Mercedes-Benz GLA

For far too long, there has been a stigma associated with entry level luxury cars: that they are quite barebones when it comes to features That was in part true for the GLA as well. Mercedes’ entry level SUV, the GLA, now has been updated for 2024 and is trying to escape this stigma by offering better looks, features and interiors. Can this update make it more desirable?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is Mercedes’ entry level SUV which offers buyers a taste of luxury in a compact yet practical footprint. It competes with the likes of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. In Mercedes’ lineup, it sits under the GLC, GLE and the GLS SUVs. 

When it comes to SUVs, road presence is a must. The GLA has always had a more rounded shape which hides its size. This has resulted in the competition having more visual appeal. While things have become better in this update, the overall appeal of the GLA is still that of a large hatchback. 

In terms of an update, the facelift GLA comes with a new face. A revised grille, bumper and headlamps help it look more aggressive than before. However, it is the sloping bonnet and the shape of the roof sloping down that makes it look more like a hatchback than an SUV. It is a good-looking design, just not macho in the traditional SUV sense.

In the AMG-Line, you get a sportier bumper and 19-inch alloy wheels with chunky sidewalls to deal with bad road conditions without having to worry about the rim. The wheel-arch cladding is finished in body colour and even the grille comes with chrome accents. 

At the back, the new LED taillamps look modern and the rest of the tailgate is kept very clean to match the overall design of the GLA. 

Staying in tune with the facelift mentality, the interiors have been very slightly tweaked. Apart from the new upholstery, the bigger change is the new AMG-spec steering wheel in the AMG-Line variant and the removal of the centre-console-mounted touchpad and controls. The trim on the left of the dashboard is also new and is different in the two variants being offered.

Speaking of the removed touchpad, while it was convenient, it became redundant post the introduction of the touchscreen infotainment system. It makes way for a rubber-padded open storage which, honestly, feels like an underutilization of space. Because just in front of the new open storage is a large storage with a shutter that has 2 cup holders, storage area and a wireless phone charger. 

The interior quality of the GLA remains impressive with good fit, finish and quality of the materials and premium feeling touchpoints like the steering and turbine-style AC vents which still open and close with a satisfactory click. 

Features

Over time, the GLA has managed to keep up with the basic feature requirements of its customers. In this update, I am glad to report that it has gone one step ahead. Not only do you get the features that you'd expect, you also get a few more to lift the overall experience of the SUV. 

The new additions start with the touchscreen interface which now runs the latest generation of the MBUX software. This now comes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which adds a layer of conveyance. Coupled with a fast wireless charger, this combination keeps the smartphone juiced up without having to manage wires. Furthermore, you can play games like Sudoku, Pairs and ShufflePuck in the system while the car is in the Parking mode. This remains strictly a gimmick as the use case is insignificant. 

Another useful addition is the 360 degree camera. It helps make parking easy with the added layer of Active Parking Assist which takes over control of the steering while parallel parking. Other features include electrically adjustable front passenger seats with memory function, panoramic sliding sunroofs, 10.25-inch digital driver display, 2 zone climate control, and 64 colour ambient lighting. With these, the GLA now feels quite up-to-date in terms of the features. 

Rear Seat Experience

The rear seats of the GLA have not seen a change. While they are spacious and well cushioned, the backrest angle is a bit upright. And although you get a storage, rear AC vents and two Type-C charging ports at the back, the lack of cup holders in the armrests does pinch. And you can recline and slide the rear seats, but that's more to do with opening more room in the boot than adding comfort for the passengers. 

Rear Seat Experience

The rear seats of the GLA have not seen a change. While they are spacious and well cushioned, the backrest angle is a bit upright. And although you get a storage, rear AC vents and two Type-C charging ports at the back, the lack of cup holders in the armrests does pinch. And you can recline and slide the rear seats, but that's more to do with opening more room in the boot than adding comfort for the passengers. 

At 425 litres, the GLA has a pretty spacious boot. Accommodating large suitcases or small bags is done easily and packing for the family’s weekend trip can be done without prior planning. The rear seats fold in 40:20:40 ratio and the seats can also slide forward to open more room if required. 

The GLA is still offered with 2 engine options: a 1.3-litre turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. The latter is available with the 4MATIC AWD system and is the one we drove. With 190PS and 400Nm, it’s the diesel which is more powerful and is available with the AMG-Line variant. Claimed 0-100kmph time is 7.5s and mileage is 18.9kmpl. It comes paired with an 8-speed DCT. 

Numbers out of the way, this engine shines when it comes to refinement and quick speed changes. Driving in the city feels effortless and the GLA feels well at home just getting along in traffic. Find a gap and the GLA is happy to leap ahead. The downshift does feel a tad slow but the acceleration coming after makes up for it. Even on the highways, the GLA feels at ease and comfortably cruises at triple digit speeds. Here is where its overtaking ability really impresses and it can go from 80kmph to over 120kmph in no time. Overall, it is indeed a very well rounded engine which will give you an acceptable balance of performance and mileage. 

The AMG-Line variant runs on 19-inch rims. While this should be an element for concern so as to not damage the rim on a pothole, the thick 235/50 profile takes care. However, this does mean that the suspension travel is limited. Hence, the GLA remains comfortable and plush over smaller undulations and speed breakers. But the larger bumps are felt with a slight thud sound. While they won't make you uncomfortable, they will make you slow down over the harsher stuff a tad more. 

On the highways, the GLA remains very stable. Quick lane changes or even overtaking manoeuvres don't bother the suspension and the occupants remain fairly comfortable. Even the handling is predictable and safe. The GLA feels sharp to turn and the steering offers good confidence as well. The grip levels are also appreciable and you will enjoy driving it on a hill station. While it is not sporty to drive, especially given the slower downshifts, it is ample fun for a small family SUV. 

The Mercedes GLA offers customers an entry to the luxury SUV lifestyle. And apart from the looks, which are a bit too hatchback-like, and the rear seat comfort, it does manage to impress almost everywhere. The cabin offers a high quality luxury experience and now the features feel full as well. And not just the cabin, the quality of the features is also impressive. And, finally, the diesel engine is an allrounder which will satisfy you in most situations. Overall, this GLA is better than before but still offers the same value set - a worthy entry into the world of luxury SUVs for a small nuclear family.