GLA vs. GLB: Which Mercedes-Benz SUV Is Right for Your Ottawa Family's Summer?
July 03 2025,
Summer in Ottawa brings family adventures to every corner of the city and beyond. Whether you're navigating the narrow streets of the Glebe for farmer's market trips or carpooling to soccer fields in Barrhaven, your vehicle needs to handle both urban driving and family hauling duties. When cottage weekends near the Rideau Lakes call, you'll want space for luggage, sports equipment, and everything else that makes summer memorable.
Mercedes-Benz offers two compact SUVs that address different family needs: the sporty GLA 250 4MATIC and the versatile GLB 250 4MATIC. Both share the same 2.0L turbo engine with mild hybrid technology and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but their size, seating, and cargo differences make each suited to specific family situations. Here's how to determine which one works best for your summer plans.
Size and Manoeuvrability for Ottawa Driving
The GLA excels when agility matters most. At 4,412 mm long and 1,834 mm wide, it navigates tight parking spots at ByWard Market or busy areas around Rideau Centre with confidence. The 11.4-metre turning circle makes U-turns simple when you miss your street in residential neighbourhoods.
The GLB measures 4,634 mm long – about 220 mm longer than the GLA. While still manageable in city driving, this extra length provides the interior space that makes the GLB's seven-seat capability possible. The 11.7-metre turning circle remains reasonable for urban manoeuvring.
Urban Driving Advantages:
- GLA: Easier parking in downtown cores, quicker lane changes
- GLB: Better highway stability, more commanding view of traffic
Seating Capacity for Different Family Sizes
The fundamental difference between these SUVs lies in passenger capacity. The GLA seats five passengers comfortably, making it ideal for smaller families or couples who occasionally need rear passenger space.
The GLB's available third-row seating transforms it into a seven-passenger vehicle. The optional 3rd-row Seat Package adds two additional seats with 884 mm of headroom and 740 mm of legroom. While these seats suit children and shorter adults best, they provide crucial flexibility for larger families or carpooling situations.
Third-Row Practicality:
- Suitable for children up to approximately 12 years old
- Adults under 5'6" can use for shorter trips
- Easy access through second-row slide-and-tilt mechanism
- Manual folding when extra cargo space is needed
Cargo Space for Summer Activities
Cargo capacity reveals the most significant practical difference between these models. The GLA provides 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with seats folded. This suits daily errands, sports equipment for one or two children, and moderate vacation packing.
The GLB offers 570 litres behind the second row in five-seat mode, growing to 1,805 litres with all rear seats folded. With the third row in place, cargo capacity drops to approximately 179 litres – enough for small bags and groceries but not suitable for major trips.
Real-World Cargo Examples:
- GLA: Two large hockey bags, school backpacks, weekly groceries
- GLB (5-seat): Three hockey bags, camping gear for weekend trips
- GLB (7-seat): Limited to small personal items, purses, lunch bags
Performance and Fuel Economy Comparison
Both SUVs use identical powertrains: a 2.0L inline-4 turbo with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLA's lighter weight (1,695 kg vs. 1,765 kg) provides quicker acceleration at 6.8 seconds to 100 km/h compared to the GLB's 7.0 seconds.
Fuel economy favours the GLA due to its lighter weight and more aerodynamic profile. City consumption rates 9.4 L/100 km versus the GLB's 9.8 L/100 km, while highway driving shows 7.1 L/100 km versus 7.2 L/100 km respectively.
Performance Summary:
|
Specification |
GLA 250 4MATIC |
GLB 250 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
|
0-100 km/h |
6.8 seconds |
7.0 seconds |
|
City fuel economy |
9.4 L/100 km |
9.8 L/100 km |
|
Highway fuel economy |
7.1 L/100 km |
7.2 L/100 km |
|
Curb weight |
1,695 kg |
1,765 kg |
Technology and Features
Both SUVs include the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant. Standard features include panoramic sunroofs, 64-colour ambient lighting, and aluminum roof rails for additional cargo mounting.
The GLB's larger interior allows for more storage compartments and cup holders, practical when managing family items during longer trips. Both vehicles offer the same available packages and options, including AMG Line styling and various wheel choices.
Standard Technology Features:
- MBUX with dual 10.25-inch displays
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Mercedes me connect app integration
- Navigation with live traffic information
- 4MATIC all-wheel drive with multiple driving modes
Choosing Based on Your Family's Summer Plans
Select the GLA if your family priorities include easier urban parking, better fuel economy, and adequate cargo space for typical family activities. Families with two children or fewer will find the five-seat configuration sufficient for most situations, while the sporty handling makes daily driving more engaging.
Choose the GLB when seating flexibility matters more than ultimate agility. Families with three or more children, those who frequently carpool, or anyone who regularly transports extended family members will appreciate the seven-seat capability. The additional cargo space in five-seat mode better accommodates camping gear, multiple sports equipment sets, or cottage weekend supplies.
Decision Framework:
- Urban-focused families (GLA): Easier parking, better fuel economy, adequate space
- Growing families (GLB): Third-row option, maximum cargo flexibility, future-proof choice
- Weekend adventurers (GLB): More gear capacity, better for longer trips
- Empty nesters or young couples (GLA): Right-sized for current needs, more responsive driving
Both the GLA and GLB deliver Mercedes-Benz quality, safety, and technology in compact packages suited to Ottawa family life. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize urban agility or maximum family versatility. Visit Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown to experience both SUVs and determine which better serves your family's summer adventures.
