From GLA to GLS: what gives? (used)

The Mercedes GLA may be a good deal on paper but can it shake the image that the CLA seems to be tarnished by?

Standard GLA250’s turbocharged four-cylinder is good for 208hp while the top of the GLA45 AMG’s 375hp is wicked fast. Pick of the range is simple and the most logical choice, even though we do enjoy how fast the AMG form is, we’d have to say the GLA250 is the only way to go. It’s the more affordable of the two and the running costs are actually quite good. It’s hard to fault it too because there’s decent turn of pace around town and on the highway, plus you can option it with all-wheel-drive if needed.

On the road the GLA does feel more composed than you’d think. There’s plenty of grip with the 4-matic all-wheel-drive system and steering feedback is pleasantly good. The AMG form has a lowered suspension and its setup is more aimed towards agility. However, you’ll be surprised that there is a fair balance between body control and ride comfort; at least the GLA lives up to the Mercedes badge with very minimal wind and road noise to complain of.

There is plenty of space for the front passengers and rear passengers. Headroom and legroom are both decent. The boot space is decent too but nothing to brag about. The infotainment system is too fiddly to operate while on the move, and there are far too many menus to look through for simple functions. Plus we aren’t huge fans of the screen that sort of just pops out the dash instead of raising and lowering into the dash like in the Audi Q3.

Bluetooth audio streaming, 14-way power driver’s seat with memory, power lift gate and eco start/stop system all come as standard. You’ll have to pay extra for navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps and 4-matic all-wheel-drive. Both options that are great but all depends if you really have to have them. Our tester car came pretty decked out and also came with a pretty decked out price tag as well.

The GLA price tag is enticing but you’ll have to walk away with a very sparsely equipped GLA. Even if it does offer decent kit at a decent price, you’ll have to overlook the Q3 which does have a bit more kit standard and of course the more dynamically appealing X1. Getting the GLA to a desired level of kit means you’ll be paying more for it and it becomes even harder to justify especially when there are so many indirect rivals that are larger roomier and has more standard kit too.

Mercedes reliability record is spotty even though Mercedes does enjoy high customer satisfaction scores. The interior materials do feel up to Mercedes par, but the overall reliability of the electronics should be something to look at long term wise. But at least Mercedes doesn’t short change on the safety with collision prevention assist plus, driver attention assist, and adaptive braking technology. Seven airbags are standard; and an alarm system with engine immobilizer is fitted to keep theft at bay.

The GLA is one of those crossovers you’ll either love or loathe. We like the low starting price and the overall badge appeal that comes along with owning a Mercedes, however you will feel short changed with the GLA just like the CLA. Its indirect options are much better and that raises the question is it really worth it? If you have to have a Mercedes yes; otherwise there are better indirect rivals that cost similar money and offer way more.

Likes: AMG form is wicked fast. It’s a practical hatchback on stilts with a low starting price.  Low running cost.

Dislikes: Low price goes bye-bye when options are added. Infotainment system is fiddly to operate and there are too many distracting menus.

Devon’s choice: GLA 250 4-matic all-wheel-drive. If your heart is set on having a GLA this form is the best way to go. You’ll want to keep the options list light with just one or two options added on. Both are a bit pricey but are worth adding; 4-matic all-wheel-drive for the added traction in sticky situations and Bi-xenon headlamps for the added luxury car appeal.

Performance: Standard form is good but AMG form is wicked fast. ****

Ride & handling: Both are surprisingly good. ****

Refinement: Up to Mercedes standards. ****

Buying & owning: Some versions can get expensive but holds value well. **

Quality & reliability: Quality is good but reliability record is spotty. ***

Safety & Security: Comes with all the gear needed for avoidance and in event of accident. ****

Behind the wheel: Comfortable front seats; infotainment system too fiddly. ***

Space & Practicality: Decent space for five; boot space nothing to brag about. ***

Equipment: Decent kit but options are expensive. ***

GLA 45AMG offers blistering performance thanks a turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 375hp. The only downside to the AMG variant is the high asking price and the overly firm suspension that borders on the unforgiving side.

Devon test drives a compact Mercedes Crossover (GLA)

The Mercedes GLA may be a good deal on paper but can it shake the image that the CLA seems to be tarnished by?

Standard GLA250’s turbocharged four-cylinder is good for 208hp while the top of the GLA45 AMG’s 375hp is wicked fast. Pick of the range is simple and the most logical choice, even though we do enjoy how fast the AMG form is, we’d have to say the GLA250 is the only way to go. It’s the more affordable of the two and the running costs are actually quite good. It’s hard to fault it too because there’s decent turn of pace around town and on the highway, plus you can option it with all-wheel-drive if needed.

On the road the GLA does feel more composed than you’d think. There’s plenty of grip with the 4-matic all-wheel-drive system and steering feedback is pleasantly good. The AMG form has a lowered suspension and its setup is more aimed towards agility. However, you’ll be surprised that there is a fair balance between body control and ride comfort; at least the GLA lives up to the Mercedes badge with very minimal wind and road noise to complain of.

There is plenty of space for the front passengers and rear passengers. Headroom and legroom are both decent. The boot space is decent too but nothing to brag about. The infotainment system is too fiddly to operate while on the move, and there are far too many menus to look through for simple functions. Plus we aren’t huge fans of the screen that sort of just pops out the dash instead of raising and lowering into the dash like in the Audi Q3.

Bluetooth audio streaming, 14-way power driver’s seat with memory, power lift gate and eco start/stop system all come as standard. You’ll have to pay extra for navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps and 4-matic all-wheel-drive. Both options that are great but all depends if you really have to have them. Our tester car came pretty decked out and also came with a pretty decked out price tag as well.

