Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Tesla Model Y
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.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
From $58,900
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
120kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
435L
Tesla Model Y
From $65,900
SUV
Electric
Electric Motor
255kW
—
5★ ANCAP
854L
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $64,790 and $72,490 respectively.
The Tesla Model Y currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLA does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 120kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Tesla Model Y is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 381mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 419L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Tesla Model Y?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model Y by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Tesla Model Y holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz GLA, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 255kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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