VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
130 kW
Torque
500 Nm
270 Nm
Fuel
9.1 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
3100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
8.9 s
Engine
1996 cc
1332 cc
Choosing between the LDV D90 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The LDV D90 delivers 160 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 130 kW. On fuel, the D90 returns 9.1 l/100km while the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R899 900 for the D90 and R913 640 for the GLA. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
LDV D902.0bitdi Flagship 2025 - From R899 900
Mercedes-Benz GLA200 A/T 2023 - From R913 640
Performance
Power Output
160 kW
130 kW
Torque
500 Nm
270 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.9 s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1332 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.1 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
219 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5046 mm
4412 mm
Width
2016 mm
1834-2020 mm
Height
1876 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2950 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
—
143 mm
Kerb Weight
2370 Kg
1491 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3100 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
525 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
100000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
LDV D90
3 / 4 categories
Performance
D90
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
D90
Practicality
D90
Pros & Cons
LDV D90
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Lower starting price (R899 900)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (9.1 l/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (130 kW vs 160 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the D90 or GLA?
The D90 uses 9.1 l/100km and the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the D90 or GLA?
The D90 produces 160 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the GLA delivers 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. The D90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the D90 and GLA?
The D90 starts from R899 900 and the GLA from R913 640. The D90 is cheaper by R13 740 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the D90 or GLA?
The D90 has a braked towing capacity of 3100 Kg and the GLA can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the D90 or the GLA?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.