Not really a hatchback, not a mini, not a traditional boring SUV, the Mercedes GLA-class seemed like a bit of a risky gamble, but now it’s entering its second generation with a number of mentionable and significant improvements.
At first glance, the GLA feels like it has grown up and looks way more contemporary and luxurious. The slightly exaggerated aggression of the first generation has been pulled back in favour of cleaner curves. The new gen keeps a close link to the previous model, with similarly shaped side windows and setup. In back, the rear is now covered by clean and horizontal taillights.
Talking about the interiors, the changes are extreme. The previous simple dashboard with the tubed instruments makes way for a less cluttered style with two standard seven-inch TFT screens. The list of standard equipment is huge, and it includes the MBUX entertainment module with voice control. One drawback is the touchpad, which is messy in operation and needs more attention than Mercedes-Benz’s good-old twistable knob.
Larger sized 10.3-inch screens are extra payment and provide a wealth of information as well as changeable colour patter which will suit a variety of tastes. That is, if they you are able to find the settings. They’re hidden deep inside the menu structure. It is easy to find a comfy seating position both up ahead and at the back, and the elegant touches such as the hidden cupholders in the rear look wonderful. The cargo area is a very spacious 15 cubic feet and can be expanded up to 50 cubic feet if the back seat is folded.
Benz imbued the previous GLA with a sharp and crisp steering, and the new car is just as good. Handling is unbeatable with its German competition—Audi q3, bmw X1 and bmw X2—and more engaging than its competitors. The GLA sits taller than its predecessor, but it is easy and fun to turn around tight corners at remarkably high speeds.
In the Mercedes GLA, the engine delivers power furiously and quietly. Based on the power-to-weight ratio, we can consider the new GLA250 may sprint to 60 mph just under six seconds, making it almost quicker than an Audi Q3. Top speed for the U.S. model will be governed at 130 mph, but the German-market version we drove topped out at an indicated 150 mph. Maxing it out on the autobahn didn’t exactly help fuel economy. We didn’t come close to the Euro cycle’s promise of 34.1 mpg.
The GLA250 will arrive in the U.S. this summer as a 2021 model and will be available with front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. Pricing has not been announced, but we expect it will start close to $36,000, with 4Matic adding $2000, slotting under its boxier GLB250 sibling that’s built on the same platform and starts at $39,045. With the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 and X2 siblings, it has some formidable competitors that form this burgeoning class.
April 17, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Very good post! I have never paid to much attention to the world of cars but you do a great job of presenting these different luxury vehicles in a way that allows me to get whats going on. Now I probably won’t be able to afford a car like this any time soon it is interesting to read about.