The first generation Mercedes GLA was a jacked up hatchback designed to cash in on the crossover craze. It sold well but now there’s a new GLA which while still based on the A-class hatchback, it instantly feels better equipped to deal with everything family life can throw at it. There’s a good selection of engines and trims to choose from including for the first time, this plug-in hybrid.
Special mention : More space than the A-Class it’s based on. Drives really nicely. MBUX infotainment, even in its simplest form, is still excellent. Charging point is at the rear which means you can reverse into your parking spot.
Needs work : Closing the doors in the SUVs takes a slightly harder push. Some boot space is lost due to the PHEV battery. Lane Assist should be set to drivers preference. Keyless start and Keyless entry are two separate things. Keyless entry is a must for everyday life but can be considered safer to go without.
Specs: As tested
| Max Power 218 BHP | Petrol / Hybrid Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds | Road Tax €140 |
Price: €48,690 As spec’d :€53,533 | Boot 445 litres |
The GLA has a much more cohesive design than before, entry-level versions get a slightly less aggressive body kit and smaller wheels but no matter which one you go for you get led lights, power mirrors and a reversing camera as standard.
This is the new plug-in hybrid model, for your money you get larger 19” wheels, polished chrome trim and privacy glass. It looks pretty menacing at nearly fifty thousand, so it should.
This GLA has a larger central screen split into two, all of which is touchscreen. Inevitably you end up controlling everything from either voice commands or the steering wheel controls. Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity is very intuitive and hooks up easily. The cabin comes with USB-C points, when you connect using a USB-C cable up front however, it tends to trail across the haptic pad. Interior quality is first rate as you’d expect from Mercedes, they set a high benchmark with the A-Class and have followed things up very nicely with this new GLA.
The GLA works well as a family car with loads of space for odds and ends. There’s a big cubby between the front seats, decent storage space above the track pad and a suitably sized glove box. Every version from the entry level to the range topping AMG’s come with climate control, heated front seats, a fully digital dashboard plus sat nav. Moving up through the range adds things like smartphone integration with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless charging and different trim including larger wheels and contrast stitching for the seats.
AMG line customers can add premium packs with luxuries like larger dials, upgraded stereo, ambient lighting and a panoramic roof. Spend some extra cash and you can add the driving assistance pack, which not only increases safety but should make life easier for long distance drivers. Extra tech includes adaptive cruise control which helps steer the car within its lane and self-parking and steering which can intervene to help avoid collisions. Beware however as top of the range models can elevate the price well above the cheaper variance of the larger GLC.
The new GLA is actually much more spacious than it was before. The new generation while actually shorter than the first generation, crucially has a greater distance between the front and the rear wheels. Mercedes says there’s 116 millimeters more space in the back and there’s plenty of knee room and headroom as well. The rear doors open to a wide area making it easy to get access to and to get a car seat in.
When you spec the hybrid model, the normal 495 litres of boot space will shrink by 50 litres and while that’s still bigger than a VW Golf, if you’re putting in a buggy then you might want to try before you buy just to be sure. The GLA 250e will officially do up to 55 kilometers in real world driving all running on electricity alone. This GLA250e is fitted with a 1.3 litre turbo petrol engine with 218 bhp and unless really pushed, drives extremely smoothly.
This isn’t the kind of car that you’re going to thrash from a to b. If that’s your thing then look at one of the AMG models or better still the lighter, lower A-Class hatchback. The GLA is a really safe, predictable and easy car to drive. The steering is smooth, there’s plenty of power and the phev works imperceptibly, only getting gruff engine noises when really pushed. Body control is better than before which means you can really trust the car to behave as intended.
It’s especially relaxing driving around town in electric mode and even at higher speeds with the engine firing you’ll have no trouble holding a conversation either with your passenger or on the phone via the bluetooth. The GLA is a more spacious car than before but has a bit of catching up to do with the amount of space taken up by the battery.
While the GLA starts from around €41,215 it’s easy to get carried away with options. If you go for one of the more powerful engines or the expensive option packs and the price you pay could spiral. It’s got a cracking interior, it’s nice to drive and there’s space inside for the family. You’ll need to be careful with those option packs as prices rise quickly and this plug-in hybrid will help slash your fuel and tax bills as long as you’re vigilant with charging it. The GLA finally feels like a proper mini mercedes.
