger, adding 168 miles of range in 10 minutes. The Model Y tops out at 175kW, meaning it can add around 100 miles in ten minutes.

If you don’t fancy an electric car, a petrol-hybrid GLA will also be available with a 1.5-litre engine – just like in the CLA saloon.

New Mercedes GLA vs Tesla Model Y: interior and technology

Inside, the new Mercedes GLA follows on from the CLA and other new Mercedes models. This means it’s a bit of a screen-fest.

The driver has a 10.3-inch instrument display, there’s a 14.0-inch central infotainment system and you can also get an optional 14.0-inch passenger screen, and they all live behind one sheet of glass.

It’s basically the same setup as you get in the Mercedes CLA, and in that car it’s bright, responsive and easy to use. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be the same here, but it’s still a shame that there are no buttons for the climate control.

That’s a criticism you can level at the Model Y as well, because it has even fewer physical controls. It has one, lonesome screen in the middle with everything from your navigation to the speedometer on it, and it’s also very easy to use.

I reckon the GLA’s interior design is more enticing though. There’s more going on with the layered door cards and tall centre console. It looks minimalist, but not empty like the Tesla is.

New Mercedes GLA vs Tesla Model Y: space and practicality

Mercedes has made the new GLA slightly longer than the old EQA, and it’s also got a slightly extended wheelbase. That means you now get 38mm more rear legroom, which is welcome because the EQA was rather cramped in the back.

It’ll be tough to beat the palatial Tesla Model Y though. We’ll have to get the two cars together to say for sure, but the Tesla is likely to be the more spacious car for rear passengers owing to the fact it has a 100mm longer wheelbase.

The GLA is behind on boot space as well, with 410 litres on offer compared to the Model Y’s 854 litres. I’ve always taken that figure with a pinch of salt though, because when we tested the Model Y against the Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback, a car with 511 litres of boot space, the Audi managed to carry the same amount of carry-on-sized suitcases.

That said, the GLA’s boot still isn’t all that impressive. It may be 70 litres up on the old EQA, but the BMW iX1 can carry up to 490 litres and the Audi Q4 e-tron has 515 litres of space.

New Mercedes GLA vs Tesla Model Y: design

Styling is subjective, but if you’re spending more than £40,000 on an electric SUV the chances are you’ll want it to stand out. In this respect, the GLA looks more desirable.

That big, illuminated grille which Mercedes has been putting on its cars lately suits the GLA’s SUV proportions much better than the C-Class EV saloon. I also quite like the sleek headlights with the three-pointed star logo in them, and the AMG styling pack adds a more aggressive-looking bodykit.

Alloy wheel sizes start at 18 inches, and rise to 20-inch rims. I’m not quite so sold on the rear three-quarter angle – to my eye it looks like the designers couldn’t decide between a boxy SUV or a swooping coupe roofline, so they didn’t commit to either. The rear lights are cool though, with a light bar spanning the tailgate to join them up.

By comparison, the Model Y looks rather dull. Sure, it has a Cybertruck-esque front light strip and some funky taillights, but the blobby side profile and featureless front end means it doesn’t really stand out. It’s not ugly, but the Mercedes looks more expensive.

New Mercedes GLA vs Tesla Model Y: prices and verdict

Speaking of expensive, the new Mercedes GLA is actually slightly cheaper than the old EQA. It’ll start from just over £45,000 when it goes on sale later this year, whereas the EQA currently costs almost £50,000.

Exact prices and specs for all models will be revealed in the coming weeks, but I’d expect the version with the larger battery to cost around £50,000.

By comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts from £42,000 in its most basic trim, but that car’s interior isn’t as posh as the next version up. The Model Y Premium has a much nicer cabin and 378 miles of range, and it starts from £48,990.

So in terms of price, there’s not really anything in it. The Tesla may be more practical, on paper at least, but the GLA has more range and a posher image. I reckon it’ll be worth waiting to drive this car before ordering a Tesla.

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