With the birth of Mercedes A-Class compact the German brand opened the portfolio to the entry of new products derived from it. In the midst of the SUV era, it was necessary to launch a model that could compete in the increasingly popular market. From that idea came the Mercedes-Benz GLA. A compact crossover that has conquered the market and that for 2020 it has been completely updated.
We have tested this car:
Test Mercedes GLA 200 7G-DCT 163 CV AMG Line (with video)Test Mercedes GLA 200 (163 hp) and GLA 45 S (421 hp)The first of the GLAs made an appearance in 2013. A difficult time due to the harsh world crisis but which was not an impediment for "the elevated version of the A-Class" to conquer an excellent share of sales throughout the world. Such has been the accumulated success that the second generation brings with it the important burden of surpassing its predecessor. Will he be able to do it? Given the good commercial success, the GLA is updated in the first quarter of 2023 with slight cosmetic tweaks and with a revised offer in mechanics and equipment.
Characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz GLA
For this Mercedes has pulled known arguments. The first of these is the platform on which the new Mercedes GLA rests. He does it on the MFA2 structure of the house, the same one that uses the compact and all the models derived from it, such as the Mercedes A-Class Sedan, Mercedes CLA Coupe, as well as the Mercedes GLB. The latter uses an extended version of the said structure.
This change has meant a change in the size of the GLA. Compared to the previous generation, it is slightly shorter, wider and, above all, taller. That leaves us with 4,4 meters long, 1,83 meters wide and 1,61 meters high. The wheelbase is extended by 30 millimeters to 2,72 meters, which translates into better space for the occupants of the rear seats.
In terms of cargo volume, the Mercedes GLA continues to be postulated as a real alternative for families. Without reaching the claims of the Mercedes B-Class with which it also shares a platform, the crossover can reach a minimum volume of 435 liters of boot capacity (385 liters for the plug-in hybrid. This capacity can be extended to 1.420 liters if the rear row of seats is folded down in a 60:40 ratio.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes GLA
The Mercedes GLA boasts a very varied mechanical offer that always uses turbocharged four-cylinder blocks. The range is made up of five petrol versions, two diesels and a plug-in hybrid. The latter uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a 15,6 kWh capacity. The set develops a maximum of 218 horses and an electric range of 62 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
The range of gasoline engines covers powers between 136 and 421 horses from the most powerful of the family, the AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+. All versions will be linked to seven or eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The novelty for 2023 is the incorporation of an ECO-labeled MHEV system. All units will have access to all-wheel drive, except the GLA 200 that will not be able to display it.
The diesel mechanics, for their part, present more rational and affordable powers. The fan goes, for the moment, from the 150 hp of the GLA 200 da to the 190 hp of the GLA 220 d. Both mechanics are associated with an 8G-DCT automatic gearbox. As standard, the traction scheme will be simple to the front axle, but the two options have the possibility of including a 4MATIC all-wheel drive, although as part of the optional equipment.
Equipment of the Mercedes GLA
Mercedes does not distinguish between ranges, except for the Mercedes S-Class, and for some time he wants your entire fleet has state-of-the-art elements regardless of price or size. This means that mid-range models such as the Mercedes GLA may have solutions that some time ago were reserved for the most sophisticated models in each house. In 2023 that equipment is slightly improved.
Over time Mercedes has been improving the standard equipment of its models such as the new GLA. The Germans want to serve many elements in access models even if the price is slightly more expensive. Thanks to this we can see that its standard equipment includes elements such as LED headlights, the MBUX system and a large number of driving assistants.
From there you can add thanks to the different finishing lines: Progressive, Advance, Premium and AMG Line. Taking the highest levels and the most expensive options gives us access to a whole world of possibilities. Solutions such as the HUD, keyless entry and start, electric, heated front seats with massage function, LED matrix headlights, sunroof and of course the MBUX system with a 10,25-inch double panel.
Test of the Mercedes GLA in video
The Mercedes GLA according to Euro NCAP
On the occasion of the launch of the second generation of the GLA, in 2019, Euro NCAP puts the smallest SUV in the house to the test in its usual safety tests. In such tests the GLA receives the five Euro NCAP stars, the highest possible score. The results by sections are: 96 points out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 90 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 79 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 75 out of 100 in driving assistants. These valuations remain valid after the 2023 update.
The Mercedes GLA of Km 0 and Second Hand
The Mercedes GLA has been a sales success from the start. Its camper look and slightly higher height have made it dominate the premium crossover segment. Thanks to that the offer available in the second-hand and second-hand channel is very wide. The depreciation is not very high for being a premium model, but it varies depending on the finish, the year and the engine.
As for the Km 0 channel, the 2020 units are not yet available for sale. That means yes we find models in stock, but they correspond to the last units of the first generation. In their favor they have reduced prices that allow us to access the best equipped models for a relatively low price. Much less than what the new units leaving the factory will cost.
Mercedes-Benz GLA rivals
To speak of the C-SUV segment is to speak of the busiest and most popular segment of the European market. The rivals of the Mercedes-Benz GLA are found in the premium brands. The main opponents are Listen Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E Pace and Range Rover Evoque. The five compete for the leadership of the category, which in this case is still under the control of Mercedes. To these rivals we can add many more of a general nature, such as the Hyundai Tucson, SEAT Ateca or Peugeot 3008.
Highlight
- Exterior design
- mechanical range
- Equipment
To improve
- Price
- indoor habitability
- diesel engine noise
Mercedes GLA price
The GLA has always been shown to the public as an attractive SUV at a slightly high cost. For this new generation, the price level has grown compared to the past. In the absence of more versions to come, currently eThe starting price of the Mercedes GLA is 45.718 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to a GLA 200 unit with a base finish. On the other side of the scale is, for now, the AMG GLA 35 4MATIC. Its 306 horses have a minimum cost of 69.713 euros. Meanwhile, the PHEV version begins its commercialization at 55.495 euros.
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