Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Volkswagen ID.4

The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. 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 $64,790 and $65,989 respectively.

The Volkswagen ID.4 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.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats 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 Volkswagen ID.4 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.4.

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 Volkswagen ID.4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The Volkswagen ID.4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.4 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 174mm shorter than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 4,585mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 108L 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 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4). Both match on warranty length.