Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting snugly as the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Its proportions and styling clearly defined its position below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions placed it on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was 7.6 centimetres taller and 1.2 cm shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that added to its muscular appearance. Despite the small-looking windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility, and LED headlights came standard. Inside, the GLA 250 featured less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the interior didn't quite match up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a striking exterior with a long hood and low ground clearance, reminiscent of a long sedan. Its design was inspired by the Seville Elegante from the early 1980s, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The vertical light bars incorporated nine LED headlights that played a light show upon unlocking. The grille, with its lighting effects, added to the unique style. The Sport trim, tested in all black with 22-inch wheels, had a muted dark triangular motif. Inside, Cadillac paid attention to detail with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating centre console offered no usable space underneath, and some elements seemed cobbled together, detracting from the luxury experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered three variants: the GLA 250 4MATIC, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 4MATIC featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The AMG GLA 35 increased power to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 further boosted power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The GLA's AWD system offered various drive modes, but the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise at high speeds.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, excelled on the highway with a calm and poised ride. It featured two motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for AWD, with a standard single rear motor offering 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kWh battery provided a range of 505 km with RWD and 494 km with AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 420 km. Charging was efficient, reaching 80% in 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the chassis lacked handling-enhancing features, making it less agile than expected.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided an SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The GLA featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded, providing ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced functionality issues, with misaligned rear fenders and a problematic charging port. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console lacked space. Despite these issues, the LYRIQ offered generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. Cargo space was limited, with 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded, smaller than most compact SUVs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. It included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, wireless charging, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with voice-activated controls and a car-wash function that adjusted various settings for convenience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features like a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the GLA's safety features felt lacking compared to less expensive SUVs.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its front pedestrian collision avoidance system.