Mercedes GLA 200 vs. GLA 250: 4 Differences & Which Is Best?

So, you’ve got your eye on the Mercedes-Benz GLA? Good choice!

But here’s the real question: GLA 200 or GLA 250?

If you’re thinking, “What’s the difference?” you’re in the right place!

The main difference between the Mercedes GLA 200 and GLA 250 is that the GLA 200 has a 1.3-liter engine and a seven-speed gearbox, while the GLA 200 has a 2.0-liter engine and an eight-speed gearbox.

But there are more things to compare! Let’s get started!

6 Differences between the Mercedes GLA 200 and GLA 250

Ready to put the Mercedes GLA 200 and GLA 250 head-to-head? Let’s dive into all the differences!

1. Engine

Let’s dive under the hood first.

Here is an overview of the engines of the GLA 200 and GLA 250 and their performance:

Mercedes	Engine	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	0 to 60 mph (100 km/h)	Top speed
GLA 200	1.3-liter petrol	163	250	8.3 seconds	134 mph (215 km/h)
GLA 250	2.0-liter petrol	224	350	6.3 seconds	149 mph (240 km/h)

Starting with the GLA 200, it has a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s got 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, which is enough power for daily commutes.

Now, the GLA 250 comes with a significantly larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an impressive 224 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. This essentially means it’s quicker, more powerful, and ready to respond when you hit the accelerator.

So, in the engine department, the GLA 250 has an edge in raw power.

2. Gearbox

Next up is another noteworthy difference between these two.

The Mercedes GLA 200 has a seven-speed DCT gearbox, while the Mercedes GLA 250 has an eight-speed DCT gearbox.

You probably won’t notice the additional gear if you didn’t know about it, but it does give you additional flexibility.

Also, on the highway, the car’s engine can be quieter and operate at a lower RPM due to the additional gear.

3. Fuel economy

The next difference is the fuel efficiency.

Especially in today’s world, with rising fuel prices, this factor isn’t unimportant!

Due to its smaller engine, the GLA 200 impresses with 42.8 UK mpg combined (that’s about 6.60 Liters per 100 km for our metric friends). Quite economical, isn’t it?

Meanwhile, the GLA 250, with its more powerful engine, is slightly thirstier. It manages an average of 37.2 UK mpg combined (or 7.59 Liters per 100 km). It’s more than the GLA 200, but given its extra horsepower, that’s quite understandable.

As always, power has to be balanced with consumption.

If you’re someone who’s on the road a lot or just likes to save a bit at the pump, those extra miles per gallon might matter to you!

Reader’s tip: Mercedes GLA: Regular Or Premium Gas? Find Out What’s Best!

4. Wheel size

You know what they say: the shoes make the outfit – and in a car, the wheels can significantly affect aesthetics and performance.

The Mercedes GLA 200 has 18-inch wheels as standard, while the GLA 250 comes with larger 19-inch wheels.

Smaller wheels tend to provide a smoother ride as they have a larger sidewall, which can absorb bumps and potholes better.

On the other side, bigger wheels can give the car a more sporty appearance, which some drivers prefer.

Performance-wise, larger wheels often result in more precise steering and better grip, especially when cornering at high speeds, thanks to a wider contact patch with the road.

In a nutshell, the GLA 200’s 18-inch wheels are more geared toward comfort, while the GLA 250’s 19-inch wheels offer a bit more sportiness and precision.

Which is better depends largely on your personal preferences and where and how you drive!

5. Blind spot monitoring

You know those moments when you’re driving, and there’s a vehicle hiding just out of your sight?

Yup, that’s the dreaded blind spot.

But the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) feature from Mercedes can come to the rescue.

Now, the GLA 200 doesn’t come with blind spot monitoring as a standard feature, while the GLA 250 does.

While many experienced drivers have their ways of managing without it, especially if they’re skilled with mirror adjustments and shoulder checks, the added safety of BSM can be nice.

6. The price tag

Ah, the ever-important price tag.

After all, luxury and features are wonderful, but they need to fit within our budget, right?

The GLA 200 starts at around £41,000, while the GLA 250 is priced at around £43,000.

But the price difference isn’t too bad considering the larger engine and additional standard features.

What is the best choice? (Mercedes GLA 200 vs. GLA 250)

So, after diving into the specs, features, and price tags of these vehicles, you might wonder, “Which one’s the car for me?”

Well, let’s break it down!

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience but must stick close to a budget, the GLA 200 might be your perfect pick. Plus, with its superior fuel economy, it can be great if you’re a daily commuter.

Got a need for speed? The GLA 250 comes with a bigger engine, offering more horsepower and torque. Plus, its 19-inch wheels definitely make it look fancier.

One extra note is that if you ever want to get closer to the power of the GLA 250 in your GLA 200, you can always consider getting a RaceChip.

RaceChip is a company offering Plug & Drive tuning box systems for many car models. They can be installed by yourself without needing any specialist knowledge or tools.

In fact, it will only take 10 to 15 minutes, and when you buy a RaceChip, you’ll receive car model-specific installation instructions!

Using a RaceChip, you can give your Mercedes GLA 200 a performance boost of up to 39 horsepower and 83 Nm:

And the best thing is, a RaceChip is much more affordable than the upgrade from a GLA 200 to a GLA 250. You can check out RaceChip’s website here!

Conclusion

And there we have it!

We’ve put the Mercedes GLA 200 and GLA 250 head-to-head, examining the differences in their engines, gearboxes, wheel sizes, and, of course, the price tag.

If you’re considering these models, we highly encourage you to visit your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for a test drive.

After all, nothing can truly replicate the feeling of being behind the wheel, experiencing the drive for yourself.

You might just find your dream car in the process.