Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 vs Renault Arkana ARK

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

Renault Arkana

ARK · 2020 – 2026

The Arkana (ARK), a coupé-SUV on the CMF-B platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Pick the GLA for a raised driving position, space and efficient engines in a compact premium SUV.

Best engine: The GLA 200 (petrol) or GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Arkana

Pick the Arkana for a striking coupé-SUV with a roomy boot and an efficient hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Renault Arkana
Power	163 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	250 Nm	260 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,7 s Winner	9,8 s
Top speed	210 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	110,1 hp/t Winner	105,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	132 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Renault Arkana
Boot	435 L	480 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L	1.500 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,72 m
Length	4,41 m	4,57 m
Ground clearance	14,3 cm	—
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	750 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Renault Arkana
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	6-speed manual · EDC7
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLA

M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)

Renault Arkana

Infotainment: freezes and lag
Electrical gremlins (12V battery)
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLA

435 L boot growing to ~1,430 L — roomy for a subcompact SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.8 L/100 km)
MFA2 platform with MBUX and optional 4MATIC
GLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly

Renault Arkana

Striking coupé design
Roomy boot (480–513 L)
Efficient E-Tech hybrid available

Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLA

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
Dual-clutch gearbox needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M282 (1.3): elevated oil consumption reported

Renault Arkana

Sloping roof limits rear headroom
No diesel offered

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Comfortable, easy and closer to a hatchback than an SUV to drive. The GLA rides smoothly, stays quiet at speed, and steers lightly and precisely with little feedback. The 2.0-litre M260 petrol is smooth and pulls strongly from low revs; the OM654 diesel is the one for high mileage, nearly inaudible on the motorway; the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. There is little here for keen drivers — the GLA puts comfort, quietness and the tech-heavy cabin ahead of any sporting pretension.

Renault Arkana

A comfortable long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, and body control is reasonable, but the ride is firmer than many rivals — especially on larger wheels — and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the E-Tech hybrid prioritises efficiency and can feel less linear under hard acceleration because of its multi-mode transmission. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder.