Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020) Review
Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020) At A Glance
Impressive ride quality. Available with two or four-wheel drive. Good rear passenger and load space. High quality interior finish.
Lacklustre dual clutch automatic. 220 d noisy and not as good as competitor diesel engines. Driving position not as high as other compact SUVs.
The GLA is the Mercedes-Benz equivalent of the BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3, 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 has taken so long for the GLA to arrive.
It's no surprise to learn that it's based on the Mercedes-Benz 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 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. As with the competition there are both two and four-wheel drive versions available but most people will opt for the standard two-wheel drive 200d - like the A-Class it's a front-wheel drive layout.
The engine line-up echoes the A-Class too, so there's a 200d and 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 want performance. If you don't need diesel, there's a GLA 200 which is actually powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine.
The 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 so 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.
Real MPG average for a Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
80%
Real MPG
24–58 mpg
MPGs submitted
178
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
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On the inside of an Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020)
- Boot space is 481–1235 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4417–4445 mm |
Width | 2022 mm |
Height | 1479–1494 mm |
Wheelbase | 2699 mm |
While it's categorised as a compact SUV, the 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 an A-Class so there's not the advantage you get with something like an Audi Q3. Considering many people who buy a small SUV like this appreciate a higher driving position it's somewhat of a surprise.
That said, it is good news as it makes the 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 leg room.
Thanks to the raised ride height getting in and out is easier than a normal hatchback and the seats offer impressive long distance comfort, helped by good lower back support. The GLA gets Artico artificial leather seats as standard while AMG Line models have sports seats in Artico and Dinamica complete with red stitching, which not only add a touch of style but are also more supportive in the right places.
Rear space is similar to an 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 seas slid back – but 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 GLA is usefully practical with 481 litres – a 140-litre increase on the A-Class - plus 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 GLA is the quality of the finish. It feels as well built and as upmarket as larger Mercedes-Benz models with a reassuring thud when you close the doors. The jury is still 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-Benz foot operated system, however the button is tucked away by your knee. Storage is good with two cupholders, 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.
Standard equipment from launch (February 2014)
SE models have a two louvre radiator grille in silver, front and rear apron trim in dark chrome, 18-inch alloy wheels with comfort suspension, silver or anthracite interior trim, a nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, Artico artificial leather upholstery and a 5.8-inch high resolution display screen.
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, aluminium interior trim, AMG floormats, a sports steering wheel with red stitching plus sports seats in Artico and Dinamica with red stitching.
Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020)
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.Driving Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020)
- Engines range from GLA 180 to GLA220 d 4Matic Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–58 mpg
When launched in 2012, the A-Class - on which the 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 have been addressed with the GLA. The ride is its most impressive feature. It's smooth over poor quality surfaces and quiet on the motorway.
In fact the GLA makes a very good long distance car. This has long been a Mercedes-Benz strength and the GLA follows in this tradition. Rather than try and make it too sporty, Mercedes-Benz 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 GLA also handles well on more demanding roads. The steering is less artificial than in the A-Class and although not exactly over-endowed with natural feel, it's nonetheless well weighted. 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 GLA 200d 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 around compared to similar 2.0-litre units from BMW or Audi.
It's noisy on start-up although there's less noise on the move thanks to good sound insulation. Better news is official economy of more than 64mpg on some models, although you're better off checking out Real MPG for a more accurate picture.
The same engine powers the GLA 220d 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 power sooner than you expect and as a result it's doesn't feel as powerful as the figures suggest.
It's a much happier engine when not rushed but does seem hampered by the 7G-DCT automatic gearbox. It's standard on the GLA 220d but can be slow to respond, particularly when you want it to kickdown a gear. As a result, 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 GLA 200d is a better choice but we don't feel you should have to compromise - the 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 petrol is the GLA250 4Matic which is a 2.0-litre petrol with 211PS. It's enjoyable and 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.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
GLA 180 | - | - | 158–160 g/km |
GLA 180 Automatic | - | - | 144–146 g/km |
GLA 200 | - | - | 151–153 g/km |
GLA 200 Automatic | - | - | 147–148 g/km |
GLA 220d 4Matic Automatic | 47–48 mpg | 7.7 s | 155–157 g/km |
GLA 250 4Matic Automatic | - | - | 169 g/km |
GLA180 Automatic | 41–45 mpg | 8.7–9.0 s | 144–158 g/km |
GLA200 | 42–47 mpg | 8.4 s | 134–138 g/km |
GLA200 Automatic | 44–49 mpg | 8.1 s | 131–135 g/km |
GLA200 CDI | 63–67 mpg | 9.5–10.0 s | 110–119 g/km |
GLA200 CDI Automatic | 63 mpg | 9.9 s | 119 g/km |
GLA200 d | 64–67 mpg | 9.5–10.0 s | 110–119 g/km |
GLA200 d 4Matic Automatic | 49–57 mpg | 9.1–9.9 s | 130–132 g/km |
GLA200 d Automatic | 50–67 mpg | 9.1–9.9 s | 108–119 g/km |
GLA200d | 67 mpg | 9.5 s | 110 g/km |
GLA200d 4Matic Automatic | 49 mpg | 9.1 s | 130 g/km |
GLA200d Automatic | 51 mpg | 9.1 s | 108 g/km |
GLA220 CDI 4Matic | 55–63 mpg | 8.3–9.9 s | 119–132 g/km |
GLA220 CDI 4Matic Automatic | 55 mpg | 8.3 s | 127 g/km |
GLA220 d 4Matic Automatic | 48–57 mpg | 7.7 s | 130 g/km |
GLA250 4Matic | 38–43 mpg | 6.6–7.1 s | 154 g/km |
GLA250 4Matic Automatic | 38–43 mpg | 6.6 s | 154–155 g/km |
GLA45 AMG | 33–38 mpg | 4.4–4.8 s | 172–175 g/km |
Mercedes-Benz GLA (2014 – 2020) Models and Specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4417–4445 mm |
Width | 2022 mm |
Height | 1479–1494 mm |
Wheelbase | 2699 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1395–1595 kg |
Boot Space | 481–1235 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | 12500–15534 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Tyre-repair kit |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £25,850–£53,735 |
Insurance Groups | 19–44 |
Road Tax Bands | B–H |
Official MPG | 33.2–67.3 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2020
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
GLA180 1.6 AMG Line Edition 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA180 1.6 AMG Line Edition Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA180 1.6 AMG Line Edition Plus 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA180 1.6 AMG Line Edition Plus Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA180 1.6 Urban Edition 5dr | - | 40.9 mpg | 9.0 s |
GLA180 1.6 Urban Edition Auto 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | 8.7 s |
GLA180 1.6 Urban Edition Plus 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA180 1.6 Urban Edition Plus Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 AMG Line Edition 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 AMG Line Edition Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 AMG Line Edition Plus 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 AMG Line Edition Plus Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 Urban Edition 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 Urban Edition Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 Urban Edition Plus 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA200 1.6 Urban Edition Plus Auto 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA250 2.0 AMG Line Edition Auto 4MATIC 5dr | - | - | - |
GLA250 2.0 AMG Line Edition Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | - | - | - |
On sale until March 2020
On sale until April 2019
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
GLA200 1.6 Whiteart 5dr | £31,905 | 47.1 mpg | 8.4 s |
GLA200 1.6 Whiteart Auto 5dr | £33,505 | 48.7 mpg | 8.1 s |
GLA200 1.6 Whiteart Premium Plus 5dr | £33,205 | 47.1 mpg | 8.4 s |
GLA200 1.6 Whiteart Premium Plus Auto 5dr | £34,805 | 48.7 mpg | 8.1 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Whiteart 5dr | £33,510 | 64.2 mpg | 9.5 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Whiteart Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £36,710 | 56.5 mpg | 9.1 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Whiteart Auto 5dr | £35,110 | 64.2 mpg | 9.1 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Whiteart Premium Plus 5dr | £34,810 | 64.2 mpg | 9.5 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Whiteart Premium Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £38,010 | 56.5 mpg | 9.1 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Whiteart Premium Plus Auto 5dr | £36,410 | 64.2 mpg | 9.1 s |
GLA220d 2.1 Whiteart Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £38,140 | 56.5 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 Whiteart Premium Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £39,440 | 56.5 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA250 2.0 Whiteart Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £37,955 | 42.8 mpg | 6.6 s |
GLA250 2.0 Whiteart Premium Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £39,255 | 42.8 mpg | 6.6 s |
GLA45 2.0 AMG Auto 4MATIC Yellow Night Edition 5dr | £53,735 | 38.2 mpg | 4.4 s |
