Some will regard this vehicle as merely an A-Class on stilts, but the GLA is more than that. In the sense of this being your gateway into Mercedes-Benz SUVs, just because it's entry-level doesn't mean it compromises on the luxury that is synonymous with Mercedes-Benz products. A few changes have been made to the GLA in its update, with some features even being standard now as opposed to optional items.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLA
This First-Drive Review is a little different, though, as we had the GLA200 in the AMG Line fascia for a full week to sample instead of just a single day's drive. Here's what we thought of the vehicle.
What's new on the outside?
You're greeted with new front and rear fascias that err on the side of elegance but have some flair in their details. In front, the headlight arrangement resembles the C-Class headlight shape with eyebrow DRLs. The grille has been redesigned with new chrome patterns and louvres. The AMG Line has a bespoke front bumper with black details highlighting the bumper trim and vents. Along the side, the GLA comes standard with 18-inch wheels, but there are optional and bigger wheels that can be fitted, like the AMG Line here, which has the optional 19-inch two-tone alloys. You will find roof rails . The rear of the GLA is rounded off with raindrop-shaped taillights and a large black bumper plastic housing a subtle diffuser and oblong real exhaust tips. You'll find plenty of exterior trim pieces finished in gloss black to accent the styling. Our test unit's bodywork was coated in the new Spectral Blue body colour, and it pops in the sunlight. Even though the GLA here is kitted like an urban vehicle, considerations have been made for numerous protection points for when the vehicle encounters the offroad.
What's new on the inside?
Naturally, you'd find more or less the same interior as the current A-Class, but there's more of an emphasis on technology and personalisation now. You have the latest MBUX infotainment system, which is one of the big interior items and MercedesMe, too, with voice command options. The dual-screen houses the infotainment and instrument cluster. The new instrument cluster themes that you'd find in the high-end Mercs are here, along with 10 different yet subtle colours for ambient lighting. From Discreet to Sporty, or if you like a classic twin binnacle cluster, you can play around with these personalisation features to your heart's content. Our test unit had the base Advanced Sound System, and it's pretty competent in delivering sound with body. We would like a separate module to operate the audio functions to skip tracks and pause music near the rotary volume dial akin to what's present in the EQA, as opposed to using the trackpad on the steering wheel to control music functionality. Speaking of functionality, the new MBUX system is Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay enabled with wireless connectivity.
In terms of comfort, the cabin of the GLA200, at least in AMG Line form, is trimmed in a mix of ARTICO leather and Alcantara in our test unit. The steering wheel in our test unit was trimmed in leather, but ARTICO artificial leather is available optionally if you require it. The materials in and around the cabin emanate from the high-end Mercs with a similar supple yet cushy feel to everything you touch. Bar the seats, which have a firmer, relatively cosy feel but reassure you with a gentle hold and touch due in part to the Alcantara seatback. The only thing we can knock on is the feel of the climate control switchgear, which feels firm and clicky rather than a satisfying toggle switch. You can expect heaps more standard equipment in the GLA range now on the inside, including the Easy Pack electronically operated boot and even the Parking Package with Active Parking Assist. With what's on offer as Standard Equipment, any extra spec is just cherries on top of a solid layer of icing.
How does the GLA drive?
The petrol engines in the GLA range are now electrified by way of a 48V mild-hybrid technology. This system provides an additional power boost of 10kW and also features a starter generator for quiet and seamless engine starting. Our unit is powered by the 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making a total of 120kW and 270Nm with power sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the transmission of choice for the whole GLA range. Alternatively, you can have a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 110kW and 320Nm. The GLA in petrol form uses a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.6-7.3l /100km, in our testing we found the car consuming around the 7.9l mark.. With the diesel model, you can expect a claimed consumption of 5.3-5.9l /100km.
The hybrid system is welcome in the GLA as it provides more of a sense of pep to the power delivery. This writer would liken the drive of the GLA to a ballerina in that Driving the GLA is a smooth experience. Power delivery is elegant, and even for the crossover size, the GLA handles with finesse even with the standard package suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels with higher profile tyres found on our test unit. Ride quality is compliant enough, and while the GLA can handle the rougher stuff, it can take some sharp bumps a bit harshly. Despite this, the GLA eats up the open road and is a pleasure to drive.
Pricing
Agility Finance is available for the GLA as a flexible financing solution if you have a solid mileage figure in mind and how long you'd like to keep the vehicle. You can check out the link here for further information.
| Model | Price |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Progressive | from R922 841 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200 AMG Line | from R951 841 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200d Progressive | from R957 062 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA200d AMG Line | from R986 062 |
*Pricing stated here was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change without further notice.
Verdict
If you're hungry for a taste of the Mercedes-Benz brand and want something more in the realm of an entry-level vehicle, the GLA200 is a good entry point and doesn't feel scant in terms of specification and features when you consider that this is an entry-level vehicle. The new standard equipment additions, along with Agility Finance, are welcome and make Mercedes-Benz ownership more accessible for those wanting to test out the brand. You can search AutoTrader for the latest GLA offerings and sell your car, too.
