Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014-2019) review | An A-Class with loftier ambitions

What is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

For many years, Mercedes-Benz has introduced smaller and more affordable models designed to broaden the brand’s appeal.

The original Mercedes-Benz A-Class, for example, was created to offer premium-badged practicality in a compact package, serving as a rival to cars such as the Volkswagen Golf. Later generations of the A-Class continued that approach, helping Mercedes-Benz attract buyers who might otherwise have considered a conventional family hatchback.

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, launched in the UK in 2014, followed a similar formula. Based heavily on the A-Class, it was designed to rival premium compact SUVs such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, while also helping Mercedes-Benz appeal to younger buyers and those wanting a slightly more fashionable alternative to a traditional hatchback.

How practical is it?

Mercedes-Benz based the GLA on the existing A-Class hatchback and gave it a taller ride height, chunkier styling and optional four-wheel drive in an attempt to create a compact premium SUV. Compared with the A-Class, it also benefited from increased ground clearance for rough-road performance.

Inside, however, the GLA felt much smaller than it looked. Boot space measures 481 litres, which is perfectly usable for everyday family duties, but several rivals offered more luggage capacity and better rear-seat space. Taller rear-seat passengers may feel cramped, particularly because the swooping roofline and relatively small rear door openings make access more awkward than in some alternatives.

That can also make fitting children into car seats more fiddly than expected, despite the GLA’s raised ride height. Up front, things are much better, with a comfortable driving position and the slightly elevated seating that many SUV buyers are looking for.

What's it like to drive?

On the road, the GLA is a competent and easy car to drive. Its controls are sensibly weighted, body-roll is well managed and most versions feel secure and predictable in everyday driving. Diesel engines, particularly the GLA 220 CDI, deliver strong mid-range punch and suit the car’s relaxed character.

Models fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic four-wheel-drive system also cope better with slippery surfaces and poor weather, while providing extra traction when accelerating hard from a standstill.

The GLA is less convincing when it comes to refinement. Diesel engines can sound quite gruff under acceleration, while larger alloy wheels and AMG Line suspension can make the ride feel firm on Britain’s pockmarked roads. Wind and road noise are also more noticeable than in some premium SUV rivals.

Still, the GLA is comfortable enough on long motorway journeys, while the front seats and raised driving position help make it an easy car to live with.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

Like other Mercedes-Benz models of the era, the GLA was designed to feel suitably premium inside, with plenty of standard equipment even on entry-level versions. Early SE models came with 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, Artico man-made leather upholstery and air conditioning.

A facelift in 2017 brought refreshed styling, revised engine options and upgraded technology. Features such as LED headlights and a 360-degree camera became available, while later models also gained improved smartphone connectivity – including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

By modern standards, the 8.0-inch infotainment system and traditional dials now look slightly dated, but the layout remains straightforward to use and cabin quality still feels solid today.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class running costs

The Mercedes-Benz GLA should not prove especially expensive to run. Diesel models in particular offer strong fuel economy, with the GLA 200d and GLA 220d capable of returning impressive real-world mpg figures on longer journeys. Even the more powerful four-wheel-drive versions remain reasonably efficient considering their performance.

Petrol models are naturally thirstier, although most non-AMG versions still deliver respectable fuel economy of 35-40mpg and are better suited to short, urban journeys. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is significantly more expensive to run, however, with much higher fuel, tyre and servicing costs than the rest of the range.

Most GLAs offer a decent touring range thanks to fuel tanks ranging from 50 to 56 litres in capacity. Insurance costs are generally competitive for a premium-badged SUV, although AMG and higher-spec 4Matic models naturally sit in higher insurance groups.

Many owners now choose independent Mercedes-Benz specialists, which can often work out considerably cheaper than main dealers.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliability

Mercedes-Benz models often enjoy a strong reputation for quality, although the brand’s results in reliability surveys are sometimes more mixed than buyers might expect. In the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, Mercedes-Benz finished joint 22nd out of 30 manufacturers.

The GLA itself was subject to several recalls during its production run, so it’s important to check that any outstanding recall work has been completed on a used example. As with many premium cars, service history is particularly important.

When new, every GLA came with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while approved used examples from Mercedes-Benz dealers typically include a minimum 12-month warranty and roadside assistance package. Buyers looking to minimise the risk of expensive repairs may prefer the simplicity of a front-wheel-drive petrol model over more complex diesel and 4Matic variants.

Safety is another strong point. The GLA received a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating in 2014 and scored particularly well for adult and child occupant protection.