Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020) Review

In 2014, the Mercedes A-Class which had arrived in 2012 was turned into an SUV, the Mercedes GLA. It addresses the firm ride of the A-Class with a more supple set-up, although this is no high-riding off-roader. You can get it with four-wheel drive, but front-drivers are more frugal. Rivals are drawn from a variety of corners, such as the Audi Q3, dynamically impressive BMW X1, and even the Range Rover Evoque. Read on for our Mercedes GLA review.

The Mercedes GLA is a compact SUV designed to blend the practicality of a hatch with the option of four-wheel drive.

What’s surprising is why, given the popularity of smaller 4x4s among premium car buyers, it took so long for the Mercedes GLA to arrive.

It’s no surprise to learn that it’s based on the Mercedes A-Class. It uses the same platform and there are clearly big similarities in the styling, both inside and out.

Despite being an SUV, it’s not as big as you’d expect. In fact, sitting behind the wheel, it’s a bit like a jacked-up Mercedes A-Class – the driving position isn’t overly elevated.

It does come with raised ground clearance and a more rugged appearance, as we’ve come to expect from this style of SUV. And just like the competition, there are both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive versions available, although most used buyers will opt for the standard two-wheel-drive Mercedes GLA 200d. As with the Mercedes A-Class, it’s a front-wheel-drive layout.

The engine line-up echoes the Mercedes A-Class too, so there’s a Mercedes GLA 200d and Mercedes GLA 220d 4MATIC, which are both powered by the familiar 2.1-litre diesel.

It’s a decent engine but not the most refined around, and when combined with the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox it’s a fairly lacklustre combination.

If you don’t need diesel, there’s a Mercedes GLA 200 which is actually powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

The Mercedes GLA is better suited to a more laid-back driving style and it’s the excellent ride quality that really shines through, especially with the standard SE suspension.

It’s quiet and comfortable at motorway speeds and good over long distances. The interior quality is top-notch, too, and although the basic design is starting to look a little dated now – the stereo controls in particular – the quality of the finish is very good.

Read our review of the latest Mercedes-Benz GLA here.

When launched in 2012, the Mercedes A-Class – on which the Mercedes GLA is based – was met with a somewhat mixed reception by critics. While it was an improvement on its predecessor, the ride was deemed too hard and the steering too artificial.

Thankfully, both those criticisms were addressed with the Mercedes GLA. The ride is its most impressive feature – it’s smooth over poor-quality surfaces, and quiet on the motorway.

In fact, the Mercedes GLA makes a very good long-distance car. This has long been a Mercedes strength and the Mercedes GLA follows in this tradition. Rather than try and make it too sporty, Mercedes has gone for a more supple set-up.

The standard suspension is a comfort set-up, while AMG Line models get firmer and lower sports suspension. It’s appreciably stiffer, but not uncomfortable.

While it’s good at speed, the Mercedes GLA also handles well on more demanding roads. The steering is less artificial than in the Mercedes A-Class and although not exactly over-endowed with natural feel, it’s well weighted nonetheless.

Unlike some compact SUVs, there’s little lean in corners and decent front-end grip. So although it doesn’t encourage you to go too quick, it does give you enough confidence through corners.

The Mercedes GLA200d comes only as a front-wheel drive and with a manual gearbox as standard. It’s powered by a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel with 136PS and a useful 300Nm of torque.

Unfortunately, it’s not the best diesel and doesn’t compare well to similar 2.0-litre units from BMW or Audi.

It’s noisy on start-up, although things improve on the move thanks to good sound insulation. Better news is official economy of more than 64mpg on some models, although you should check out Real MPG for a more accurate picture.

The same engine powers the Mercedes GLA220d, but with power boosted to 170PS and torque up to 350Nm. It feels stronger when accelerating from low revs, helped by the fact all that torque peaks from just 1400rpm.

The problem is the power band is quite narrow, so it often runs out of juice sooner than you expect. As a result, it doesn’t feel as powerful as the figures suggest.

It’s a much happier engine when not rushed, but seems hampered by the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox. This is standard on the Mercedes GLA220d, but can be slow to respond, particularly when you want it to kick down a gear.

This means that slowing down for roundabouts, and then accelerating back up to speed again, can result in the transmission hunting for the right gear.

That said, it’s very smooth and quick when shifting up. The manual in the Mercedes GLA200d is a better choice, but we don’t feel you should have to compromise – the Mercedes GLA is the type of car that’s better suited as an automatic, and it’s a pity that the ‘box isn’t up to the task.

The sportiest mainstream petrol is the Mercedes GLA250 4MATIC, which is a 2.0-litre petrol with 211PS. It’s good fun to drive thanks to the turbocharged petrol engine and produces a nice exhaust note, but again it’s hampered by the 7G-DCT automatic.

Or, you could have the slightly mad Mercedes GLA45 AMG that mixes SUV looks with superhatch power thanks to its 355PS turbocharged 2.0-litre motor.

This is, thankfully, harnessed by standard all-wheel drive.

