Mercedes-Benz GLA (2021) Review
With rugged styling, a smart-looking cabin and improved packaging and refinement, the 2nd-generation GLA should be a competitive offering. However, given the high-quality contenders that Mercedes-Benz’s premium compact crossover is up against, the GLA needs to be extraordinarily good!
We like: Styling, smart interior packaging, practicality, efficient-yet-punchy turbodiesel
We don’t like: Expensive, inconsistent fit-and-finish, rivals are more practical
Fast Facts:
- Model tested: Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d Progressive
- Price: R784 560 (October 2021)
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel
- Power/Torque: 110 kW/320 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Fuel efficiency: 5.1 L/100 km (claimed)
- 0-100 kph: 8.6 sec (claimed)
- Top speed: 208 kph
- Load capacity: 485 litres
Where does the Mercedes-Benz GLA fit in?
Mercedes-Benz has made a commitment to rationalise its lineup, but not only due to its electrification programme – it simply offers too many models, some of which cater for similar types of buyers. The compact range comprises the A-Class hatchback and sedan, CLA “4-door coupe”, B-Class MPV, plus GLA and GLB crossovers. Why would you buy an A-Class sedan when you could get the more stylish (but mechanically similar) CLA? The GLA and its GLB sibling too offer much the same (apart from the latter’s blockier appearance and optional 7-seater capability). Still, the hatchback (including MPV) and sedan variants are probably most endangered: Mercedes has sold more than 6.5 million crossovers and SUVs, so there’s likely to be merit in offering quasi-off-roaders in the Benz range for a while yet…
Rivals to the Mercedes-Benz GLA include the Audi Q2/Q3, BMW X1/X2, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40. If a premium badge isn’t a prerequisite, consider the recently revamped Tiguan (or one of a host of other family cars); it has a fractionally bigger load bay and feels a bit more spacious inside, although there is not much difference between the Benz and Volkswagen’s wheelbases – the 2 are closely matched.
How the Mercedes-Benz GLA fares in terms of…
Unlike the original Mercedes-Benz GLA, which was essentially an A-Class with additional wheel-arch cladding and badges, as well as a raised ride height, this all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is quite distinct from the hatchback on which it is based. Courtesy of the versatility of the brand’s compact MFA platform, the 2nd-generation model is a much more resolved offering. Compared with its predecessor, the new GLA is 104-mm taller and 30-mm wider, but 150-mm shorter. Impressively, the wheelbase has been increased by 30 mm and the ‘Benz’s tracks have been widened by 36 mm and 46 mm fore and aft.
What does this mean? Well, the 2nd iteration of Benz’s premium crossover has much improved interior packaging compared with its precursor. Indeed, the new GLA edges its non-crossover siblings in terms of occupant space. What’s more, to give GLA occupants that “SUV feeling”, front passengers sit 140-mm higher than they do in an A-Class. The rear leg- and headroom have been improved too.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA also marks a major leap forward from its predecessor by virtue of its restrained, yet stylish aesthetic execution. There are unique bumpers at the front and rear, as well as model-specific headlights and tail lamps. The A-Class looks sleek, squat and purposeful, whereas the GLA is lankier and more urbane in appearance.
Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t confirmed the ground clearance of its all-new GLA, but we reckon it’s pretty close to the previous model’s 183 mm, which renders the GLA quite suitable for travelling on gravel roads. As for space/practicality, the turbodiesel-powered GLA is said to offer 485 litres of luggage capacity (petrol derivative: 495 litres) and, if you fold the seats down, you’ll get up to 1 420 litres.
By the way, the fitment of an AdBlue diesel-additive tank is the reason for the turbodiesel derivative having a fractionally smaller load bay. The vehicle is available with an optional sliding 2nd row of seats and a 40:20:40-split folding-seatback setup, and while it’s an improvement on the 1st-gen model, the new GLA can’t match its main rivals (the BMW X1 and Audi Q3) for outright practicality.
Comfort and safety features
The MBUX infotainment setup remains one of the biggest drawcards of the Mercedes-Benz’s compact models; in the GLA, the Widescreen Cockpit (if specified) transforms the fascia into a veritable tech fest. Not only does it look futuristic, but its user experience is impressive (although it does take some time to find your way around the myriad menus). You can use the touchscreen, voice commands (such as “Hey Mercedes!”) or the touchpad. We preferred the last option as the voice-recognition software didn’t always get it right, and we didn’t like leaving fingerprints on the immaculate screen. What we liked was the ability to customise the layout and we opted for the classy and upmarket-looking dials, which are most appropriate for the GLA. If it was the A-Class, well we’d go straight to the racy Sport layout.
