CUPRA Tavascan vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The CUPRA Tavascan starts from $60,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $2,090.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,089 and $64,790 respectively.

The CUPRA Tavascan qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLA, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the CUPRA Tavascan and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the CUPRA Tavascan and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Tavascan packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the CUPRA Tavascan and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The CUPRA Tavascan adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLA misses.

The CUPRA Tavascan features a 15-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The CUPRA Tavascan stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Tavascan gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the CUPRA Tavascan and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The CUPRA Tavascan uses a Electric Motor producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Tavascan is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The CUPRA Tavascan measures 4,644mm long on a 2,766mm wheelbase, 233mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the CUPRA Tavascan generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the CUPRA Tavascan and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the CUPRA Tavascan a 105L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Tavascan) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.