Mazda CX-6e vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mazda CX-6e starts from $59,106 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 $206.

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 $65,017 and $64,790 respectively.

The Mazda CX-6e 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 Mazda CX-6e and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mazda CX-6e and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The Mazda CX-6e features a 26.5-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mazda CX-6e stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mazda CX-6e runs a pure electric powertrain producing 190kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.

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

The Mazda CX-6e has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-6e measures 4,850mm long on a 2,902mm wheelbase, 439mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-6e generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 468L in the Mazda CX-6e and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Mazda CX-6e a 33L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 (Mazda CX-6e) vs 5 years (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.