On sale until November 2018
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
GLA220d 2.1 AMG Line Executive Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £36,720 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
On sale until October 2018
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
GLA220d 2.1 AMG Line Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £35,725 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 AMG Line Premium Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £37,420 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 AMG Line Premium Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £38,720 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 Sport Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £34,430 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 Sport Executive Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £35,425 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 Sport Premium Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £36,125 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
GLA220d 2.1 Sport Premium Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £37,425 | 47.9 mpg | 7.7 s |
On sale until June 2016
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
GLA200d 2.1 Sport Executive 5dr | £28,380 | 67.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Sport Executive Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £31,330 | 56.5 mpg | 9.9 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Sport Executive Auto 5dr | £29,830 | 67.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
GLA200d 2.1 Sport Premium Plus Auto 4MATIC 5dr | £33,330 | 56.5 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until August 2015
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
220 CDI AMG LINE 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £31,775 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI AMG LINE Executive 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £32,600 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI AMG LINE Premium 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £33,325 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI AMG LINE Premium Plus 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £34,170 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI Sport 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £30,775 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI Sport Executive 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £31,600 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI Sport Premium 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £32,325 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
220 CDI Sport Premium Plus 4MATIC DCT Auto 170 5dr | £33,170 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
45 AMG 4MATIC DCT Auto 360 5dr | £44,595 | 37.7 mpg | 4.8 s |
On sale until September 2014
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
200 CDI SE 136 5dr | £25,850 | 62.8 mpg | 10.0 s |
200 CDI SE Auto 136 5dr | £27,300 | 62.8 mpg | 9.9 s |
220 CDI SE 4MATIC 170 5dr Auto | £30,035 | 55.4 mpg | 8.3 s |
250 SE 4MATIC 211 5dr Auto | £29,915 | 42.8 mpg | 7.1 s |
On sale until April 2014
Good
- Impressive ride quality with comfort suspension.
- Little noise at motorway speeds.
- 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating under 2014 system: 96% adult occupant protection, 88% child occupant protection, 67% pedestrian protection, 70% safety assist.
Bad
- 2.1-litre diesel engine is not the quietest, especially when worked hard.
- Automatic gearbox can be slow to respond and kick down.
- Standard Mercedes-Benz interior design is starting to look a little dated in places.
What to watch out for
26-10-2016: Noise reported from AWD system of 40,000 mile 2014 GLA on 19-inch wheels from purchase used at 5 months old. Since purchased it suffered from a noise and vibration coming from the 4x4 system at low speeds and now under hard acceleration. After being run consistently on a motorway when stopping and then pulling away again it feels as though the front and rear wheels are fighting against each other. When braking to a stop and when the stop/start system cuts the engine you can actually 'feel' the transmission 'relax'. This seems much worse after a long, high speed run on the motorway. It has got to the point where every passenger comments on either the sound or vibration, regular passengers saying that it's definitely getting worse. Car is on the original rear tyres (at 40,000 miles), front ones replaced earlier 2016 year due to 'odd' wear due to under inflation (not registered by the pressure monitors). Problem probably caused by disparity between front and rear tyres.
10-4-2017: Report of front left side suspension of new 2017 Mercedes Benz GLA 220d 4matic collapsing.
7-8-2017: Report of front tyres of 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 'crabbing' on low speed corners.
23-8-2017: Report of engine management light on and restricted power within 3 months of purchase of new Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d. Earliest Mercedes would book owner in was 3 months later. Turned out the problem was a soot blocked DPF. Since then owner has taken it back at least 4 times with a blocked DPF. He uses the motorway every day for work commuting and doesn't do city driving.
