Mercedes-Benz Gla Class

Mercedes Benz GLA

The GLA is the German company’s smallest sport utility vehicle (SUV), ideal for the smaller family but with all the attributes of its bigger siblings, which can be found elsewhere on these pages. It’s affordable, practical and with the addition of 4Matic all-wheel-drive, suitable for poor weather conditions and a bit of light off-roading. With new or used Mercedes Benz GLA models, buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere should enquire with MHH International about availability.

The Exterior

The very modern GLA features short overhangs front and rear and with a muscular appearance thanks to clear contours and accentuated planes; it is quite a sporty look overall. Hints of power-domes in the bonnet, along with wheels up to 20” in size reinforce the sturdy, settled appearance along with the coupé-like lines of the side windows.

The side and rear views are characterised by the muscular shoulders of the vehicle. The doors reach over the sills, improving ease of access. All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasises the vehicle’s potential off-road character. The rear lights are in two parts, making it possible to open the hatchback wider, in turn making loading easier. Further practical details, which may be optional depending on the equipment line, include integrated roof rails and the chrome-plated load sill protection.

The GLA can be equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system (4MATIC) with fully variable torque distribution as an option. 4MATIC models feature the ‘Off-Road Engineering Package’ as standard. This comprises an additional driving programme, a downhill driving assist function and an off-road animation in the media display, along with, in combination with multi-beam LED headlamps, a special light function useful for off-road driving.

The Interior

The driver sits high in this SUV with a good view of the road ahead. It’s easy to get comfortable because there’s a wide range of adjustment in the seats and steering column. AMG-Line trim level models get sports seats with extra bolstering. The GLA interior is of a very high standard, not to say superior. It’s roomy too with almost 500 litres of boot (trunk) space for luggage.

There’s a 7.0” digital instrument cluster as standard on the AMG Line trim or the entry-level Sport model, but this can be enlarged to 10.25” by adding the optional Premium package. This also brings the larger of the two infotainment screens, making it appear that there's one giant widescreen across more than half the width of the dashboard. Sport Executive gets the bigger screen as standard, plus a parking package.

Included as standard is the highly intuitive MBUX infotainment system. MBUX can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options. With brilliant screens and graphics and customisable choices, there’s also a full-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality and voice control activated with the prompt ‘Hey Mercedes’ for people who like to talk to their cars.

Driving The Mercedes Benz GLA

This compact SUV offers a choice of modern four-cylinder petrol (featuring cylinder shut-off for extra economy) and diesel engines, with greatly improved efficiency and emissions. There’s also a plug-in hybrid that can manage up to 37 miles on electricity alone, charges quickly and is a VAT-qualifying model. Top of the line is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC with a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine offering immediate response to accelerator pedal commands and an emotive engine note.

On the road, ride comfort is good and the AMG-Line model also features lowered suspension: Optionally this can be adaptive to soften or firm up the ride. It’s a tall car so obviously handling is not sports car-like but it does give a settled ride in corners. Steering is light at low speeds, making town driving easier, but it firms up when out on the highways.

Should You Buy One?

Absolutely. The engines are refined and the size is ideal for smaller families. The GLA is capable of being comfortable and economical on long trips and with the addition of all-wheel-drive, off-road routes beckon. Well worth considering.