Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 vs Volkswagen Taigo CS1

Mercedes-Benz GLA

H247 · 2020 – 2026

The second-generation GLA on the MFA2 platform.

Volkswagen Taigo

CS1 · 2021 – 2026

The first-generation Taigo (CS1), on the MQB A0 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…

Volkswagen Taigo

Pick the Taigo for a stylish coupé crossover with low running costs and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 GLA 200 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen Taigo
Power	163 hp Winner	110 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,7 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	210 km/h Winner	191 km/h
Power-to-weight	110,1 hp/t Winner	93,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	123 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,4 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen Taigo
Boot	435 L	440 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L Winner	1.222 L
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,57 m
Length	4,41 m	4,27 m
Ground clearance	14,3 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,4 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLA	Volkswagen Taigo
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)	MQB A0 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	EA211 1.0 TSI · EA211 Evo 1.5 TSI
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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)

Volkswagen Taigo

Timing belt (wet belt) on some 1.0 TSI
Plastic water pump/thermostat module
Infotainment glitches (MIB3) on early cars

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Coupé roofline sets it apart from the T-Cross
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2 (Euro 6d)
Generous standard kit (LED, digital cockpit)

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

Volkswagen Taigo

Less rear headroom due to the sloping roof
No diesel or all-wheel-drive options

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.

Volkswagen Taigo

Light, easy and aimed squarely at town driving. The Taigo steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and slips through city streets with little effort. The sloping roofline looks good but trims rear headroom, and it is front-wheel drive only. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth. It is a style-led small crossover that prioritises looks and ease of use over outright practicality or driving involvement.