29-10-2017: Faults with a June 2016 Mercedes GLA 250 YC16YXG have included: June 2016: Front offside proximity sensor continually activated when there was no obstruction in sight. Owner had to take it in to the garage three times before it was rectified: "It probably needs a software download." This was done but the fault recurred. "We’ll adjust the [something]." This was done but the fault recurred. "We may need to replace the sensor. This finally solved the problem at the cost of four days without the car. (The fault has recurred a few times since but owner ignored it in the hope it will just go away.) January 2017: The stop/start stopped working. Required two visits to dealer. First time "We have found the fault and have replaced the subsidiary battery." 2nd time: "The fault recurred so we have replaced the main battery." Also a fault with the audio system. If owner left iPod plugged in, when he switched on Media, the system showed the current track as playing but without sound. He had to switch to Radio and then back to Media when the system played the sound. He was told “this is a characteristic of the model” so nothing could be done. June 2017: The fault with stop/start recurred. Dealer said: “We have found an electrical fault on the main battery so will replace it. Unfortunately, we don’t have one in stock so can you bring the car back in.” Next day owner took car back and battery was replaced. Owner mentioned media fault to service assistant and she said that perhaps a download of the command module software would cure the fault. The battery was replaced and the download cured the fault. August 2017: Two further faults developed: The hatchback auto close partially stopped working – it would three-quarters close and then stop; The auto parking brake release stopped working so every time owner tried to drive off the panel told him to “release parking brake”. He took car to dealer and both problems were fixed, apparently with a software download (the software download also seems to have fixed the engine stop/start that had begun to malfunction again). However, the mechanic noted a repair advisory from Mercedes which required the battery to be replaced with a different model. This meant that, in 15 months, the car has had five batteries: The original two batteries fitted on delivery; a replacement of the subsidiary battery (January 2017); a replacement of the main battery (January 2017); a replacement of the main battery (June 2017); a replacement of the main battery [different model] (August 2017). September 2017: Front offside proximity sensor again started activating when there was no obstruction in sight. The garage collected the car but could find no fault either from the computer diagnosis or from a walk-around test. However, they had ordered a new sensor plus new wiring as a precaution so replaced the wiring. A day later the fault recurred. October 2107: Front offside proximity sensor again activated unnecessarily. Owner then read that a recall was planned for Mercedes GLA models because of an electrical fault that can cause the airbags to activate by mistake; the garage have not yet contacted the owner about this. (Recall issued 17-10-2017; see 'Recalls'.)
27-1-2018: Complaint of "tacker, tacker, tacker" noise on slow, hard, right turn going up an incline from stop (Dormans Station Road onto Wilderwick Road near East Grinstead) from Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic. BApparently US forums say known problem with CV joints TRB LI33.30-P-061504? Started at about 22,000 miles on 15 plate car. Crabbing started at about same time. Tyres 4mm.
27-2-2018: Report of repeated corrosion of the centres of the front alloy wheels on a March 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA, now at 13,500 miles. The wheels were first replaced in August 2017 and now, 6 months and 3,000 miles later the corrosion is spreading, like a spider's web, from the centres of the wheels. MB has once again agreed to replace the two front wheels. Apparently the rear wheels had been refurbed prior to the owner buying it as a new car.
19-3-2018: Report of 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 CDi 7G-DCT Auto Start/Stop losing Drive 3 miles after setting off. No warning signs on instrument panel. Owner pulled over, waited 2 - 3 minutes, then tried again and Drive returned.
27-4-2018: Report of red fault message appearing on dash of Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG - Collision Prevention System Unavailable. "From 50mph the car lost all power within two to three seconds and came to a halt. Owner switched off the ignition, re-started the engine, fault message disappeared engine power regained. MB could find no trace of the GLA45 fault on their diagnostic system and basically said what happened to the GLA 45 could have been the result of a number of issues and not traceable. MB subsequently absolved themselves of any responsibility to research the issue further. The reason being they cannot find a fault or determine why the fault would occur in the first place. If I want to pursue the matter further they have advised me to through the Motor Ombudsman."
29-5-2018: Report of same Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG as 27-4-2018 needing new brake discs at 16,000 miles at a cost of £2,000 because the discs had become warped.
16-10-2018: Report of failure of inlet manifold swirl flap motors on 2014 Mercedes Benz GLA 200CDI at 46,000 miles. (Damage code 0 09338H2). Estimated cost of repair £1312.32.
29-10-2018: Report of fuel system problems with 2016 Mercededs-Benz GLA 250 (petrol) AMG line at 20k miles after running 400km at 130kmp on French Autoroutes using 95RON petrol and then refuelling with 95RON. On pulling away from the pump, the car has a noticeable misfire for at least a couple of kilometres. On every occasion this has happened, it has been preceded by the auto stop-start failing, in that the yellow ‘not ready’ light will have been on for the whole 400 km (when the light is green, ‘ready’, there has never been a problem. The first time it happened (July 2017) the engine was unable to pull below 2500 rpm, and would not rev above 4000 rpm. Using the auto-box manually, owner managed to limp to Mercedes Le Mans where the engine diagnostics revealed a non-working No 1 cylinder. They reinstalled the full software suite, and the catastrophic misfire was resolved. However, three times since owner has experienced varying degrees of stuttering after the 400 km refuel point. We suggested running the car on 99RON petrol that the engine is optimised for.
