Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present review review

Though its name isn't short for glamorous, we think many would use such a word to describe the Mercedes GLA. It sits in the chic family SUV class and bears a premium badge, too. It's all very fashionable, yet fortunately it's not all form over function.

Engines: For starters, most of its engines are impressively punchy. We say most because the entry-level 1.3-litre petrol (found in the GLA 180 model) is somewhat lacklustre, but the rest have decent get-up-and-go. The GLA 200, for example, provides effortless oomph for relaxed cruising, with its more powerful version of the same engine.

If pace is truly important to you, though, you’ll want to look at the GLA 250. With 221bhp, it’s hot hatch fast and its plentiful low-rev urge makes it feel pleasingly brisk even when you’re not thrashing it. There’s also an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid, the GLA 250e, and this uses another version of the 1.3-litre petrol engine, but this time paired with an electric motor that significantly boosts performance – it’s only fractionally slower than the GLA 250. Plus, official figures state that it has a 37-mile range on electric power alone.

Performance variants come in the form of the 306bhp GLA 35 and the 421bhp GLA 45. These have turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engines and, perhaps needless to say, are incredibly rapid.

As for the diesel engines, the 200d proves satisfactory, while the 220d is even stronger. It pulls well throughout its rev range and generally feels in tune with the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Trims and equipment: Even the entry-level Sport model is pretty well equipped. You have 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, climate control and heated front seats.

The AMG Line trim mostly makes the car look more aggressive, but we'd recommend focusing on getting a GLA that has the Executive Package instead, for the infotainment upgrades it brings. You gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and wireless phone-charging, as well as a 10.25in screen that replaces the standard 7.0in one.

Ride and handling: Ride comfort is decent, even on the relatively large 19in wheels and lowered suspension fitted to AMG Line models. The GLA doesn’t breeze over ripples and expansion joints as effectively as the Volvo XC40, but it suffers less from side-to-side sway and still takes the sting out of potholes.

The adaptive suspension – an optional extra from new – stiffens or softens depending on which mode you're in, but we don't feel that it's a must have.

A high ride height never helps a car’s handling so it’s no surprise that the Mercedes GLA’s body leans over a fair bit in corners compared with the Mercedes A-Class family car that it's based on. Fortunately, this happens progressively enough that it isn’t unsettling, and the GLA feels more controlled than a Range Rover Evoque or Volvo XC40.

The steering is a bit numb just off centre, but it improves greatly after that, enabling you to place the front wheels with confidence. You can make it more weighty and reassuring by putting the car in Dynamic mode. In Comfort mode, the steering is super-light and well suited to town driving.

Interior and practicality: If there’s one thing about the Mercedes GLA that we'd award it an A-star grade for, it’s the look of its interior. It’s flamboyant and more in keeping with a luxury saloon than a family SUV, thanks to lashings of shiny piano-black trim, leather, wood and metal inserts.

You’re unlikely to grumble about space in the front, even if you tower over most of your friends and colleagues. The seats slide back a long way and there’s plenty of head room, even with the panoramic glass roof you'll find on cars with the Premium Plus Package.

Rear leg room is comparable with the Audi Q3, so you won’t find your knees are jammed up against the front seat backs. What’s more, there’s plenty of space for your feet under the front seats, even when these are in their lowest position.

However, head room is a little disappointing – at least on cars with the panoramic glass roof – partly due to the way the roof curves downwards at the sides. Children and smaller adults will still be fine, but six-footers are likely to feel a bit confined.

When the rear seats are as far back as they can go, the GLA’s official boot capacity is 495 litres. That's down on the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, but slightly more than you get in a Range Rover Evoque or Volvo XC40.

If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes GLA or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Used prices for the Mercedes GLA begin at around £22,000 for a 2020 car. That will likely get you a 200 or 200d in either Sport or AMG Line trim. Prices for 2021 models only rise to around £25,000, though 2022 cars start at around £28,000, and slightly more, think £30,000 upwards, for 2023 and 2024 models.

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MPG

Officially, the 180 and 200 average 42.8mpg, that figure dropping to 37.2mpg for the 250. The 200d averages 53.3mpg, but for the 220d, that drops to 47.9mpg. The GLA 35 has an average of 32.5mpg, with the 45 coming in at 28.8mpg.

The plug-in hybrid 250e has an official figure of 201.8mpg, though that will be hard to match in real-world conditions.

Road tax

Put aside £180 per year for road tax on petrol and diesel models, and £170 for the 250e. If your GLA cost more than £40,000 when new, you'll have to pay an additional £390 per year in luxury car tax. Fortunately, this is only levied from the second to the sixth year after the car is registered.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups range from 23 to 42, depending on your chosen specification. That means insurance costs will be broadly similar to those for rival models.

Mercedes offers fixed price services at bespoke prices depending on your vehicle's specifications.

Unlike the Mercedes GLA 180, the 200 model doesn't feel wanting in power. It has enough performance to satisfy most buyers while coming in at a reasonable price and returning good fuel economy .

You don't need to upgrade from Sport trim – just remember to look out for that previously mentioned Executive Package. However, if you do like the look of AMG Line, you won't need to stretch your budget too far to grab one.

Our favourite Mercedes GLA: GLA 200 Sport (Executive Package)

If you're seeking out rivals for the Mercedes GLA, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are worth checking out. They both have premium badges, and they have a great focus on luxury, refinement and tech. Because they've been around longer than the GLA's, they also tend to be cheaper used buys.

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If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes GLA or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.