Performance
Both took advantage of Mercedes-Benz’ 2.0 liter I-4 engine; the GLA 250 achieves a robust 208 horses while the GLC 300 achieves an impressive 241 horses. For fuel economy, the GLA 250 gets an accomplished 27 mpg while the GLC 300 gets a respectable 24 mpg. Perhaps this is because the GLC 300 uses an advanced 9-speed automatic transmission which requires slightly more fuel to achieve buttery-smooth shifts between gears, or because the GLC 300 has a rear-wheel-drive transmission while the GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive. As far as torque performance goes between the two models, the GLC 300 has 273 pound-feet while the GLA 250 has 258. Drag coefficients are similar between the two: 0.36 in the GLC 300 and 0.32 in the GLA 250. Overall, the main performance difference between the two models is that the GLC 300 does 0-60 in 6.3 seconds while the GLA 250 does it in 7.2 seconds.
Appearance
Visually, the GLA 250 and GLC 300 are very similar in stature and shape. Slightly friendlier and curvier than the GLC 300, the GLA 250 has curved tail lights, no protruding exhaust tips from the side profile, and has two side-view mirror turn signal slits instead of one of the GLA 250. The GLC 300 has chrome window trim, HID fog lights and a unique front grille with curvier, friendlier-looking headlights. The GLA 250 is all-around slightly edgier in design, utilizing sharper lines; overall, both vehicles have slight variations which make them well suited to particular tastes in their rights.
Features
Weighing 400 pounds more than the GLA, the GLC has 13 more cubic feet of storage space at 56.5 cubic feet. The GLA features a metal and leather steering wheel while the GLC features a purely leather steering wheel. As far as safety is concerned, the GLA 250 has an emergency call button, while the GLC 300 won the IIHS Top Safety Pick with specific headlights. One of the leading interior differences in features between the GLA 250 and GLC 300 is that the center console air vents on the GLC are contained in one piece together that extends down to the infotainment joystick, while on the GLA 250 they’re connected purely to the dash itself.
To experience the very best in luxury automobiles, contact or visit Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell to schedule a test drive in the GLA 250 or the GLC 300.