The GLA recently started the new model year with an extended range of engines, targeted visual accentuation in the interior and exterior design, plus updated design and equipment lines (fuel consumption combined: 7.4‑3.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 172-103 g/km). This sees the look of the compact SUV gaining considerably in presence

Progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and with good off-road capability: a wanderer between automotive worlds, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been reinterpreting the compact SUV segment in impressive style since 2013. It lightfootedly masters all day-to-day challenges and is also robust enough for off-road excursions. The GLA is characterised by its sportily dynamic design idiom, light-footed handling and extensive individualisation range.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly manoeuvrable around town (length x width x height: 4424 x 1804 x 1494 millimetres), lively on country and pass roads, and dynamic and efficient on the motorway (C_d figure of 0.29). The high-quality appointments, developed with a loving attention to detail, and the flexible interior clearly position the GLA as a compact premium SUV.

Modified bumpers, additional light-alloy wheels and the new attractive colour "canyon beige" characterise the 2017 vintage at first glance. The GLA thus visually underlines its SUV genes to an even greater extent. The previous optional bi-xenon headlamps have made way for soft LED headlamps characterised by a colour temperature similar to daylight.

The customers have a choice between three chassis variants: as standard the GLA features a comfort suspension; the lowered suspension is available on request (in conjunction with the AMG Line or the Dynamic Handling package). With the off-road comfort suspension (optional) the body is 30 millimetres higher. This results in improved off-road capability owing to higher ground clearance, a higher seat position and more striking off-roader looks.

The interior values are a sight for sore eyes too: exclusively available in this market segment, the 360-degree camera records the direct surroundings of the car, which are either shown as a full-image depiction or in seven different split-screen views on the media display. Among them is also a virtual top view of the car – produced from the data of four cameras: front camera, reversing camera and one camera in each of the exterior mirrors. The attractively styled interior of the GLA with high-quality materials and excellent workmanship is enhanced by new seat covers and trim parts as well as chromed control panels. In addition the nozzle rings are more strongly accentuated and thus underscore the harmonious SUV touch in the interior.

The rear of the GLA was also the focus of the engineers' attention, and they have integrated new features here: with HANDS-FREE ACCESS, the boot lid can be opened and closed with a foot movement, without using the hands or touching a thing – accompanied by a warning signal. The procedure can be completed at any time, and a potential obstacle also stops the process immediately. In conjunction with the stowage facility package, the load compartment floor is lockable – the lock is integrated in the flipper handle and operated with a key.

New to the range is the Comfort Exclusive package, which adds to the previous Exclusive package with comfort seats featuring SUV-specific black leather with a buffalo-hide look. New seat cover fabrics for the design and equipment lines Style and Urban also exude attention to detail. New features include the upholstery colours for the Style design and equipment line as ARTICO man-made leather/Macápá fabric in black/ochre yellow, sahara beige or black plus for the Urban design and equipment line as ARTICO man-made leather/Maringá fabric in crystal grey or black.

The model series in profile:

• Range: 11 model variants (incl. Mercedes-AMG)
• Lines: Style, Urban, AMG Line
• Special model: WhiteArt Edition¹
• Price: from €28,940.80² (GLA 180)
• Length/width/height: 4424/1804/1494 mm
• Wheelbase: 2699 mm
• Boot capacity: 421-1235 l (according to VDA)
• Model history: Market launch 03/2014, facelift: 03/2017
• Production: Rastatt/Germany, Beijing/China (since 2015)

Introduced in 2017, the GLA 220 4MATIC adds an additional all-wheel-drive version with a petrol engine to the range. With an output of 135 kW (184 hp), it constitutes an attractive proposition and, taking its performance into account, with 152 g CO₂ it is amongst the most frugal models in its class. The GLA 250 4MATIC with 155 kW (211 hp) is positioned just above it.

The data of the test cars at a glance:

¹ In Germany: PEAK Edition

² MSRP for Germany including 19% VAT