GWM Tank 500 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The GWM Tank 500 starts from $59,990 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 $1,090.
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 $65,989 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM Tank 500 and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GWM Tank 500 and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLA packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the GWM Tank 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Tank 500 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM Tank 500 uses a Hybrid producing 175kW and 648Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed auto to a 4WD layout.
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 GWM Tank 500 has the clear power advantage at 175kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM Tank 500 measures 5,078mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 667mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Tank 500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 98L in the GWM Tank 500 and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 337L advantage. The GWM Tank 500 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the GWM Tank 500 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,622/year for the GWM Tank 500 and $2,081/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $2,622 (GWM Tank 500) vs $2,081 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $541 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Tank 500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The GWM Tank 500 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM Tank 500 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The GWM Tank 500 and Mercedes-Benz GLA trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $541 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a clear edge. The GWM Tank 500 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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