Mercedes-Benz GLA Review 2024
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact SUV perfect for city dwellers and weekend explorers. It combines luxury and practicality with a plush interior, punchy performance, and a range of advanced technology.
Rivals to the Mercedes-Benz GLA include the Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC40, and BMW X1.
Our Mercedes-Benz GLA review covers:
- Slick and aerodynamic design
- Premium interior with superb technology
- 485-litre boot
- Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options
- Five trim levels
Pros:
- Lovely interior
- Comfortable ride
- Good exterior design
Cons:
- Not much fun to drive
- Boot smaller than rivals
- On the pricey side
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is essentially a bigger version of the A-Class, and this is glaringly obvious in its design. Its front grille and bonnet are practically identical to the A-Class's, and the only real difference is the raised height and chunky 4x4 styling. Mercedes has done a pretty good job of this because, rest assured, the GLA looks good.
Step inside the GLA, and you'll find a roomy interior that offers more than enough room for five people. There's plenty of room for a pair of adults in the front, and the seats are extremely comfortable and the high seating position offers a good view of the road. In the rear, head and legroom are pretty generous, and the only time it'll feel cramped is when three adults are occupying the back row.
In the standard GLA, you'll get a boot space of 485 litres, but opt for the plug-in hybrid, and space decreases to 445 litres. This is bang smack in the middle compared to its rivals, with the Audi Q3 being a bit bigger and the Volvo XC40 slightly smaller. You can also lower and fold the rear seats, which reveals a luggage capacity of up to 1,430.
Inside the GLA, you're greeted by a cabin that exudes class and luxury. High-quality materials are common throughout the cabin, and the dashboard and centre console are superb. It comes in an eye-catching gloss black trim, everything is laid out in an organised fashion, and there's no doubt your eyes will be drawn to the turbine-style air vents.
Mercedes has gone for a twin-screen setup in the GLA, with the dashboard housing a pair of 10.3-inch displays that look fantastic. They also function pretty well, displaying clear graphics and featuring wireless smartphone connectivity and voice control.
Five trims are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLA: Sport Edition, Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, and AMG Line Premium Plus.
Sport Edition comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED high performance headlamps, a pair of 10.25-inch screens, smartphone integration, keyless go, heated front seats, attention assist, and lane keeping assist.
Sport Executive adds comfort suspension and black alloy wheels.
AMG Line Executive has 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, privacy glass, ambient lighting in 64 colours, sports seats, a Nappa leather steering wheel, and wireless charging.
AMG Line Premium has thermotronic automatic air conditioning, blind spot assist with exit warning function, and a Mercedes-Benz advanced sound system.
AMG Line Premium Plus has 20-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design, a panoramic sunroof, a memory package for the seats, a parking package with a 360-degree camera, and traffic sign assist.
Five engines are available in the GLA: two petrols, two diesels, and a plug-in hybrid. The entry-level unit is petrol, badged the 180, it returns 136hp and goes from 0-62mph in ten seconds flat.
The next option is the 200, which is our pick of the bunch. Available in both petrol and diesel form, it adds more power into the mix and is a much better all-rounder, being good to drive both around town and on the motorway. If long-distance driving is your forte, we'd go for the diesel version, which returns up to 51mpg.
The most powerful engine is the 220d 4MATIC, which has 190hp and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in seven and a half seconds.
Finally, we have the plug-in hybrid. Best suited for company car drivers or those looking for an economical car, it returns a fuel economy of over 250mpg and can drive on all-electric power for up to 48 miles.
If you're after a family SUV that's comfortable to drive both around town and on the motorway, the GLA is a good car for you. Around town is where the GLA is most at home. It absorbs bumps in the road very well, and if in comfort mode, steering is extremely light, which is ideal for navigating city streets.
On the motorway, the GLA remains smooth and controlled. There's no fuss getting up to cruising speed, and once there, road and wind noise are kept to a minimum. All models also come with lane-keeping assist; however, adaptive cruise control is only available with the driving assistance package.
On a twisty road, it becomes pretty apparent the GLA is built for comfort rather than speed. Selecting 'Sport' mode does make the drive slightly more dynamic, but it doesn't get you on the edge of your seat and falls short of the performance of the BMW X1.
Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz GLA start from £34,480.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.
Looking to get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLA? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase, thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change; always check with your nearest retailer.
