2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Practical or Sporty?

Last year, Mercedes-Benz launched the CLA, a sedan sold for under $40,000. It was such a success that it sold out in several markets. The CLA’s second-place finish in our comparison of luxury compacts in the 2015 edition of Le Guide de l’auto (Quebec’s leading automobile publication) proves that its success is well deserved.

The GLA is the logical follow-up to the CLA sedan. It allows Mercedes to target the very popular and lucrative luxury compact SUV market for a minimal cost, since the two vehicles share the same platform (derived from the B-Class) and various mechanical components. You’ll have the choice of either the affordably-priced GLA 250 or the spectacular GLA 45 AMG and its 355-horsepower engine.

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Knock-out style

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but everyone seems to agree that the GLA is gorgeous. The plunging nose, large front air intakes, concave side panels and forward-inclined rear section combine to give it a sporty look. Moreover, its refined shape is aerodynamic and contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.29. Also note that the GLA 250 and GLA 45 AMG have distinct styles. The latter has larger front air intakes and a central bar through the front grille, while the tail end sets itself apart with a black diffuser and two exhaust pipes on each side. Furthermore, the AMG version has lower ground clearance.

The sedan and SUV have exactly the same dashboard. They both have the same circular air vents, information display on the upper part, and two circular gauges separated by an information screen right in front of the driver. Finally, the climate control is adjusted using a small control centre located on the lower part of the dash. It’s easy to use, but certain controls are hard to read.

The front seats are comfortable and provide good lateral support. The GLA 45 AMG has sport seats with more pronounced edges – they’re harder to get into, but once you’re in, they offer superior comfort and excellent lateral support. The back seats offer a decent amount of legroom for most people thanks to the contour of the front seatbacks. Larger people, however, will feel cramped.

Due to the configuration of the body and liftgate, access to the baggage hold is easy and the loading height is relatively low. But with a 421-litre capacity, it isn’t as generous as it should be. Once the seatback is lowered, you’ll have 1,235 litres of space, which should suffice in most cases. Note that there’s also a very practical rear pass-through.

A single four-cylinder, choice of horsepower

The silver star in the middle of the grille is often associated with prestige. At least it used to be, but don’t forget that the GLA shares its platform with the rather utilitarian B-Class. Even though at low speeds the engine sounds like a diesel, this 2.0-litre four-cylinder isn’t over its head in the GLA. With 208 horsepower, it’s up to the job. This mill is paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox that can be controlled using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The most recent generation of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system comes factory standard. It is technically sound, efficient and discreet.

The GLA 45 AMG is powered by the same engine, but it hs been significantly modified and produces 355 horsepower and 332 lbs.-ft. of torque. Its seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission shifts faster thanks to improvements made by AMG. This version also features a firmer sport suspension.

Like any Mercedes-Benz, the GLA is equipped with a plethora of safety systems like the fatigue detection device ATTENTION ASSIST and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST radar with adaptive assisted emergency braking that can automatically brake at speeds up to 200 km/hr in order to reduce the seriousness of accidents with slower-moving or immobile vehicles. The system also brakes in the presence of parked vehicles and is able to prevent collisions from behind up to a speed of 20 km/hr.

Practical or sporty: The choice is yours

With its sexy silhouette, prestige of the Mercedes-Benz name and well-adapted mechanics, a disappointing ride is simply not an option for the GLA. Its size makes it more of a crossover than a true SUV, and that translates to good handling for a vehicle in this class. We found that it corners better than the CLA, probably because of its larger track width and despite a slightly higher centre of gravity. The steering is precise and well-assisted, and the performance is nothing to sneeze at either since it takes only a smidge more than seven seconds to go from 0-100 km/hr. Pick-up is decent as well. However, sometimes the engine seems to show signs of fatigue and you’ll notice some shaking in seventh gear, but the problem is easily solved with a quick tap of the paddle to downshift. On a winding road, this crossover takes corner after corner without any roll and the 4Matic system guarantees neutrality.

The GLA 45 AMG is beyond powerful, so much so that it can go from 0-100 km/hr in less than five seconds. Add to that a sport suspension, faster steering and quality summer tires, and any little zigzagging road becomes an excuse to have some fun. What’s more, when you put the pedal to the metal, the sound of the gear shifts make you think you’re in a race car.

The GLA isn’t perfect, but it features an amalgam of technical and esthetic qualities that combine with balanced handling and practicality. Oh, and I almost forgot: although it isn’t a real all-terrain vehicle, the Off-Road option offers a little something for everyone with its higher ground clearance, special suspension and wheel-positioning indicator.

Expect to see a lot of GLAs on the road!