Still, the look and layout of the GLA’s interior are impressive. If the car’s styling is a trifle too understated, then its posh cabin may sway some buyers on its own! The level of fit-and-finish is good overall, but there are some cheaper finishes not befitting of a premium product: the indicator and transmission stalks feel insubstantial, plus the dashboard creaked every time the Benz traversed a speed bump, which suggests the car isn’t as rock-solid as one would expect. Mind you, we’d like to believe the rattles and squeaks were unique to the fleet unit we were allocated; these cars tend to live hard lives, after all.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz comes with a generous number of creature comforts and tech features as standard, which is a boon, considering its GLA’s asking price. There’s smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, LED daytime running lights, automatically activated headlamps and -wipers, cruise control, the MBUX infotainment system with the “Hey Mercedes!” interior assistant/voice-recognition system, tyre-pressure sensors, selectable drive modes, a reverse-view camera, parking sensors, as well as a leather multifunctional sports steering wheel, to name but a few niceties.
Safety features include active brake assist, 7 airbags (upgradeable to 9 airbags), as well as the prerequisite anti-lock brakes (ABS with EBD), electronic stability control and so on. For R13 800, you could get the Lane Tracking package, which adds on blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist and -exit warning function.
Speaking of options and packages, Mercedes-Benz also offers the Premium Plus package for R105 000, which incorporates high-end luxury (as opposed to convenience) features such as the adaptive high-beam assist, a head-up display, further MBUX functionality, a 360-degree camera system, automatic parking functionality, electrically adjustable front seats (with 4-way lumbar support) and Mercedes-Benz puddle lights. This package also includes keyless access/start, illuminated door sills, hard-disc navigation, as well as automatic climate control (Thermotronic).
Some other interesting options that one could bolt onto the GLA 200d Progressive include a panoramic sunroof (R16 400), heated front seats (R5 700), towbar with trailer stability control (R14 600) and the aforementioned sliding rear bench (R6 100). Customers have 9 alloy-wheel designs (ranging from 18-inch to 20-inch rims), as well as 10 exterior finishes to choose from.
Ride and handling
The GLA is available with either a Renault-sourced 1.3-litre turbo-petrol or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. It’s the latter on test here and with a 200d badge on its rump, the Benz delivers a tidy 110 kW and 320 Nm. While diesel-powered motors aren’t popular in emissions-restricted European markets anymore, we think this is the engine to have in the range. Don’t get us wrong, the compact turbocharged petrol is adequate, but it is a touch thirsty and needs to be worked vociferously to get the most out of it. This diesel engine, on the other hand, offers a far more relaxed power delivery, requiring minimal accelerator inputs to exact brisk forward momentum. Then there’s the fuel economy – while we didn’t get close to the claim of 5.1 L/100 km, we reckon an average return of 6.1 L/100 km is more than good enough.
The Benz’s 2.0-litre engine doesn’t need to be caned to get going either (with all 320 Newtons arriving at 1 500 rpm), but unlike some oil-burning motors that experience a dramatic dropoff after achieving their torque peaks, this one doesn’t mind “a few more revs”. The motor seems reasonably quiet thanks to the well-insulated cabin, which does a good job of damping the typical diesel clatter on idle. The best thing about a diesel engine is its abundant in-gear shove and the GLA 200d excels in this department… We observed no pause in acceleration when conducting 80-120 kph overtaking manoeuvres.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d is equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While there are gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, they aren’t the most engaging or pleasant to use. They feel like an afterthought and aren’t really suited to the “ideal turbodiesel driving style”. It’s best to let the vehicle shift gears on its own accord, something it does quietly and efficiently without fuss.
Our test unit came specified with 19-inch wheels and tyres and thankfully the AMG suspension option wasn’t fitted – although it would have given the Benz a sportier stance and slightly crisper handling, it would probably not have delivered such a supple and comfortable ride quality. In the past, Mercedes-Benz’s compact products have tended to have firm, unforgiving suspension setups, but we’re happy to report this generation of the GLA rides much more assuredly/predictably than the outgoing model. It’s much better in many aspects, but it’s still not quite as comfortable as the Volvo XC40, for example.
There’s a touch of body roll too, but that’s to be expected, given the premium crossover’s hiked-up ride height. As far as steering goes, it’s not the most engaging of setups, but the GLA turns in smoothly and directly enough while imparting sufficient feel to create the impression that you’re behind the ‘wheel of a premium product. If you want something a bit sportier in terms of general dynamism (as unlikely as that might may seem), then consider the standard A-Class or the venerable BMW X1. If you absolutely must have an all-wheel drive, then the Audi Q3 40TFSI quattro Advanced may suit your needs.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz GLA cost in South Africa?
Prices for the Mercedes-Benz GLA start from R749 040 (for the GLA 200) and this GLA 200d Progressive is listed at R784 560. All Mercedes-Benz GLA derivatives come with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Article by David Taylor and originally appeared in Cars.co.za