MERC'S A-GAME (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedesgla_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

This second generation GLA model continues to redefine what a compact Mercedes SUV should be in this improved form, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Reviewword count: 77

The GLA is the starting point for Mercedes SUV ownership and the smarter-looking improved version of this second generation model is as classy as you'd expect a premium 'C'-segment family hatch-based crossover model ought to be from the Stuttgart brand. Thorough engineering borrowed from the Mercedes A-Class means that that there's plenty to like beyond the badge, primary selling points focusing upon quality and mild hybrid efficiency. In short, it's a car that suits its fashion-conscious segment.

Backgroundword count: 153

Mercedes has one of the widest ranges of SUVs available and the line-up starts with this GLA model, this being the second generation version of this design. It competes in the premium part of the SUV 'C' sector and, like all models in this segment, is based on family hatchback underpinnings, in this case those of the fourth generation version of the Mercedes A-Class. The original MK1 'X156'-series Mercedes GLA, launched back in 2014, won't go down as one of the more remarkable models in the Stuttgart brand's history but it sold well, shifting nearly a million units over a six year production run which ended with the introduction of this second generation version in early 2020. This 'H247'-series car was the eighth Mercedes model to be spun off the brand's current compact car 'MFA2' platform and got lightly updated in Spring 2023 to create the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 328

As you might expect, engine electrification is the over-riding theme of this mid-term update. All the mainstream petrol engines now come with the brand's 48V mild hybrid system including the usual MHEV belt-driven starter-generator: that'll give you a 13hp boost when moving off. There are now only three mainstream engines, all of them four cylinder units driving the front wheels. As before, the petrol powerplant portfolio kicks off with a 1.4-litre powerplant, offered with either 136hp (in the GLA 180) or 163hp (in the GLA 200). Both must be had with 7-speed 7G-DCT auto transmission. The alternative is the GLA 200 diesel, which uses a 2.0-litre powerplant in a 150hp state of tune and must be had with 8-speed 8G-DCT auto transmission. If you want AWD, the same 2.0-litre diesel engine also features in the 190hp GLA 220 d 4MATIC. With that 4MATIC set-up, you get an 'Off-road Package' which adds an off-road headlight function and an extra off-road driving mode called Downhill Speed Regulation. A cleverer choice than the diesels if you can afford it though, is the GLA 250 e Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.3-litre petrol engine with a 75kW electric motor and offers an EV driving range that, thanks to a slightly larger 11.5kWh battery, is now up to 43 miles. As before, there are two performance-orientated Mercedes-AMG GLA variants, both using engineering we've already seen in the A-Class. The GLA 35 4MATIC is the only one of the pair to gain the 48V mild hybrid system and offers a 306hp 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine mated to AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch auto transmission. The GLA 45 4MATIC+ S flagship variant uses an engine more bespoke to AMG, a tuned 2.0-litre unit putting out 421hp. All of this is pretty familiar from the latest A-Class; as is most of the other engineering on offer here. The suspension features McPherson struts up front and either a torsion beam or multi-link arrangement at the rear.

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