Mercedes GLA review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

As well as providing the GLA with a sharper look and new on-board tech, Mercedes has also focused on levels of comfort and practicality. The standard powered tailgate opens to reveal a larger boot space, while the seats are trimmed in Artico man-made leather - which is much easier to clean after travelling with the kids.

A reversing camera is offered on all cars to make parking manoeuvres that bit easier, while there’s also a keyless start function so you can get on the move with the minimum of fuss. Up front there are two cup-holders and a large central storage bin, along with USB ports to connect a smartphone.

Size

At 4,410mm in length, the second-generation GLA is slightly shorter than its predecessor, although it is 30mm wider. Where the new model has changed significantly is in its overall height, which has increased by 110mm to 1,611mm and gives the GLA a proper SUV stance.

For reference, the Volvo XC40 rival is a bigger car all-round with an overall length of 4,425mm, width of 1,863mm and standing 1,658mm tall.

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Leg room, head room & passenger space

Space up-front in the GLA is more than adequate, although rear-seat passengers may find things a bit tighter. Rear leg room is just about okay, but head room could be an issue due to the sloping roofline. The rear seat backs do recline though, which may offer some help in getting more comfortable.

Boot

The GLA petrol models have a 495-litre boot capacity, although the diesel versions offer ten litres less load space. We think it should just be enough to accommodate the luggage of a family of four. One downside if you opt for the 250 e plug-in hybrid is that its packaging means it only has a 445-litre boot.