The second generation model increases in size and has new technology and styling

The GLA may be the baby SUV in the Mercedes-Benz family, but the all-new model is growing up as it faces competition in this premium segment. 

The GLA compact SUV was first launched in 2013 with over a million of the first generation sold before this new model was introduced to New Zealand mid year.

There are four variants: the GLA 200 that’s priced from $73,300 and powered with a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, and is a front-wheel drive.

Next is the $86,500 GLA 250 with a 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 165kW/350Nm and gaining Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

There are also two AMG versions; the GLA 35 ($99,900) with a 2-litre engine powered up to 225kW/400Nm and the GLA 45 S with output at 310kW/500Nm.

All have an eight-speed transmission.

At 1611mm tall, the all-new GLA is 104mm taller than the old model, with the wheelbase 30mm longer, at 2729mm, but overall body length is down 14mm to 4410mm. 

While it is based on the A-Class platform, the GLA is 9mm shorter than that hatchback, making it look taller and high-riding, gaining an SUV look.

There’s 22mm more head room up front, along with a 97mm higher seating position. Visibility from the driver’s seat is impressive, making for comfortable city driving. There’s more shoulder and leg room in the second row, too, up by 43mm and 116mm respectively.

Mercedes-Benz chief designer, Gorden Wagener, called the all-new GLA “the perfect combination of a compact car and an SUV”.

“The new GLA is a testament to modern luxury. It features an iconic design that redefines its class again. It combines masculine off-roader genes with our philosophy of sensual purity,” said Wagner.

“At the same time, its even more powerful proportions and stance contrast with its compact dimensions.”

AutoMuse tested the GLA 250 that had been specced up to $92,170 thanks to the AMG sports package, plus two optional packages. First was the driving assistance ($1900) that included distronic cruise control where you can set the speed and distance between you and the vehicle ahead, braking accordingly. In that package is also lane change assist, plus route based speed adaptation. This system uses the camera, radar sensors, and map data to anticipate upcoming curves, intersections, and roundabouts, then adjusts speed and brakes when adaptive cruise control is engaged. 

The vision package was $1990 and included the panoramic glass electric roof, plus 360 degree camera that’s handy for parking.

Those are two packages I’d tick if I were a buyer, especially as the roof gives you more of a feeling of space.

Having spent quite a bit of time in the previous GLA, including how to drift on snow at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground at Cardrona, I had a soft spot for that first generation SUV. But Mercedes has moved it up notch to take on the competition in this busy premium SUV segment. It faces the likes of Audi’s Q3, BMW’s X2, Jaguar’s I-Pace and even the Range Rover Velar when it comes to vehicles on buyers’ shopping lists.

Inside, the GLA gets Mercedes’ now standard, and stylish, interior with the dual infotainment screens, lots of function buttons on the steering wheel and the inclusion of the Siri-like Hey Mercedes that controls everything from air conditioning to what radio station you want to listen to. This also means you don’t take your eyes off the road. 

The second row is decidedly more comfortable and suitable for adults, making the new GLA a genuine option as the second family vehicle for parents with two growing kids. Adults won’t be complaining back there, even on longer road trips, so that’s a big tick there.

In Sport mode, drive is split 70:30 front to rear, while Comfort and Eco run 80:20 front to rear while Off-road does the 50:50 split.

Sure, it’s an SUV, but most owners won’t be taking it off tarmac, but it has the capability to. I drove it to the southernmost paddock at Parihoa and engaged Off-road to get to the area as the dirt track turned to grass with a few rough patches so I wanted stability. With it being higher than the previous model, it coped with undulating surface effortlessly.

The GLA’s steering and balance are well beyond what an SUV would have been capable of not so long ago, and as such, deliver dynamic ability that should suit buyers.

The ride quality comes from its platform with the GLA’s wider stance giving it balance at all times. Combine that chassis balance with a quality AWD system, and you get an SUV that gives you a confident drive.

On the motorway, I engaged Sport mode and the  2-litre engine’s 350Nm of torque delivered when overtaking, giving effortless power. 

Around town, the GLA was small enough to cope with tight car park spots. I was also impressed with its handling such as three point turns and tight maneuvering around chicane. 

Previous owners of the GLA will definitely be trading in their vehicle for the second generation model, while it will be on the shopping list of the ever growing number of people wanting a compact SUV as their vehicle.