Mercedes-Benz has ramped-up the ‘S’ in SUVs with the all-new GLA-Class models now hitting Australian dealerships. That’s more ‘S’ for sport than ‘U’ for utility.
Beautifully styled, sporty to drive and delivering best-in-the-business value-for-money (starting from $47,900), the Mercedes-Benz GLS is made in Germany and leaves rivals looking either over-priced or too SUV for modern, urban-resident buyers.
And let’s talk smart, eco-friendly technology. How about 46 components with a total weight of 21kgs which are made using natural materials?
One would be the rear parcel shelf which is made from a multi-patented material composition including re-cycled paper. It weighs-in about half the weight of a normal parcel shelf.
Typical Mercedes-Benz ‘smarts’ on display there.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Overview
The Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup will eventually be three models – entry-level front-wheel-drive GLA 200 CDI (turbo-diesel), mid-grade GLA 250 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (turbocharged petrol) and the rocket-ship range-topper in the form of the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (turbocharged petrol).
But here’s the thing – only the GLA 200 CDI is here at the moment. The GLA 250 arrives in July and sadly we have to wait until October for the GLA 45 AMG.
Prices are:
GLA 200 CDI $47,900
GLA 250 4MATIC $57,900
GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC $79,900
Even the GLA 200 CDI is nicely equipped with the likes of 18-inch alloy wheels, fixed Bi-Xenon headlights, Active Park Assist (parallel or 90-degree), a pop-out reversing camera (pop-out to keep it clean when on the dirt), Blind Spot Assist, Collision Prevention assist, Easy Pack tailgate, Artico leather interior and Becker Map Pilot satellite navigation.
Mid-grade GLA 250 picks-up the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system (the same system as fitted to the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG), 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, intelligent headlights, Off-Road Engineering Package, electric and heated front seats.
And the range-topping GLA 45 AMG adds 20-inch AMG alloys, AMG bodykit, AMG performance exhaust (with the revered ‘flap’!), uprated COMAND APS navigation, gorgeous AMG sports steering wheel with Alcantara grips, Artico dashboard and more – brilliant!
Despite the massive equipment which comes standard in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, there are some options packs worth considering.
Our favourite is the AMG Line which brings the usual array of gorgeous AMG goodies such as 15mm lowered sports suspension, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels in bi-colour high-gloss black, sports seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and the rest.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Engine
Three engines and two drivetrains to consider in the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup. The GLA 200 CDI and GLA 250 4MATIC drive through the 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission while the sporty GLA 45 AMG employs the sensational AMG Speedshift DCT sevens-speed.
The GLA 200 CDI drives the front wheels and the others use Mercedes’ formidable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
GLA 200 CDI is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering maximum power of 100kW between 3400-4000rpm and peak torque of 300Nm from 1400rpm. Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at 4.6l/100kms.
GLA 250 4MATIC employs the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powerplant with 155kW of power at 550rpm and peak torque of 350Nm from only 1200rpm. Combined-cycle fuel consumption scores 7.0l/100kms.
And GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC boasts the world’s most powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (the M133) with 265kW/450Nm on-tap and that wonderfully racy exhaust note.
Mercedes-Benz GLA The Interior
There are noticeable clues from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA inside the all-new GLA. Those glorious seats (red-cut sports versions in the GLA 45 AMG), free-standing screen, round air-vents and the three-spoke steering wheels just for starters.
But you sit higher in the GLA – as demanded by buyers in this segment who perceive the raised position’s extra visibility as a boon to safety. Never mind, ‘Benz has it covered and the driving position is still first-class.
Those extra dimensions are obvious in the spacious rear seat and surprisingly jumbo luggage compartment – 421l with the rear seat in-place or 1235l when folded. And here’s an excellent innovation – the GLA come with a ‘Cargo Position’ for the rear seats which boost luggage space to 481l while allowing rear seat occupants to be just a tad inconvenienced – brilliant.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Exterior & Styling
We must admit it was ‘love at first sight’ for us when we saw the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Only the ‘Benz stylists could take a compact SUV and give it some muscle and on-road presence (of course the ‘three pointed star gives the latter a firm head-start) – the German’s call the GLA “Tomorrow’s SUV” and we get where they are coming from.