The GLA price tag is enticing but you’ll have to walk away with a very sparsely equipped GLA. Even if it does offer decent kit at a decent price, you’ll have to overlook the Q3 which does have a bit more kit standard and of course the more dynamically appealing X1. Getting the GLA to a desired level of kit means you’ll be paying more for it and it becomes even harder to justify especially when there are so many indirect rivals that are larger roomier and has more standard kit too.

Mercedes reliability record is spotty even though Mercedes does enjoy high customer satisfaction scores. The interior materials do feel up to Mercedes par, but the overall reliability of the electronics should be something to look at long term wise. But at least Mercedes doesn’t short change on the safety with collision prevention assist plus, driver attention assist, and adaptive braking technology. Seven airbags are standard; and an alarm system with engine immobilizer is fitted to keep theft at bay.

The GLA is one of those crossovers you’ll either love or loathe. We like the low starting price and the overall badge appeal that comes along with owning a Mercedes, however you will feel short changed with the GLA just like the CLA. Its indirect options are much better and that raises the question is it really worth it? If you have to have a Mercedes yes; otherwise there are better indirect rivals that cost similar money and offer way more.

Likes: AMG form is wicked fast. It’s a practical hatchback on stilts with a low starting price.  Low running cost.

Dislikes: Low price goes bye-bye when options are added. Infotainment system is fiddly to operate and there are too many distracting menus.

Devon’s choice: GLA 250 4-matic all-wheel-drive. If your heart is set on having a GLA this form is the best way to go. You’ll want to keep the options list light with just one or two options added on. Both are a bit pricey but are worth adding; 4-matic all-wheel-drive for the added traction in sticky situations and Bi-xenon headlamps for the added luxury car appeal.

Performance: Standard form is good but AMG form is wicked fast. ****

Ride & handling: Both are surprisingly good. ****
Refinement: Up to Mercedes standards. ****
Buying & owning: Some versions can get expensive but holds value well. **
Quality & reliability: Quality is good but reliability record is spotty. ***
Safety & Security: Comes with all the gear needed for avoidance and in event of accident. ****
Behind the wheel: Comfortable front seats; infotainment system too fiddly. ***
Space & Practicality: Decent space for five; boot space nothing to brag about. ***
Equipment: Decent kit but options are expensive. ***

Quick-take 2018-2019

These reviews are merely vehicles that we've sat in and had the opportunity to critique based on first impressions. Actual reviews will be coming later once we are able to get our hands on one for an actual road test.

Mercedes GLA (AMG45) 

Likes: It's more of a hot-hatch and that's not a bad thing in our books. All-wheel-drive provides tenacious grip. 

Dislikes: The ride comfort is beyond unforgiving. The example shown to us costs $71k!!! The interior is cramped with iffy interior build quality. 

Overall: Stay clear of any GLA AMG over $65k. It's just not worth it. 

Alfa Romeo Giulia 

Likes: Both engines are more than capable for the job. One of the most stylish sedans we've seen in a while with driving dynamics that can give BMW a run for its money. 

Dislikes: Interior build quality is on the iffy side. Electronic gear selector is annoying beyond belief. 

Overall: It's stylish with driving dynamics to match. 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 

Likes: Running costs are improved thanks to hybrid technology. The somewhat useless third-row seat is gone. Attractive starting price with generous standard kit.

Dislikes: The PHEV is the only way you can have the Outlander with five-seat configuration. EV-range is limited. 

Overall: Anyone seeking a hybrid that's not a Toyota Prius will like this one. 

Subaru Crosstrek

Likes: It's one of the most ruggest CUVs you can buy. Interior has been improved dramatically with added new luxury features.

Dislikes: A 2-liter turbo option would be great.

Overall: Sticking to its laurels but with better refinement and interior quality.



Toyota iM

Likes: The standard features is high while running costs are low. It's stylish and offers plenty of value for the money.

Dislikes: It looks sporty but the driving experience is the complete opposite.

Overall: It's a modern day Geo Metro, but it's much better in refinement and build quality.



Honda Civic Type R

Likes: It's the Civic of Civics. Despite only being front-wheel-drive it surely doesn't feel like it. It feels more eager than a Focus RS.

Dislikes: The styling is way over the top. Where's the SI version of the hatch?

Overall: If the Fast and Furious dubbed a Honda Civic.



BMW X4

Likes: It's the most recognizable crossovers on the road. Despite being so odd looking, it's quite enjoyable to drive.

Dislikes: It's utterly pointless and expensive.

Overall: It's an expensive way to be different. A utterly pointless way at that.



Audi RS3

Likes: Pint-sized 400hp rocket. Typical Audi interior excellence. Quattro all-wheel-drive grips tenaciously.

Dislikes: Slightly cramped for space in the rear.

Overall: We'd like it even more if the Golf R had this engine.



Porsche 911 Carrera

Likes: It's the creme de la creme of the sports coupe world. It's the most sensible way to spend loads of money on a car (strong residuals and resale value that is). It drives, handles and sounds like it was engineered by the car gods.

Dislikes: It's expensive with options and some of those options shouldn't even be optional.

Overall: Don't walk into a Porsche Dealer thinking you'll walk away with a reasonably priced (new) 911; they'll send you to the gallows. (Note: The 'Gallows' bit is pure satire.) 



BMW M3

Likes: Pure excellence made into a package that's easy to live with.

Dislikes: It's pretty hard to fault, but if we had to it's a tad on the steep side with options.

Overall: The turbo six-cylinder is quicker and has more torque. However, nothing can replace that NA eight-cylinder soundtrack of the previous generation.