The Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB lessons share a standard platform, powertrain choices and a number of inside items. They’re awfully related, however you do not have to take a look at their specs to guess appropriately that the boxier GLB supplies extra utility than the hatchback-like GLA. And for those who do have a look at the specs, you will see that the GLB is almost 9 inches longer with 4 further inches of wheelbase. These are appreciable variations even when their rear legroom dimensions are curiously similar (maybe it is a measurement subject brought on by the GLB’s sliding again seat?).
Talking of measurement points, I as soon as once more should level out that Mercedes’ cargo numbers do not actually equate to most others within the business. Very similar to the GLC, each the GLB and GLA are way more voluminous than their respective 22.0 and 15.4 cubic-foot capacities would point out. For some context, the GLB’s quantity ought to make it roughly equal to a Subaru Crosstrek, however as we have beforehand proven, it could possibly really maintain as a lot as a Subaru Outback. The GLA is equally being shortchanged by what appears to be 7 cubic-feet by my estimation given how a lot stuff it could possibly really maintain.
And the way a lot stuff can the GLA maintain? And the way does it evaluate to the GLB? Let’s have a look!
Each GLA (high) and GLB (backside) have a cargo ground that drops down for further area or stays in the next place to make sure a flat cargo ground when the again seat is lowered. All assessments going ahead are with the ground within the decrease place.
The GLB is offered with a conventional pull-out cargo cowl, however my check car didn’t embody it. The GLA did have the inflexible, hatchback-style cowl so that is how a lot it might maintain.
As with each baggage check I do, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that will have to be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 large, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Principally, the 4 largest luggage can match beneath the cargo cowl. Not unhealthy, really.
OK, now let’s take away that cargo cowl and get again to the cargo comparability.
So the GLA can really match all the luggage with rear visibility nonetheless maintained and the flowery bag prevented from flying ahead by the seatback. Whether or not you take into account the GLA a compact hatchback or a subcompact SUV, this is superb. It is principally the identical because the Subaru Crosstrek can handle. It blows away the Audi Q3.
And but, take a look at how a lot area is remaining when the identical variety of objects are positioned within the GLB. And be aware, that is with the GLB’s again seat slid again to its rearmost place. It will get larger than this.
Now, I might slide the seats totally ahead and render them principally ineffective to folks whereas stuffing in an absurd quantity of stuff, however what is the level of that? As an alternative, I merely slid the 40/20 parts ahead by a small quantity proven beneath. The /40 portion stayed the place it had been.
The results of this small scooch ahead is the flexibility to hold all of the stuff proven beneath, together with a 38-quart cooler, a field containing a double river innertube, a duffle bag and a small briefcase-sized bag.
Right here is how this identical quantity of things matches within the GLB and the GLA.
So sure, I did cheat a bit by transferring the seat ahead, which isn’t doable within the GLA. However, I believe that is fairly illustrative of how way more area is within the Mercedes GLB versus the GLA. It additionally speaks to its better versatility. For $1,820, you get a lot extra utility within the GLB and comparable function content material, even for those who presumably lose some agility (particularly with the AMG 35 fashions). For me, selecting between the 2 can be straightforward.
