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In-depth reviews

Mercedes GLA review

The Mercedes GLA is a premium compact SUV that offers high levels of comfort and refinement, while on-board tech is good too

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

  • Improved on-board tech
  • Comfort
  • Engine performance
  • Pricier than before
  • Not an engaging drive
  • Running costs
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Mercedes has refined the GLA in all the right places. Compared to the original model, it’s more practical, offers advanced driver-assistance tech and is a comfortable place in which to travel. When you add in a strong range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus powerful AMG versions, along with the improved quality of materials throughout the cabin, the GLA has noticeably come of age.

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Despite these obvious plus points, the downside is that the GLA is pricey compared to the competition and, if you make the decision to purchase, the running costs are also a little steep. However, it remains a genuine contender for families seeking a small, premium SUV.

About the Mercedes GLA

The first Mercedes GLA SUV was launched in 2014 to a rather modest fanfare. Although it was a supposed premium product, designed to take on the likes of the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3, it fell short in a number of key areas. The interior was a little cramped, the ride wasn’t particularly comfortable and the bland styling didn’t inspire a sense of desirability. 

It was telling that the original GLA design was often referred to as just an ‘A-Class on stilts’, which points directly to the perception of it as more of a high-riding hatch than a well-rounded compact SUV. This time around, the car gets a more individual design to set it apart from the A-Class and it feels more like a fully fledged SUV, just like its rivals do.

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Mercedes has clearly decided to challenge that perception with the second-generation GLA. It’s a full 11cm taller than the previous model and, with the wheelbase extended by 30mm, the manufacturer claims there’s now more interior space. There’s also a bigger boot which means the GLA can compete on a practical level with the rivals mentioned above, while providing more load space than the Mazda CX-30, Lexus UX and even the Range Rover Evoque. We think it delivers a great all-round package and named the GLA our 2022 Small Premium SUV of the Year.

Performance is well taken care of with a range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engine options, although the 134bhp 180 and 221bhp 250 petrol versions are no longer available on the GLA price list.

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The 161bhp GLA 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol unit, while those completing higher mileages might want to opt for one of the 2.0-litre diesels: the GLA 200 d with 148bhp, or the GLA 220 d which produces 187bhp. The 220 d comes with with Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel-drive system as standard, and all cars use an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the exception of the GLA 200 which has a seven-speed auto ‘box.

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The most efficient GLA is the 250 e plug-in hybrid, which combines 1.3-litre petrol power with an electric motor to deliver a total output of 215bhp. High-mileage drivers may still be better off with a diesel as once the battery is flat the GLA 250 e has similar running costs to a normal petrol model. Meanwhile, the Mercedes EQA is heavily based on the GLA and is fully electric, yet costs not much more than the plug-in hybrid GLA 250 e.

Mercedes hasn’t forgotten those who desire plenty of pace to go with the SUV practicality, however. At the top of the GLA range sits the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 with 302bhp and the extreme 415bhp GLA 45 S, both using a 2.0-litre petrol powerplant and turning in some serious performance figures. 

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Starting with the Sport Executive models, the range moves through AMG Line Executive to the bolder-looking AMG Line Premium and Premium Plus Night Edition cars, while the Mercedes-AMG variants boast further luxury kit and specific trim and tech enhancements.

Used and nearly new

The Mercedes GLA went on sale in November 2013 as a jacked-up and slightly more rugged A-Class. A facelift in 2017 made it feel more like a compact SUV, but the GLA came of age in 2020 with the launch of the improved Mk2 version.

Mercedes GLA history

Mercedes GLA

Mercedes GLA Mk2: 2020-

Mercedes has refined the GLA in all the right places. Compared to the original model, it’s more practical, offers advanced driver-assistance tech and is a comfortable place in which to travel. When you add in a strong range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus powerful AMG versions, along with the improved quality of materials throughout the cabin, the GLA has noticeably come of age. 

Mercedes GLA Mk1 used review - front

Mercedes GLA Mk1: 2013-2020

The first Mercedes GLA SUV was launched in 2014 to a rather modest fanfare. Although it was a supposed premium product, designed to take on the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, it fell short in a number of key areas. The interior was a little cramped, the ride wasn’t particularly comfortable and the bland styling didn’t inspire a sense of desirability. It was telling that the original GLA design was often referred to as just an ‘A-Class on stilts’. Read our full Mk1 Mercedes GLA buyer’s guide here...

For an alternative review of the Mercedes GLA, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    GLA 180 Sport 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £31,950

Most Economical

  • Name
    GLA 250e AMG Line Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £42,525

Fastest

  • Name
    GLA 250 AMG Line 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £36,500
Executive editor

Paul was employed across automotive agency and manufacturer-side sectors before joining Auto Express in 2020 as our online reviews editor. After a brief sojourn at a national UK newspaper, Paul returned as executive editor where he now works closely with our commercial partners.

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