Cut-price Mercedes SUVs: 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA City Edition and GLE Night Edition priced to compete with BMW X1 and X5

Mercedes-Benz has announced two cut-priced additions to its SUV range amid dwindling company-wide sales nationally: the small-sized GLA200 City Edition and the large GLE300d 4Matic Night Edition. 

The GLA200 City Edition, a cut-priced version of the GLA, is primarily defined by its ‘progressive line’ styling, which adds exterior chrome trim highlights, low-profile aluminium roof-rails, and a higher ride height. 

Standard features shared with the base model GLA200 include a panoramic glass sunroof, keyless entry, front seats with electric adjustments, memory settings and heating, hands-free access and power easy-pack tailgate, and a 360-degree camera parking with reversing camera.

But what it gains in styling it loses in some other base-model features. The City Edition features smaller 18-inch alloy wheels, instead of 19-inch AMG line wheels that come standard in the regular GLA200. 

The City Edition also loses sportier black synthetic and microfibre upholstery for a full-synthetic leather look instead, in addition to rear privacy glass, sliding rear seats and a rear armrest. 

Such is reflected in the price, with the GLA starting with a limited time offer of $66,900 (before on-road costs) if ordered before September 30, 2024, $3000 lower than the GLA200 base grade which starts at $69,900, after which it will be available for $63,900 (before on-road costs).

As is standard for the GLA200, the City Edition uses the same 1.3 litre turbo-petrol engine, which produces 120kW of power and 270Nm of torque and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The GLA has been one of Mercedes’ better performing models sales wise, seeing a 9.8 per cent year-to-date increase, while the company has experienced a 24.1 per cent decrease in sales more broadly.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE300d 4Matic Night Edition

This increase is dwarfed by German rival BMW, whose newer-generation X1 has seen a 43.4 per cent increase in sales since this time last year. 

The new GLE300d 4Matic Night Edition sees a similar price reduction of $5000 compared with the standard GLE300d, for a list price of $139,900. 

The Night Edition’s look and ride is boosted by 22-inch alloy wheels, along with air suspension, which provides for a cushier ride and a sportier look.

The car's visual appeal is also enhanced by black trim to the mirror housings and window lines.