Complete Guide to Buying a Mercedes-Benz GLA

Here's everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV:
Last updated 8 months ago
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Last updated 8 months ago

Of the three prominent German luxury brands in India: Audi, BMW and Mercedes,  Mercedes-Benz has always enjoyed a more upmarket image as the brand commenced operations in India ahead of its competition. The brand now offers an extensive portfolio in India with more than 10 models. The entry-level luxury SUV market has witnessed immense growth over the last couple of years, and the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA are the three main models in this space. The GLA is based on the same platform as the A-Class hatchback and is a successful model from the German giant. It is priced from Rs 46.48 to Rs 50.48 lakh (ex-showroom).

After the previous generation of the GLA received flak for its crossover styling,  Mercedes-Benz updated the GLA with a major overhaul that transformed its crossover image to that of a proper luxury compact SUV. The latest generation GLA was launched in India in May 2021, and has ever since been a highly-rated SUV in its segment. Nonetheless, here’s a comprehensive buying guide on the GLA, its specifications, what we love and loathe about it, and why you should or should not buy one:

Mercedes-Benz GLA Specifications

          Engine & Transmission

Engine

1.3-litre petrol

2.0-litre diesel

Transmission

7-speed DCT

8-speed AT

Power

163 PS

                      190 PS

Torque

250 Nm

                        400 Nm

Mileage

17.4 kmpl (220)

20.8kmpl (220d)
18.9kmpl (220d 4MATIC)

                 

Dimensions

Length

4410 mm

Width

2020 mm

Height

1611 mm

Wheelbase

2729 mm 

Boot Space

435 litres

Safety

Feature

Variant Available 

Airbags

7 airbags as standard

ABS with EBD

Standard 

Rear Parking Sensors

Standard 

All-Wheel Disc Brakes

Standard 

Reverse Parking Camera

Standard 

Electronic Stability Programme

Standard 

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Standard 

ISOFIX Mounts

Standard 

Hill Hold Assist

Standard 

Hill Descent Control

Standard 

Feature Highlights

Feature

Variant Available 

Active bonnet

Standard 

Mercedes Me connected car

Standard 

Sports seats

Available in 220d 4MATIC

Ambient lighting in 64 colours

Standard 

Off-Road engineering package

Available in 220d 4MATIC

Why you should consider the Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is an ideal SUV to consider within a budget of Rs 50 lakh. It’s a luxury SUV that ticks all the boxes and comes packed with all the tech and safety features you can expect. With the latest iteration, the GLA is also quite the looker. If you’re still on the fence, read on to find out if the GLA is for you: 

Mercedes Benz GLA 2021 1600 42 1
<em>Mercedes-Benz-GLA interior</em>

AWD drivetrain

An AWD drivetrain instantly makes an SUV attractive. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is in fact available with the famed 4MATIC AWD system coupled with the 220d 2.0-litre diesel engine option. This engine develops 190PS and a massive 400Nm mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The AWD setup is one of the biggest USPs of the new GLA as it transforms the compact SUV’s on-road and off-road performance. For starters, the AWD version is faster in a 100 kmph sprint registering a time of 7.3 seconds. It is also the range-topping model with extra goodies such as the off-road engineering package which adds additional kit to improve the off-road capabilities.

Mercedes Benz GLA 2021 1600 32

Fun to drive SUV

Generally, BMWs tend to be the driver’s car and that was also the case for the previous generation GLA, with the X1 being the exciting car to drive. But the latest iteration of the GLA has upped the fun quotient. Helping with that is the 4MATIC system coupled with the punchy diesel. The GLA rides exceptionally well, dealing with potholes and whatever our Indian roads have in stock. High-speed stability is also superior and the GLA can handle anything, be it fast-flowing roads or poor urban tarmac. That said, the 1.3-litre petrol engine only offers decent thrills and if you want the full experience, we suggest the diesel.

Mercedes Benz GLA 2021 1600 3a

Exquisite cabin

Mercedes-Benz is known for its cabins and the same has trickled down to the smaller GLA. This is one cabin that you wouldn’t mind spending time in. Right from the design to the quality of materials used, Mercedes has got it absolutely right. And, as with any Mercedes cabin, there’s an exquisite and classy feel to the cabin accentuated by top-shelf materials and finish. The beautiful round turbine air-con vents are the highlights followed by the dual 10-inch screens. It’s just the right mix of old school and modern, and for that reason alone, you’ll easily fall in love with the GLA’s interior.

Mercedes Benz GLA 2021 1600 47
<em>Mercedes-Benz-GLA interior</em>

Why you should not consider the Mercedes-Benz GLA

Although the GLA gets most things right, there are some areas where the competition might be ahead. So here are some of the downsides:

Expensive range-topping variant

All the bells and whistles of the Mercedes-Benz GLA come at a cost. If you opt for the GLA 220d with the 4MATIC AWD system, you’re looking at a price tag of over Rs 50 lakh, ex-showroom. That will easily translate to an on-road price of close to Rs 60 lakh depending on where you live. Yes, you do get the brilliant AWD system but at the end of the day, the GLA is a compact SUV with compact dimensions. Adding to that is the newly-launched BMW X1 which comes at a highly competitive price undercutting its rivals. That said, if the pricing is not an issue for you, the GLA will definitely justify the premium over time once you start living with it.

Boot space

Another area where the GLA lags behind the competition is the boot space. With a maximum boot space of 435 litres, the GLA is not going to wow you over some of its rivals. There’s enough space on offer and a space-saver spare tyre. However, if a big boot is a requirement for you, we suggest you take a closer look at the rivals as well and figure out if you can live with the boot space of the otherwise faultless Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Mercedes Benz GLA 2021 1600 59
<em> GLA boot space</em>

Mercedes-Benz GLA Variants

Mercedes is offering the GLA in three main variants and two trim lines (exterior design pack). The three main variants on offer are the base GLA 220 petrol, the mid-spec GLA 220d diesel, and the range-topping GLA 200d 4MATIC. These three variants are also available in progressive line or AMG line (only for 4MATIC) trim options.

Variant

Powertrain

Price

GLA 220

Petrol Automatic

Rs 46.48 lakh

GLA 220d

Diesel Automatic

Rs 47.98 lakh

GLA 220d 4MATIC

AWD Diesel Automatic

Rs 50.48 lakh

Mercedes-Benz GLA Variant to buy

If you are looking for the full SUV experience, the GLA 220d 4MATIC is a good option but the price is steep. At the end of the day, the GLA is an urban SUV that will spend most of its life inside an urban jungle. Considering that aspect, the GLA 220d variant makes the most sense and offers the most value at Rs. 47.98 lakh, almost Rs. 3 lakh cheaper than the AWD version. You get all the same features and kit except for the 4MATIC system which might not be an essential requirement for most of the potential GLA owners out there. 

Summary

The GLA is now a mature and well-rounded product with updates to the 2021 model. It has dropped the crossover styling for an SUV stance along with a host of other updates making it a strong option in the compact luxury SUV segment. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is potent, the GLA handles and rides well, and features a rich cabin that stands out from the competition. At the end of the day, if you want an SUV that screams luxury and reminds you of the premium purchase, you can never go wrong with the GLA.

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