The Mercedes GLA was equipped with Collision Prevention Assistance, which helps in the event of an emergency braking situation by activating the brakes if the driver doesn’t respond.

This car also comes with Mercedes’ Pre-Safe set-up, which delivered useful features such as tightening the seatbelts if the car sensed impending danger.

Later Mercedes GLA models from this generation came with cruise control as standard, and the option of extra safety kit such as lane keep assistance and traffic sign recognition tech.

The Mercedes GLA scored a five-star rating from Euro NCAP when tested in 2014.

The Mercedes GLA can tow an unbraked trailer of up to 750kg and a braked trailer with a maximum of 1500kg.

It might not be ideal for hauling a horsebox, but is fine for a lighter caravan or trailer to take rubbish to the refuse tip.

While it’s considered a compact SUV, the Mercedes GLA doesn’t feel like one from behind the wheel.

It’s true it does have an elevated driving position, but it’s actually only 4cm higher than a contemporary Mercedes A-Class, so there’s not the advantage you get with something like an Audi Q3.

Given that many people who buy a small SUV like this appreciate a higher driving position, it’s something of a surprise.

That said, it is good news as it makes the Mercedes GLA feel very much like a conventional hatchback. Forward visibility is good and it’s easy to see where the nose is for judging parking, plus there’s plenty of adjustment in both the seat and the steering column.

It's spacious, too, and even taller drivers won’t be short of legroom.

Thanks to the raised ride height, getting in and out is easier than on a normal hatchback, and the seats offer impressive long-distance comfort, helped by good lower back support.

The Mercedes GLA gets Artico artificial leather seats as standard, while AMG Line models have sports seats in Artico and Dinamica complete with red stitching. These not only add a touch of style, but are also more supportive in the right places.

Rear space is similar to a Mercedes A-Class, too, albeit with a couple more centimetres of headroom. If you’ve got a tall driver or front passenger, then you’ll find legroom quite limited, even with the seats slid back.

However, things improve in the back, which is surprisingly accommodating for adults. That said, a BMW X1 feels more spacious.

When it comes to boot space, the Mercedes GLA is usefully practical with 481 litres – a 140-litre increase on the Mercedes A-Class.

In addition, the boot opening is wide, with only a low boot lip. You can also adjust the rear seats to a steeper position, which increases the load capacity by 60 litres.

What really shines through with the Mercedes GLA is the quality of the finish. It feels as well built and as upmarket as larger Mercedes models, with a reassuring thud when you close the doors.

The jury remains out on the overall interior design, however. It’s a bit of a mixed bag and although features like the circular air vents give it a sense of style, it doesn’t feel particularly modern.

We’d suggest avoiding some of the wood trims, which don’t help, while the stereo controls are starting to look a bit old-hat, too.

It does get an electric parking brake as standard, which is far better than the traditional Mercedes foot operated system. However, the button is tucked away by your knee.

Storage is good, with two cup-holders, a central cubby that doubles as the armrest and – if you opt for an automatic – a large lidded box where the gear lever is on the manual version.

As with its Mercedes A-Class sibling, the sat-nav and infotainment screen could be better integrated. Its positioning means it looks rather thoughtlessly ‘plonked on’.

That said, it’s a good system to use. Navigating the menus is as simple as turning one chunky dial and it’s easy to access the features you’ll need.

Key information can be displayed in a small screen in the instrument binnacle, so you can keep your eyes on the road more easily.

It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the SUV sector with used buyers that £13,500 is still required to bag a decent eight-year-old Mercedes GLA with 80,000 miles under its wheels.

Go for something newer, and a four-year-old model will cost as much as £26,000 for a low-mileage example. Choose the Mercedes GLA45 AMG and that price can rise as high as £31,000.

The large majority of used buyers will seek out the Mercedes GLA in 220d CDI form.

This diesel-engined model comes with four-wheel drive and delivers a claimed combined economy of up to 47.9mpg.

This is joined by carbon dioxide emissions of 155g/km that mean a pre-1 April 2017 car will require £240 per year in road tax, compared to £180 for one registered after this date.

Servicing is needed every 12,000 miles or 12 months, and Mercedes dealers may be a little expensive for used buyers. But there are good independent garages which are affordable.

To insure the Mercedes GLA, you’ll be looking at groups 19 to 44. The Mercedes GLA220d Sport 4MATIC auto sits in a very reasonable group 24.

The Mercedes GLA SE is fitted with a two-louvre radiator grille in silver, front and rear apron trim in dark chrome and 18-inch alloy wheels with comfort suspension.

It also has silver or anthracite interior trim, a Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, Artico artificial leather upholstery and a 5.8-inch high resolution infotainment display screen.

The Mercedes GLA AMG Line models get an AMG front bumper with the apron trim in matt titanium grey, AMG side sill and rear bumper, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, sports suspension and Dynamic Handling Package.

Inside, there’s aluminium interior trim, AMG floor mats, a sports steering wheel with red stitching, plus sports seats in Artico and Dinamica with red stitching.