3-4-2019: Report of dual mass flywheel of 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA 220CDI failing to engage the starter motor after 23,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz delaer quoted £3,000 to replace DMF and clutch.
10-4-2019: Another report of the dual mass flywheel of a Mercedes-Benz GLA failing, this tme a 2014 4-Matic with full Mercedes-Benz service history.
8-6-2019: Report of random fault with 2014 Mercedes Benz GLA220 CDi 7G-DCT 4Matic. Warning shows: PRE SAFE FUNCTIONS LIMITED; DSR and "skid symbol" also comes on. When this happens engine seems to lose full acceleration and will not kick down. DSR and ECO buttons on the dashboard do not operate. If driver stops, switches off, takes out the key, then switches back on again failts disappear. MB dealer wants £180 for basic diagnostics to try to trace the fault.
24-10-2019: Report of poor performance and increased fuel consumption from Merceded-Benz GLA after NOx emissions upgrade.
9-12-2019: Report of rear hatch of 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA opening of its own accord, initially in a car park when it kept opening every time owner got out and subsequently on 3 further occasions; one a similar situation and twice when he just came to it and found the hatch open. Dealer replaced the lock but fault still occurs. Might benefit from a squirt of WD40. But see 29-10-2017.
15-2-2020: Report of wear on Alcantara type driver's seat material of 39,000 miles 2017 Mercedes Benz GLA 200 AMG Line leading to shiny areas where it seems to have worn away.
Recalls
Mercedes-Benz GLA Built 08/09/2014-07/11/2014 Number of cars involved 1208 Manufacturer reference SRPC1507. Problem Front passenger airbag may not deploy because of ill-fitted fuses. Solution Check the fuses and replace fuse box if necessary.
20-06-2017: R/2017/096: STARTING CURRENT LIMITER MAY OVERLOAD. Where the car incurs severe engine damage resulting in the engine failing to turn over (engine seizure), and if the driver repeatedly attempts to start the engine despite the engine not cranking, the very high electrical current could lead to overheating of the starting current limiter and the potential for a fire. Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and install an additional fuse in the electrical line to the starter. Build dates: 01-02-2014 to 28-02-2017.
20-06-2017: R/2017/160: LEFT AND RIGHT WINDOW AIRBAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED. The left and right widow airbags may not meet specification. As a result they may not deploy in the event of an accident. Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left and right window airbags. VINS: WDC1569052J325801 to WDC1569052J325801.
20-06-2017: R/2017/161: LEFT WINDOW AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED. The left widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result it may not deploy in the event of an accident. Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left window air bag. VINS: WDC1569022J325763 to WDC1569462J326731; WDD1173032N451720 to WDD1179422N451604. Build dates: 01-08-2016 to 31-03-2017.
20-06-2017: R/2017/162: RIGHT WINDOW AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY AS INTENDED. The right widow airbag may not meet specification. As a result they may not deploy in the event of an accident. Fix: On affected vehicles replace theright window airbag. VINS: WDC1569022J325302 to WDC1569462J325894; WDD1173052N451708 to WDD1173441N452052. Build dates: 01-08-2016 to 31-03-2017.
20-06-2017: R/2017/177: AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY. The propellant mixing ratio in the igniters of the front passenger airbag assembly may not meet specification. If the airbag is required and activated, it might not deploy or not completely deploy. This could increase the risk of injury to the occupants. Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag assembly. VINS: WDC1569022J306707 to WDD2462432J426041; WDC1569022J306707 to WDD2462432J426041; WDC1569022J306707 to WDD2462432J426041; WDC1569022J306707 to WDD2462432J426041; WDC1569022J306707 to WDD2462432J426041. Build dates: 01-08-2016 to 31-03-2017.
20-06-2017: R/2017/179: VACUUM LINE BRAKE BOOSTER MAY BREAK. The connection fitting of the vacuum line to the brake booster is not to specification and my not be durable. If the connection fails the brake booster will no longer be supplied with vacuum. After a few brake applications, the driver will have to apply additional pressure to the brake pedal to gain the appropriate braking effect. Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the vacuum line on the brake booster with a quality assured component. VINS: WDD1173031N011248 to WDD2462432J170572; WDD1173031N011248 to WDD2462432J170572; WDD1173031N011248 to WDD2462432J170572; WDD1173031N011248 to WDD2462432J170572. Build dates: 01-04-2011 to 30-04-2013.
