Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA is the smallest of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Like the A-class, B-class and CLA, the GLA is built on Mercedes’ front-wheel drive platform. The standard Mercedes-Benz GLA is available with petrol and diesel engines, with the latter also on offer with all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG GLA45 is on sale as well, and makes for an enticing entry-level performance car.

The GLA is the smallest of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Like the A-class, B-class and CLA, the GLA is built on Mercedes’ f...

The GLA is the smallest of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Like the A-class, B-class and CLA, the GLA is built on Mercedes’ front-wheel drive platform. The standard Mercedes-Benz GLA is available with petrol and diesel engines, with the latter also on offer with all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG GLA45 is on sale as well, and makes for an enticing entry-level performance car.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA scores high on style but the shape is more crossover than traditional SUV. From the inside too, the GLA doesn’t offer the commanding view out that you’d associate with an SUV. All in all, the sensation is of being in a cosy cabin rather than a spacious one.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200’s 183hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine feels strong and offers good performance. Front-wheel-drive GLA diesels come powered by a 136hp, 2.1-litre engine that’s a bit gruff and unexciting. All-wheel-drive GLAs feature a 170hp version of the same engine, and the stronger performance does make it far more likeable. The latter’s all-wheel-drive hardware also helps in the rough. Dual-clutch auto transmissions are standard on all GLAs and tend to feel clunky at low speeds. Of the other things, the GLA’s suspension doesn’t smoothen out poor surfaces like the larger Mercedes SUVs; but it does feel confident and stable at high speeds.
As for the Mercedes-AMG GLA45, it drives like a tight, high-riding hot hatch. Its highly strung 381hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is strong and sounds deep for a four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile handling is keen – even if it lacks the fluency of a rear-wheel-drive set-up.  

The Mercedes-Benz GLA scores high on style but the shape is more crossover than traditional SUV. From the inside too,...

The Mercedes-Benz GLA scores high on style but the shape is more crossover than traditional SUV. From the inside too, the GLA doesn’t offer the commanding view out that you’d associate with an SUV. All in all, the sensation is of being in a cosy cabin rather than a spacious one.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200’s 183hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine feels strong and offers good performance. Front-wheel-drive GLA diesels come powered by a 136hp, 2.1-litre engine that’s a bit gruff and unexciting. All-wheel-drive GLAs feature a 170hp version of the same engine, and the stronger performance does make it far more likeable. The latter’s all-wheel-drive hardware also helps in the rough. Dual-clutch auto transmissions are standard on all GLAs and tend to feel clunky at low speeds. Of the other things, the GLA’s suspension doesn’t smoothen out poor surfaces like the larger Mercedes SUVs; but it does feel confident and stable at high speeds.
As for the Mercedes-AMG GLA45, it drives like a tight, high-riding hot hatch. Its highly strung 381hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is strong and sounds deep for a four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile handling is keen – even if it lacks the fluency of a rear-wheel-drive set-up.  

If you intend to go off-roading, the all-wheel-drive-equipped GLA 220d 4MATIC is the one you should be eyeing. However, urban buyers with limited off-road usage will be happiest with the petrol GLA 200 Sport. Its engine is more than pleasant and there’s plenty of equipment on board, too. LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof are part of the package; as is an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.  

If you intend to go off-roading, the all-wheel-drive-equipped GLA 220d 4MATIC is the one you should be eyeing. Howeve...

If you intend to go off-roading, the all-wheel-drive-equipped GLA 220d 4MATIC is the one you should be eyeing. However, urban buyers with limited off-road usage will be happiest with the petrol GLA 200 Sport. Its engine is more than pleasant and there’s plenty of equipment on board, too. LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof are part of the package; as is an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.