At 4417mm in overall length, the GLA is actually only 125mm longer than a Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback – so shopping mall parking is free from the usual SUV anxieties. And it’s aero-efficient too – Cd is 0.31.
The front sees the latest interpretation of Mercedes’ global design – the large grille and logo, twin bonnet ‘powerdomes’ and swept-back headlights with spectacular LED DRL illumination.
Continuing that theme, the side sees plenty of sculpturing, side skirts with ‘Bucket Teeth’, a rising glasshouse and noticeable width/muscle around the c-pillars.
The rear is punctuated by beautifully curved rear glass, a sporty under-bumper diffuser and large, modern tail-lights.
Mercedes-Benz GLA On The Road
We only had Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 CDIs to drive at the national media preview. And it was raining. And time as tight thanks to our interstate colleague’s flight schedules being disrupted by the aforesaid precipitation.
Never mind, your CarShowroom.com.au correspondent found time to drive both the regular GLA 200 and one fitted with the AMG pack.
No surprises we preferred the AMG-equipped model (the extra $2,490 is well worth it). The lowered sports suspension and extra rubber courtesy of the 19-inch alloy wheels provided a slightly sportier dynamic which we enjoyed and, inside the sportier feel was enhanced by the thick, flat-bottom AMG steering wheel.
Of course ‘Benz has the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel beautifully fettled. At all speeds it’s supremely quiet and nicely mated to the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We can’t think of any automotive company with more cohesive drivelines than Mercedes-Benz.
We spent most of our time in ‘S’ sport mode as we tackled the climbs and twists up to the Yarra Valley but a mid-run switch to ‘Eco’ brought a noticeable softening in the gear changes (and it’s in this mode that you get closes to achieving the remarkable 4.6l/100kms fuel consumption which is a GL 200 highlight).
There is none of the ‘ham-fisted’ ride and handling of some SUVs – in fact the GL 200 beats the likes of BMW X1 and Audi Q3 for on-road dynamics and that’s impressive. Even in the slippery going we noticed the crisp turn-in, high levels of grip and general poise at the limit.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Issues
Not one single nut, bolt or washer can be improved on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. A challenge for Mercedes-Benz may be securing sufficient cars from the German factory to satisfy local demand…customers the world over are screaming for this one.
And a challenge for us at CarShowroom.com.au is waiting until October to try the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG!
Mercedes-Benz GLA Verdict
Another day, another brilliant new Mercedes-Benz to drive. A ‘Benz which will again cause constipation amongst the management at rival German brands…but which will put a smile on the face of compact SUV buyers.
Nicely styled, great to drive and loaded with technology, it’s impossible to fault the Mercedes-Benz GL 350.
Where Mercedes’ all-new compact SUV slays its rivals is in the value-for-money department. Those clever folk at ‘Benz have included as standard many features for which their rivals charge extra.
That’s a collective “Dang it!” you’re hearing from the offices at Audi and BMW.
Mercedes-Benz GLA The Competition
Audi Q3 looks the part and Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is a smidge ahead on power and torque at 103kW/320Nm. Check the standard inclusions list carefully against the GL to compare like-for-like.
BMW X1, like the Audi Q3, looks the part, has a similar 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and drives as you’d expect a BMW to drive. But again you need to thoroughly check what you’re getting and what’s on the options list to compare with the ‘Benz – for example a reversing camera isn’t standard on the X1.
And ditto for the Land Rover Evoque. While the Brit stakes a claim for the best-looker in this league and the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel packs a 110kW/380Nm punch, once again you need to put the specification sheet under the microscope to see specific inclusions for each model to compare with the GL 250.
Likes: Gorgeous ‘non-SUV’ looks; classy interior; fully loaded = great value; nice to drive
Disikes: Like kids before Christmas it’s a long wait counting-down the days until the October launch of the GLA 45 AMG
