Mercedes currently has eight compact models. The second generation of the GLA is one of the latest additions . Has the variety been exaggerated, as Daimler boss Ola Källenius recently said ? From an economic point of view maybe.
But the customers are happy about so much choice. And the GLA series has found many fans in the past. Will the compact SUV remain on the road to success? Our driving report of the new GLA 220 d 4Matic should clarify that.
What is that?
To put it heretically: the B-Class as an SUV. Wait a minute, the inclined reader will now object, what about the GLB ? It is conceptually designed to match the letter B for space and, in contrast to the GLA, offers up to seven seats.
But the GLA not only looks quite similar to the B-Class, the dimensions are almost identical. The wheelbase of 2.73 meters is the same, as is the length of 4.42 meters. Only in height does the GLA add five centimeters. And then there are the internal series abbreviations: W 247 (B class) and H 247 (GLA).
The close relationship is by no means bad, the GLA benefits from a very good use of space. All seats are spacious. Practical: The rear seats can optionally be moved by 14 centimeters and the rear backrest can be placed in a steeper position. For example, bulky boxes can be stowed away.
435 liters of luggage fit in the rear, a decent value, although the GLA is not the class leader. All-round visibility has improved significantly in the new model. A good grade is given for the excellent workmanship and the materials used. But that has its price, as we shall see later.
Typical of the current compact models are the large screens, in our test car the top version with two 10.25 inches. Admittedly, I was initially skeptical about the MBUX operating system. It takes a longer drive to become familiar with all the input options, including the touch buttons on the steering wheel.
After that, most things are easy to do, and the very good voice input is there to help. Anyone who likes it can look up after the command "Hey, Mercedes!" even tell jokes.
It's a good thing that the Swabians weren't extremely frugal and left me, as the driver, with various physical buttons for the air conditioning. The metal buttons 1a are tactile.
How does it drive?
In addition to the all-wheel drive in the 4matic, every diesel GLA comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Typical of this type of transmission is spontaneous use of power from a standing start, in contrast to an automatic converter, which "creeps" more due to the torque converter. Because in the GLA 220 d at least 400 Newton meters of maximum torque is already available from 1,600 tours, novices may find this connection inharmonious.
But on longer journeys, the DCT gearbox proves to be a good partner. It shifts gears discreetly, albeit a little late at times. The engine in the GLA 220 d 4Matic (all-wheel drive costs a good 2,200 euros more) remains quiet even at motorway speeds. However, wind noise and the rolling noise of the 19-incher are then annoying, which also reduce the comfort. Wheels don't have to be that big, 17-inch aluminum wheels are already standard.
In general, however, the GLA strives for balance, both in the chassis and in the steering. Here you feel comfortable on long journeys, thanks to the comfortable seats and extras that are subject to a surcharge, such as the excellent head-up display or the adaptive cruise control. It adapts the set speed to the current speed limit using traffic sign recognition.
The feeling of safety and solidity in the GLA remains as a subjective impression: when the doors are slammed, a full "WUMPF" sounds.
The 220 diesel is also a good indicator of the enormous effort that has now been put into exhaust gas cleaning with diesel: Mercedes is installing three catalytic converters plus a particle filter with a catalytic converter function. The 220 d thus meets the Euro 6d emissions standard and is RDE Level 2 certified.
What does it cost?
Let's start with consumption: I averaged 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers. However, I have occasionally moved faster on the Autobahn at 170-180 km/h. In normal operation, a 6 before the decimal point is possible without any problems, Mercedes itself specifies between 5.0 and 5.3 liters as the average.
These values seem feasible, as a consumption test by our Italian colleagues with the GLA 200 d 4Matic has shown: 5.7 liters on the motorway, but even 2.9 liters with an extremely economical driving style. Incidentally, in 2021 there will be a GLA that does not require liquid fuel, namely the electric EQA .
The rivals of the Mercedes GLA:
When looking at the GLA price list, on the other hand, it is not economical at all. The 220 diesel with all-wheel drive currently starts at almost exactly 43,000 euros. And as is traditionally the case with Mercedes, the list of surcharges is long. LED headlights? Almost 1,000 euros. Two-zone automatic climate control? Around 600 euros. The bottom line for our GLA 220d 4Matic was exactly 62,901 euros.
With all the qualities of the GLA: That's fierce. Even if the comparison is a bit lame, it should be said that there is a fully equipped and much larger new Kia Sorento with diesel for less money.
Verdict: 7/10
The Mercedes GLA is the B-Class for everyone for whom a B-Class is too uncool. The 220 d 4Matic is convincing. In addition, Mercedes has found its way back to premium quality on the inside. Unfortunately, the premium prices are steep. That hailed the compact SUV a better rating.