23-7-2017: MB issued a voluntary recall to apply software upgrades to diesel engines in a bid to cut nitrogen oxide emissions on three million vehicles. All Euro 5 and Euro 6 standard diesel engines registered in Europe between January 2011 and September 2015 are affected. (Only the new two-litre turbodiesel fitted to the latest E-Class saloon and a new V6 turbodiesel in the soon-to-be released S-Class are exempt.) A Mercedes-Benz spokesman said that the “software upgrade” would be carried out by dealerships when customers visited for a service or other maintenance work and would take around an hour to complete. MB “did not expect” the upgrade to have any effect on the performance of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Many Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles have already had the update applied after work to apply the changes to compact vehicles and the V-Class MPV got underway in March. It was reported in The Times in July that while Daimler, which manufactures Mercedes-Benz, had not been found to use the same type of software for cheating emissions tests discovered in Volkswagen vehicles in 2015, it is the subject of an investigation by the German authorities into the possible manipulation of exhaust controls in cars with diesel engines.
17-10-2017: Mercedes-Benz issued a voluntary recall to apply a free-of-charge fix to approximately 400,000 UK models affected by a broken steering column spring. Coupled with insufficiently earthed wiring components, this may lead to a short circuit - which can inadvertently deploy the driver's airbag. If the airbag warning light appears on the dash customers are urged to contact a roadside assistance service or their nearest retailer. The safety recall affects certain A-Class, B-Class, C-Class and E-Class models, together with CLA, GLA and GLC vehicles, built between November 2011 and July 2017.
14-08-2018: R/2018/168 DRIVER'S AIRBAG GAS GENERATOR HOUSING FAILURE DURING DEPLOYMENT On affected vehicles it has been determined that drivers airbags with potentially faulty gas generator housing material may have been installed in vehicles of model series 156, 176, 246, 205, 238 & 253. If the material of the gas generator housing fails during airbag deployment in the event of a crash, the airbag system would possibly no longer have a restraint effect. In addition, separating parts could enter the passenger compartment. This could lead to an increased risk of injury.
Model History
August 2013
Mercedes-Benz GLA revealed
The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly manoeuvrable around town (length x width x height 4,417 x 1,804 x 1,494 millimetres), lively on country roads and dynamic and efficient on the motorway. The GLA is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be optionally available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution in the UK.
The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required. The generous luggage compartment (421 – 836 litres) is well-presented and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low sill and the wide tailgate, which opens automatically as an option.
The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for a wide range of applications. Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 156PS in the GLA 200 to 211PS in the GLA 250.
The GLA 200 CDI develops 136PS and maximum torque of 300Nm and has a displacement of 2.2 litres. It emits only 114g/km CO2. The GLA 220 CDI likewise has a displacement of 2.2 litres and develops 170PS and 350Nm.
The GLA from Mercedes-Benz is optionally available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with high traction reserves and outstanding agility combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.
Automatic transmissions are 7G-DCT, twin oil clutch, not dry clutch.
The components of the 4MATIC system include the power take-off to the rear axle that is integrated into the 7G-DCT automatic dual clutch transmission, and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. This set-up allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition, and high efficiency.
Model | GLA 200 | GLA 250/ GLA 250 4MATIC |
GLA 200 CDI | GLA 220 CDI/ GLA 220 CDI 4MATIC |
Number of cylinders/arrangement | 4 in-line | 4 in-line | 4 in-line | 4 in-line |
Displacement (cc) | 1,595 | 1,991 | 2,143 | 2,143 |
Rated output (PS at rpm) | 156 at 5300 | 211 at 5500 |
136 at 3600-4000 |
170 at 3600-4000 |
Rated torque (Nm at rpm) | 250 at 1250-4000 |
350 at 1200-4000 |
300 at 1400-4000 |
350 at 1600-3200 |
January 2014
GLA 45 AMG revealed
The AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world. It produces 360PS and develops a peak torque of 450Nm. The AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is assembled purely by hand in accordance with the traditional AMG philosophy of "one man, one engine". Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative production quality, the AMG engine badge bearing the engine fitter's signature also attests the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand.
The GLA 45 AMG comes with variable AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard while fuel economy is 37.6mpg with emissions of 175g/km. In standard specification the GLA 45 AMG runs on five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with high-sheen finish, mounted with tyres of size 235/45 R 19. As an optional extra from the AMG Performance Studio, customers can opt for larger 10-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with tyres of size 235/40 R 20 – these are available painted titanium grey with high-sheen finish or painted matte black.