Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247)

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest Mercedes crossover ever made thanks to the fact that it belongs to the same bloodline as the A-Class and the CLA-Class. With the second-generation GLA, the Mercedes family of compacts completed their regeneration status starting from the latest A-Class, the latest CLA, all the way to this. What's it all about the second-generation GLA?

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA

With prices start at 37,271 Euros plus OTR, the GLA is no doubt the most affordable crossover in the lineup and it's competitively priced between the Audi Q2 and the BMW X1. A real bargain indeed but that's just the start of the story because it's time to get to know more about the GLA.

The previous GLA is basically a jacked-up A-Class and when park alongside it, you can really tell the difference between them judging by its tough cladding and heightened ground clearance. For the new model, it looks a lot different compared to the latest A-Class even though both of these cars share the same underpinnings.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA interior

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA interior

The interior shares the same story between its relatives, meaning like the A-Class, the new GLA has some ample spacing for five people, good boot space, the MBUX, colorful ambient lighting, so on, so forth. Although an improvement compared to the previous model, it still works like most compact luxury crossovers should. A total assurance indeed for people who find many uses with this.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The most powerful version in the normal GLA has a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 224PS of power and 350Nm of torque and when mated to an 8G-DCT, it does 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 240kph. Sounds and feels peppy for a crossover. Those looking for a more fuel-efficient one fit for car-sharing purposes but not going for the diesel should go for the one with the 163PS 1.3L turbo petrol engine that delivers 6.7L/100km of fuel economy combined.

Aside from the performance it delivers, the new GLA drives better than the previous model because it uses the same revised dynamics that its A-Class and CLA relatives possess, giving it more city car class dynamics in crossover packaging. Couple it with the 4MATIC and it feels more rugged and adventurous even in the mud. Yes, you can take shortcuts with it but not too much because it's tiny, it's urban, and it's expensive to break, especially when the GLA offers high levels of driver aids similar to what today's S-Class possessed. While it will disappoint speedo boys many, these cutting-edge safety features feel like the future is now. Scary but true.

Should you buy one? Well, since more and more people are into crossovers, the GLA has the potential to outsell its relatives by a wide margin, although most of the new models might end up used for car-sharing duties, but never mind all that because, at this rate, its relatives are getting unnerved right now, knowing that the GLA is the upperclassman of the family tree. The more you know.

Photo: Daimler AG