GLA gateway into Mercedes SUV world
The GLA is Mercedes-benz’s smallest and most affordable CUV.
If you count the questionable coupe variants as their own models, Mercedes offers no fewer than eight different crossovers and SUVS in their lineup, topped by the almighty G-wagen.
We’ve raved about the GWagen here before; we like its presence, comfort, and host of luxury features. But not all of us have G-wagen money to spend, nor want that bulk.
The GLA is a fairly small CUV. Compared to more mainstream offerings, it’s longer than a Honda HR-V but shorter than a CR-V.
Inside this compact footprint, every GLA packs a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. For 2021, the redesigned GLA is offered in three variants, starting with the $42,400 GLA 250 packing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
That combo will send the GLA from zero to 100 km/h in a decently quick 6.7 seconds.
For those craving more speed we now enter AMG territory. There are two AMG variants; the less unhinged of the two is the $52,900 GLA 35, cranking out 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its AMG enhanced turbo-four.
That’s enough to send this cute-ute from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds! But if that still isn’t enough zip, the $60,500 GLA 45 offers even more scoot.
It manages to draw 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque from its true, handbuilt AMG four-banger, resulting in a zero-to-100 km/h run in 4.4 seconds.
But back here on Earth, I’m driving the regular GLA 250, so I’ll just to have to imagine what an extra 100 horsepower feels like. On the road, the GLA is very soft and cushy.
The longer-travel and higher ride height over the CLA 250 pays dividends on ride quality over rough surfaces. However, the other side of that coin is body roll — and
lots of it.
The soft springing and higher ride height means the GLA rolls and leans at the mere suggestion of a corner. It cruises around just fine, but let’s agree that sport mode is a little aspirational here.
The GLA’S cabin is where I believe Mercedes-benz spent the most money. The dashboard features Mercedes’ signature turbine-like air vents and material quality is quite good.
A premium Burmester sound system is available, though this tester didn’t have it — yet despite that, the sound from the standard system is excellent.
I can’t say the same for the seats; they have plenty of bolstering to hold you tight during the high-g cornering you won’t be doing, but the bottoms were a tad too firm and after a few hours, they can create some sore spots.
That said, the passenger area offers plenty of storage spots and an impressively deep centre console.
The character of the GLA can change quite a bit, depending on which options you select. First up, we have the Sport package, and I think a lot of people will select this one. For $1,700, it includes an Amg-designed front and rear apron, 19-inch AMG wheels, aluminum paddle shifters on the steering wheel, sport seats, and a sport steering wheel.
We also have the Night package which I think is pretty silly in name and in content. It’s basically a blackout package that includes the same AMG front and rear aprons but trimmed in black, as well as 19-inch wheels, body accents, and roof rails that are also black.
You also get the same sport seats and steering wheel offered in the Sport package. If you really like black trim, you can pay $2,200 for this package.
I think the Premium package will be more relevant than the Night package to most. At $3,600, it’s the most expensive option you can spec on a Canadian-spec GLA and I think it’s worth it.
First, it replaces the standard twin seven-inch display screens with 10.25-inch units. It also includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, ambient lighting, and wireless phone charging.
But the big-ticket item the Premium package brings is the “Hey, Mercedes” functionality to the infotainment system. We’ve talked about MBUX before and were amused with its ability to answer oddball questions like, “who is the prime minister of the country of birth of Justin Bieber?”
But the voice functionality goes beyond novel as it allows you to do other common prompts via voice command like turn on the heated steering wheel, play a certain song, or navigate you to the nearest pho restaurant.
Only available on top of the Premium package is the $1,600 Technology package. It includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.
Those are all great features, but it means if you only want adaptive cruise control, you’ll have to shell out $5,200 in options.
That’s a pretty hard pill to swallow, but the GLA is nonetheless a good little gateway into the world of Mercedes SUVS.
It offers features similar to those on much pricier Benzes, but at a not so Mercedes-sized price tag, as long as you show some restraint.