Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review (2014-2019)
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class cars for sale
2.0
Expert review
Pros
Premium looks, inside and out
Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
The GLA45 is very quick
Cons
Competent but ordinary to drive when rivals offer more
Rear-seat space is tight
Slow-witted dual-clutch auto transmission
The CarGurus verdict
There’s no denying that the GLA, compared to some rivals, has a premium edge which lends it considerable appeal. However, its unremarkable road manners, limited practicality and potential costs make it difficult to justify.
Ultimately, it’s just lacking that bit of polish which would have made it a desirable choice in a hotly contested field. When you’ve similarly upmarket yet more capable alternatives such as the comfortable Audi Q3 and the sweet-handling BMW X1, there’s little reason to opt for the GLA.
If badge is no issue, you could even argue the case for a crossover alternative such as the Nissan Qashqai, which is less expensive and cheaper to run, but has a similar footprint. Alternatively, just go for a more modern and comfortable hatchback.
That said, where the GLA stands out is when it comes to the AMG-fettled 45 model; it packs serious punch and all-wheel-drive into a compact crossover body. It’s a relatively uncommon combination and, if you’re seeking such a set-up, its performance credentials alone make it worth considering.
For many years now, Mercedes has been introducing smaller and more affordable models designed to bolster its appeal and audience.
Its original A-Class hatchback, for example, was designed to offer immense practicality in a small and affordable package, and served as a rival to cars such as the indomitable Volkswagen Golf. The latest version of the A-Class does much the same and helps Mercedes capture buyers who might be considering a conventional mainstream hatch.
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which was introduced to the UK market in 2014, was developed with similar intents; the aim was to snag those considering a BMW X1 or Audi Q3, as well as increasing Mercedes’ appeal to younger buyers and those with smaller budgets.
Mercedes based the GLA on the existing A-Class and, to create an upmarket and compact SUV, gave it a taller body and more muscular looks. It also benefited from increased ground clearance, while the option of all-wheel-drive was available to provide improved rough-road performance.
Inside, however, the GLA felt much smaller than it looked. The boot was much smaller than its rivals’, and the cramped rear seats meant taller adults felt particularly scrunched up – a feeling compounded by the fact that the door apertures themselves were pretty small, their tops cut off by that swooping roofline. As a result, loading a child into their seat in a GLA is quite tricky, even with its raised seating height.
On the road, the GLA proves to be a competent car. Its controls are accurate and sensibly weighted, it corners in an easily controlled fashion, and the diesel engines – the GLA220 CDI, in particular – deliver adequate punch. Versions with 4Matic make it easy to tackle rougher roads, too; the additional traction on offer additionally means they’re less likely to frustratingly scrabble around when accelerating hard from a standstill, unlike the front-wheel-drive models.
The diesel variants aren’t particularly smooth or quiet, however, and while the GLA is straightforward and easy to drive, the ride can be unforgiving and the cabin noisy. On the plus side, although the rear seats aren’t great and rear room is limited, the interior feels of a good quality and the front seats are comfortable.
Like other Mercedes models, and to ensure the premium appeal was maintained, the GLA was offered with a range of upmarket details and standard equipment. At launch, even the entry-level SE came with 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, Artico man-made leather seat trim and air conditioning.
Customers could initially pick from one petrol and two diesel four-cylinder engine options, some of which were offered in conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive (called 4matic by Mercedes). The line-up started with the GLA200 CDI, GLA220 CDI 4Matic and GLA250 4Matic, but additional models would soon be added, including the range-topping GLA45 4Matic, made extra potent by Mercedes' tuning arm AMG.
Mercedes facelifted the GLA in 2017, with updates including an extended engine line-up and refreshed styling. New technology was also added, including a useful 360-degree parking camera that displays on the infotainment screen, and the option of LED headlights. An entry-level petrol engine, the GLA180, was introduced in the middle of 2018.
It would be understandable if the GLA was on your shortlist, in part because of that three-pointed star on the nose. However, many alternatives – including the BMW X1, Mazda CX-5 and Audi Q3 – offer a better overall package and are additionally better to drive.
The GLA shouldn’t prove an overly expensive car to run, as many of its engines are clean and efficient. Even if you go for the more powerful GLA220d 4Matic, for example, the claimed average is almost 60mpg and its CO2 emissions are 130g/km. That means sensible Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) costs and, because well over 40mpg is attainable in the real world, similarly tolerable fuel costs.
