Mercedes Benz

GLA-Class (incl AMG)

This was Mercedes’ first venture into the compact SUV segment and is extremely agile. The GLA-Class is just perfect for anyone looking for an all-rounder without compromising on style.

Test Drive

Mercedes GLA 200 CDI AMG

Building on the success of the A-Class, Mercedes has unleashed its bigger, beefier and sportier sibling – the GLA Class.

Boasting dynamic, yet rugged styling, the compact SUV is longer and higher than the A-class. It has greater ground clearance, a much bigger boot and boasts all the everyday touches that a premium SUV should.

And the mighty GLA AMG that was supplied on test boasted all the distinguishing features and badging associated with that particular branding.

Approach the GLA from any angle and it’s difficult not to be hooked on its striking good looks. It features aggressive, yet sleek styling with 19-inch AMG black wheels, privacy glass, a double grille in high gloss black with chrome trim, black beltline strips and door mirrors, black roof rails, a double exhaust system with chrome finish and lots of other AMG styling traits.

And it’s impossible not to be wowed by the interior build quality and array of techno treats at your disposal too.

As well as the more traditional features, the test car also included a couple of optional packs.

For example, the AMG Exclusive Package costing £1,295 introduced electrically-adjustable seats with four-way lumbar support, black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching, a black roof lining and AMG styled floor mats. The addition of heated seats costs an extra £300.

There was also an in-car entertainment pack fitted which introduced a Drive Kit Plus priced at £470 which keeps you connected to all iPhone features such as music, telephone contacts and social networking.

In fact, it would be fair to say there are creature comforts at every turn, yet the cabin remains clutter-free and very elegant in its lay-out.

There is a 5.8-inch tablet style colour screen attached to the dashboard which is the main focal point and navigating the various features is very simple thanks to a dial that helps you rotate smoothly through the settings.

The interior of the GLA is delightfully spacious with ample space for five adults to stretch out and the generously-sized boot can cater for 481 litres of luggage. This capacity can be increased to 1,235 litres with the rear seats folded flat and there’s plenty of handy storage compartments scattered throughout the vehicle.

The GLA was powered by a 2.1-litre diesel engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The driver can select from three different driving modes – ECO, Manual and Sport – which alter the car’s handling capabilities and performance stats. Steering wheel-mounted paddles can also be used for extra control over the transmission shifts.

Acceleration is smooth and responsive with a 0-62mph sprint time of 9.9 seconds and top speed of 127mph. But one statistic that is certainly worthy of note is the economy – according to official figures it can achieve a very impressive 62.8mpg on a combined run.

Comfort levels for all occupants are excellent although you can expect to feel a lot more bumps and dips along the way when the car is driven in Sport mode. Otherwise the ride and handling on the GLA are both impressive.

The car can be driven hard with confidence and bends can be attacked with confidence.

The GLA has been designed to take on the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 – two well-established vehicles that have a strong and faithful fan-base.

And with a price-tag of £28,300 (£32,245 with extras added), the GLA is financially very competitively. But ultimately its success will depend on sales figures, so time will tell.