Mercedes GLA: now less frumpy, larger of boot
Previously pointless GLA reborn as a family-friendly, practical alternative to the GLB.
Finally: Mercedes got the memo about its old GLA. In a field packed with overpriced, underperforming, low-achieving crossovers, the GLA managed to be one of the frumpiest, least practical and soggiest offerings. Mercedes makes some brilliant SUVs, but the GLA was never one of them.
Now, however, the penny seems to have dropped in Stuttgart. The result is not sexy or radical, but it does have a clear purpose, thrown into sharp focus by the arrival of the chunky, funky style-led GLB, which mechanically is not a million miles away from the GLA, but has the appeal of a mini-G-Class.
The space race gambit
While the GLB is intended to be a #Lifestyle accessory for suroarders and cyclists, the GLA that arrives in the spring (at prices yet to be announced) aims to be a friend to the small family. Whereas the previous GLA was ruinously cramped, the new one makes good use of the current A-Class platform and benefits from a complete exterior redesign.
Its clean-surfaced egg shape may repel hipsters, but its 30mm increases in width and wheelbase, and a 104mm increase in height, combine to work wonders inside.
There’s more headroom, more legroom (particularly in the rear), a wider load aperture for the boot and more space inside it. You can spec reclining rear seats, and there’s an adjustable boot floor as standard.
While the GLB is a lifestyle accessory, the GLA is a friend to the small family
It’s got the power
First up are the GLA 200 and AMG GLA 35. The 200 uses Merc’s 161bhp 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder, good for an 8.7sec 0-62mph sprint, a top speed of 130mph and 47.8mpg economy; transmission is by seven-speed dual-clutch auto, and four-wheel drive is an option. The AMG version makes 302bhp from its 2.0-litre four, shortening the sprint to 5.1sec and raising the top speed to 155mph.
The engine range will inevitably grow to include diesels, an EQ Power plug-in hybrid and an AMG 45 with the ballistic 415bhp four. After a full electric one? Merc is bringing out an EQA in 2020 based on the GLA. It will be the entry point of Stuttgart’s EV explosion, ahead of Audi’s Q4 e-Tron and VW’s ID4.
Merc has fitted the GLA with its very clever MBUX infotainment system, with glossy screens and voice assistance.