Even the petrol versions, range-topping GLA45 aside, return real-world economy figures north of 30mpg in conjunction with competitive emissions. Front-wheel-drive models get a 50-litre fuel tank, while all-wheel-drive versions have a 56-litre tank, so most models will offer a decent range when brimmed.
Buyers of the GLA45 will have to endure unsurprisingly higher running costs, as it often averages only around 30mpg on the nose and emits more than any other model in the range. Tyre, brake and servicing costs will also be higher but, considering the performance on offer, most will judge the premium worth paying.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA was also offered with a ServiceCare package when new, which allowed for servicing costs to be broken down into more affordable monthly payments. This plan can also be applied to used GLAs and, if you enter the details of your potential purchase on the ServiceCare website, Mercedes will provide a breakdown of the potential costs.
We entered the details for a 2015 GLA220d 4Matic, for example, and were quoted an upfront cost of £1,188 for three services – or £33 per month for three years. We’d recommend investigating servicing costs at a local specialist, but the ServiceCare plan could help you better understand and control any future outlay. Do check your GLA is eligible before buying it, though, just to avoid any disappointment.
Mercedes-Benz cars are often regarded as reliable and trustworthy. However, in brand and reliability surveys, it often comes lower down the rankings than many might expect. For the GLA, in particular, there have also been several recalls, so when you’re looking at used cars, make sure any relevant recalls have been attended to.
Many customers report that they are happy with how their GLAs have performed, but it’s probably best to buy a used example with a warranty to avoid grief. A used approved Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with at least 12 months’ unlimited-mileage warranty and complimentary roadside assistance.
If you want to minimise the chance of failures, going for the least complicated model – a petrol GLA with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive – isn’t a bad idea. While diesel versions have their appeal, it’s worth working out the potential annual costs. The difference in running costs between a petrol and a diesel GLA might prove to not be as significant as you expect and, if the diesel develops a fault, any saving could be wiped out immediately. Some may also judge the premium for the more refined, eager-feeling petrol versions well worth paying.
Every new GLA came with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, which is on a par with rivals such as BMW. Each also got up to 30 years’ warranty against perforation due to corrosion from the inside out.
The GLA should also prove a safe option, having gained the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating in 2014, in which it scored particularly well for both adult and child protection.
- Many versions of the GLA are offered with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission called the 7G-DCT. It does the job but, even in manual mode, it often doesn’t react all that quickly. Rival offerings, such as the dual-clutch transmission found in the Audi Q3, are far more competent and engaging.
- The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system that’s available in the GLA is a good option if you intend to tackle more challenging routes, or if you regularly drive in poor weather. Fit a set of winter tyres and, come the snowy months, these will also prove advantageous. There is a weight and efficiency penalty with the 4Matic system, though; if you’re unlikely to ever need it, and keeping costs low is critical, steer clear.
- The range-topping GLA45 AMG is a compact turbocharged tearaway that packs a 2.0-litre engine with a whopping 355bhp. Flat out, it could sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds, meaning it was capable of surprising many a sports car at the lights. It was only offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive; other upgrades included aggressive exterior styling, sports suspension, a revised steering system and high-performance brakes.
- If you want the best all-rounder: For a GLA with a petrol engine, go for the front-wheel-drive GLA200 petrol. It’s suitably quick, offers decent efficiency and it's quieter than the diesel alternatives. You have the option of a manual or automatic gearbox, too. Otherwise, go for the GLA200d; it delivers adequate performance and is more efficient than the 4Matic version, or the more powerful 220d 4Matic. Equipment levels are good, even in base models, so just keep an eye out for any versions with options or upgrades that you might particularly benefit from.
- If you want the best efficiency: The front-wheel-drive GLA200d is the most efficient version, with early versions posting a claimed average of 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km. There’s no difference in average consumption and emissions between the manual gearbox and automatic transmission version, either.
- If you're a performance fan: If you’re not looking to spend an absolute fortune, you could consider the GLA250 4Matic. This mid-range performance model is capable of 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds yet still returns sensible mpg. Those wanting even more impressive performance credentials should just jump straight to the Mercedes-AMG GLA45, but bear its higher running and repair costs in mind.
- If you'll be doing some light off-roading: We’d suggest opting for the more powerful GLA220d 4Matic, which comes as standard with the seven-speed automatic transmission. You’ll also get the Downhill Speed Regulator (DSR), which is Mercedes’ equivalent of hill descent control. Just watch out for versions with the lowered sports suspension option, as these have reduced ground clearance, which is not much use off-road.
