Test Mercedes GLA 200 7G-DCT 163 CV AMG Line (with video)

Mercedes presented a few months ago in Spain the second generation of its successful compact SUV, the Mercedes GLA. It is a vital model for the company, since a good percentage of the sales of the entire brand fall on the GLA. In addition, renewing a very successful model is never entirely easy.

The goal of the star brand is for its car to be at the forefront of premium compact SUV models. To this end, they have focused on the generational change taking into account four main points to improve, which are: versatility, efficiency, safety and connectivity. We have finally been able to test it for a week, choosing a Mercedes GLA 200, a petrol variant with 163 hp.

This is what the Mercedes GLA looks like with the AMG Line package

Compared to the predecessor, we now have a body that is shorter, wider, taller and with a longer wheelbase. Their outside dimensions they are 4,41 meters long, 1,83 wide and 1,61 high, now using a 2,73 meter wheelbase. Several paragraphs below we will see if these new levels benefit or worsen its habitability.

As can be seen, on an aesthetic level it adopts the new design style of the Mercedes-Benz compact range. To this we must add that our unit bears the AMG Line package, which includes specific bumpers, black details, 19-inch bicolor wheels and a more aggressive character. Drilled brake discs are also included in this package.

Although I am not completely convinced by the huge lower air intakes on the front -because they are false-, the front I find it attractive, especially because of the main radiator grille. LED matrix headlights are always a success, but even more so if we are going to drive at night on a regular basis.

Already in the images you can see that more than an SUV, it's a crossover. It is especially noticeable in the side view. We have low ground clearance, unfavorable overhangs, and 19-inch wheels in this case. Although there are 4Matic versions, the Mercedes GLA is not designed to leave the asphalt.

According to the rear, its design is somewhat less emotional than the front part, but it seems correct to me. Of course, what I consider a total fiasco is having a bumper with a "diffuser" in the Formula 1 style and next to it two fake oval tailpipes… The actual exhaust pipe is hidden.

Technology, sportsmanship and more quality

In the passenger compartment of this Mercedes GLA, as in its brothers in the compact range, the technology and a very modern, youthful and sporty design. Everything is practically traced to the Class A, CLA, Class B and GLB. After all, they are the same base with different bodies and tuning.

We have two 10,25-inch screens and a very high quality. As usual, the one behind the steering wheel acts as an instrument panel and the central one is more oriented to infotainment and car settings. By the way, the frame accepts many customization possibilities.

El steering wheel It has a very sporty appearance and is pleasant to the touch and thick. We have several buttons in addition to a touch surface on each side. With the left we manage the panel and vary the information and configurations. Meanwhile, with the right we move through infotainment.

All of this is relatively easy to handle. It is true that, if you are not familiar with these technologies in cars, it takes some time to adapt; but soon we have everything under control.

The MBUX system, our personal assistant

There is also no lack MBUX voice assistant, which is serial. It is not as fast as if we do the procedures on our own with the screen, but it is not bad at all. “Hello Mercedes, put the air conditioner at 23 degrees”; and in just a couple of seconds we will have the temperature regulated.

Another option of this unit is the augmented reality in the browser. We have indications by means of arrows on the central screen that are superimposed on the images collected by a front camera. Very practical. We also have in this case the always interesting Head-Up Display.

I don't forget the ambient lighting with many shades to choose from. Personally, and although it is not something functional, I quite like this detail. The turbine-shaped main air vents, the dash line, the doors, the center console and even the footwells are illuminated.

La Assembly quality is much better than the previous oneWhich was pretty poor honestly. The materials are successful, with rubbery finishes in the upper area and other harder plastics in the lower part. Nothing out of the ordinary. Its quality could still be raised one more point, but it's not bad at all.

The negative point comes, as in many other brands, from the abuse of shiny black. You can practically forget about keeping the interior clean and spotless from the moment you pull the car out of the dealership... I'll never understand!

Large interior space, but not so much trunk

In terms of interior space, the front seats they are wide enough. We have adjustment in height and depth of the steering wheel, electric seats with multiple adjustments, several memories and also heating. The bench is extendable.

there are several missing holes to leave objects and wireless charging surface for the smartphone, which for me is already an essential option in any new car. Another important feature is that it is now much brighter, which increases the feeling of interior space.

About the rear seats, access is a tad improvable because it is not entirely favorable for the elderly or people with little mobility. Of course, once inside, the increase in space compared to the previous one is surprising. We have a lot of room for legs and also for head, and that this unit has a sunroof.

The best of all is that seats can be slid longitudinally by 14 centimeters. You can also play with the inclination of the backrests in various degrees. Therefore, the rear seats are good, although the central one is more uncomfortable. There is a center armrest, USB sockets, air vents, and magazine pockets.

