GLA compact SUV review


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Mercedes‑Benz GLA Compact SUV : A Luxury Heartbeat

Looking for a luxury SUV that’s stylish, fun to drive, and packed with premium tech? The Mercedes‑Benz GLA delivers all that and more. With its coupe-like silhouette, refined cabin, and punchy engine options, the GLA is designed for drivers who want prestige without compromising practicality.


🎯 First Look: Style Meets Substance

  • Sporty Coupe Design: The GLA features sleek LED headlights, sculpted bonnet, body‑color wheel arches, and 18″ or 19″ alloy wheels (AMG Line) for a bold, athletic stance. Its sloping roofline blends elegance with sporty flair.
  • Fresh Facelift for Modern Appeal: As of early 2024, updated lighting, grille, bumpers, and Spectral Blue paint options further elevate its premium looks.

🧩 Interior: Premium Cabin That Impresses

  • Widescreen Digital Cockpit: Dual 10.25″ displays are integrated under a single glass panel—serving as both digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen with Mercedes’ intuitive MBUX system.
  • Luxury Meets Logic: Expect ambient 64‑colour lighting, panoramic sunroof, dual‑zone automatic climate control, powered front seats with memory, wireless charging, and premium upholstery options. AMG Line offers Nappa sport seats, carbon-fibre trim, and flat-bottom steering wheel.
  • Spacious Enough: With five-seat layout, rear legroom is respectable for its class. Boot capacity is around 435 litres, expandable via folding rear seats.

⚙️ Engine & Performance: Efficient, Agile, All-Wheel Capability

GLA 200 (Petrol)

  • Engine: 1.3 L turbocharged four‑cylinder, ~163 PS (161 bhp) and 270 Nm torque.
  • Transmission: 7-speed DCT.
  • Performance: 0‑100 km/h in ~8.9 s; top speed ~210 km/h. Fuel economy ~17.4 km/l.

GLA 220d 4MATIC (Diesel AWD)

  • Engine: 2.0 L four‑cylinder, ~190 PS (188 bhp) and 400 Nm torque.
  • Transmission: 8-speed DCT, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
  • Performance: 0‑100 km/h in ~7.5 s; top speed ~219 km/h. Fuel economy ~18.9 km/l.

Ample Responsiveness & Drive Confidence

The GLA handles corners with poise thanks to good grip and responsive steering. Diesel 4MATIC delivers predictable control even on mild off-road terrain. Ride quality is firmish on 19″ wheels but competent over urban potholes.


🔒 Safety & Driver Assistance – Advanced Protection

  • Standard Safety Kit: Includes 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, traction control, TPMS, hill‑hold & descent assist, and active bonnet for pedestrian safety.
  • Driver Aids: Active Brake Assist, blind‑spot monitoring, 360° surround‑view camera, adaptive high‑beam assist, and Active Park Assist help you drive smarter and safer. Higher trims or packages include adaptive cruise and lane assist.
  • Crash Test Credibility: GLA holds a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating from its predecessor benchmarks.

💵 Pricing & Variant Comparison – Luxury That’s Accessible

Mercedes-Benz India offers the GLA in three variants:

VariantEngine / DrivetrainEx‑Showroom Price (₹)
GLA 200 (Progressive Line)1.3L Petrol FWD₹50.50 lakh
GLA 220d 4MATIC (Progressive Line)2.0L Diesel AWD₹54.75 lakh
GLA 220d 4MATIC AMG Line2.0L Diesel AWD (Sporty kit)₹56.90 lakh