In turn, the trunk It grows a little compared to the previous GLA. The forms are practical, there is a double-height floor, rings to hold the load and some netting; to which we must add the possibility of adjusting the second row of seats. However the volume is 435 liters, so it is far from two of its main rivals, such as the X1 and Q3.

Mechanical offer of the Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is available with diesel and gasoline mechanics, in addition to a gasoline plug-in hybrid. In gasoline appear the versions called GLA 180, 200 and 250 (with 136, 163 and 224 CV respectively); while in diesel there are only two variants, which are called GLA 200 d and 220 d (with 150 and 190 CV).

The new plug-in hybrid variant is called Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e, and it is a plug-in hybrid with 224 hp and more than 60 kilometers of electric range. The thermal engine is the same 1.33-liter that we tested at this time, although with some slight modification.

Finally, this compact crossover also has sports versions. are the acquaintances Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4Matic and Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+, which give 306 and 421 hp. A few months ago I was lucky enough to drive the most powerful car for a few minutes and I guarantee you that it is a car with an effectiveness that is difficult to assimilate.

At the wheel: What if we bet on diesel?

We are already behind the wheel of this second generation GLA. First of all, as always, I remind you that I am testing the GLA 200 version, one of the most demanded. It is a 1,33 liter petrol engine that gives 163 hp and 250 Nm. It is front-wheel drive and comes with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. Its approved consumption is 6,7 l/100 km.

In any case, despite its SUV aesthetics, it is not a car suitable for going off the asphalt. The free height is very fair and, honestly, it is not designed to go through the field despite the fact that there are versions with a 4×4 4Matic system.

The new GLA is a versatile and practical car. The brand has opted for a comfort-oriented set-up with soft suspensions. However, in this AMG termination, the rating is slightly stiffer, although it is still comfortable except in very sudden potholes, such as manhole covers or bumps, where it is somewhat drier.

But the truth it's not a really dynamic car either on a curvy road. It doesn't tilt too much and the grip limit is high. However, the seats could hold a little more, the engine could be more explosive and some feedback through the steering wheel is also missing. It transmits little information from the front train.

Also better ride quality and comfort

An important positive point is that this new generation has made a significant leap in terms of ride quality, with a good tread and well-worked aerodynamic insulation. Now there are not as many noises and rough edges as in the predecessor. Meanwhile in city unfolds well; a field in which the cameras and the zenithal view help a lot.

Since we have mentioned its engine before, it is a successful mechanic for quiet use, but it has left me somewhat cold. It declares 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque, although seems to be a bit lazy. When we accelerate a bit strongly, it always tends to drop gears and raise the engine above 3.000 revolutions, so there is a lot of noise inside.

The answer is not bad, but as I say it seems that it is somewhat less powerful. Also, does not try to take advantage of the engine torque at low revs. So much so that on the highway at 120, if we come across a slope, it always goes down to sixth or even fifth. This is also due to long developments of the gearbox to try to reduce consumption.

Correct consumption, but diesel only costs 300 euros more

I sincerely believe that the diesel engine, which is only about 300 euros more expensive, can be interesting. It will be somewhat less refined, but it will have more torque and, logically, more adjusted consumption. If you are wondering, the environmental label is the same, the DGT C label.

Regarding the consumptions, during this test we have obtained a average 6,9 l/100 km driving normally and quietly at virtually all times. Walking around the usual thing is to move around 8 liters and on the highway we will be at 6,3 l/100 km more or less.

Conclusions

The time has come to finish this test of the GLA, and it will be a somewhat bitter farewell. As you can imagine, that bitterness comes at a price. The access Mercedes-Benz GLA costs 37.800 euros, which is the 180 version with 136 hp. If we jump to the proven engine, which is the 200, we must go up to 40.800 euros.

And the problem is not only that, but, since you buy a Mercedes, you end up messing with different options. So much so that, in this tested unit, which carries a lot of extra equipment, comfortably exceeds 55.000 euros. It is a difficult amount for me to digest.

By the way, some of its most direct rivals are the BMW X1, the Audi Q3, the Volvo XC40 or Mazda CX-30.

Mercedes GLA standard equipment

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Interior with trim elements
• Black Arctic Faux Leather Upholstery
• DCT-7G gearbox with steering wheel paddles
• Knee airbags for driver
• Velor mats
• Comfort seats
• automatic braking
• Aluminum longitudinal roof bars
• thermotronic
• Center console with compartment
• Reversing camera
• active lane departure detector
• USB Type-C and 12-volt outlets
• High Performance LED headlights
• Light and rain sensor
• Touch screen
• MBUX system
• progressive line
• Cruise Control
• Headlining in black fabric
• Comfort undercarriage
• Leather multifunction steering wheel

Mercedes-Benz GLA Prices

Editor's opinion

Gallery Mercedes GLA 200 AMG Line