Mercedes-Benz GLA 2020 Review

Just as a seasoned chef might consider salt as the easiest way to improve a dish, it seems Mercedes-Benz is adding more of an SUV bent to its high-riding crossover model portfolio.

Take the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, which arrives in Australian showrooms this month with a higher driving position and a decidedly different direction from its first-generation predecessor.

The all-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA joins the new GLB-Class seven-seater in the German car-maker’s expanded small SUV portfolio.

It does so with more equipment, more space and a matching price tag to boot. Has Mercedes-Benz struck the right formula second time round?

The entry-level 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 anchors the new line-up at $55,100 plus on-road costs – an increase of almost $10,000 over the outgoing GLA 180 ($45,600).

For its part, Mercedes-Benz Australia says all versions of the new GLA bring more equipment, more interior space and more engine power while using less fuel.

The all-new baby ’Benz takes on the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 small SUVs with a four-model range in total: the aforementioned GLA 200, the mid-range GLA 250 4MATIC driven here ($66,500), the warmed-over GLA 35 4MATIC ($82,935) and the flagship GLA 45 S 4MATIC ($107,035).

The GLA 200 and 250 models arrive in Australia from August, while the AMG 35 will hit showrooms in October and the AMG 45 in November.

All Mercedes GLA model grades come with twin 10.2-inch digital screens as part of the MBUX multimedia system. It also includes ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control with AI-learning, along with wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

We’ve covered all the specifications previously, but essentially the entry car features keyless entry and start, a powered tailgate, automatic climate control, the MBUX multimedia system with satellite navigation, reversing camera, LED headlights with adaptive high beam and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The GLA-Class is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty and is offered with servicing plans spaced over 12-month/15,000km intervals.

A three-year package is priced from $2150, while a five-year package costs $3500.

The GLA is foregoes a spare wheel for an inflation kit.

Safety levels have been boosted in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA, with every model fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot assist with exit warning assistant, active lane keep assist, nine airbags, cross wind assist, PRE-SAFE accident anticipatory systems and traffic sign recognition.

However, adaptive cruise control is optional on most models and comes as part of the driving assistance package ($1990), which also adds active lane change assist and extended semi-autonomous driver assistance in traffic jams.

The GLA is yet to be rated by local independent safety body ANCAP.

We’ll get to the mechanicals of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA shortly, but first, let’s look at its size.

Mercedes’ engineering team cut 14mm from the GLA’s overall length (now 4410mm) but added 30mm to its wheelbase, leading to a significant 116mm jump in the rear legroom.

Correlating with the stronger SUV execution, its ground clearance rises by almost a centimetre to 143mm and it is 122mm taller overall (1616mm).

Inside, the new proportions equate to a driver’s seat that is nearly 97mm higher than before, ensuring a better view of the road along with improving rear-seat toe room.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA has a slightly bigger boot at 435 litres, but the width of the cargo area has expanded by 85mm, which should make loading easier.

The rear seat backrests are also adjustable, and there is an option to give the rear seats 14cm of sliding adjustment.

Powering the GLA 250 driven here is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine (165kW/350Nm) matched to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

It also gets all-wheel-drive, or 4MATIC in Merc-speak, using a system that runs about 80 per cent of drive to the front wheels, reverting to an AWD system when traction is required.

The 4MATIC system brings with it the off-road engineering package as standard for Aussie vehicles. This adds another option to the DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode system, plus hill descent control and off-road data (vehicle incline angle, etc) on the main screen.

Underneath, there’s been a redesign of the GLA’s MacPherson strut front suspension (complete with a forged aluminium wishbone and steering knuckles) and a four-link independent rear-end.

In addition, both the front and rear track widths have been boosted by 40mm to improve road-holding.

In earnest, the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA was one of those vehicles that left you feeling a bit vanilla. But the execution is much more convincing this time round.

The positioning of the driver’s seat is indeed ‘commanding’ – to borrow an oft-used SUVism – and the updated cabin lends a true sense of occasion.

There are premium materials at all corners, comfortable seats and a strong assortment of odds-and-ends storage.

Rear seat proportions are generous, with enough space for two six-foot adult passengers or similarly, little ones, thanks to rear air-vents and two ISOFIX attachment points.

Only the high-set window line detracts from the GLA’s family appeal, along with its boot, which is now big enough for a full-size suit case but will struggle to fit a designer pram.

Adding to its passenger amenity, the GLA offers front and rear passengers access to two USB-C ports each (four in total).

Elsewhere, new dual 10.2-inch screens with touch and touchpad controls work nicely and are easy to navigate on the move. Similarly, the layout of steering-wheel mounted buttons can almost be used via muscle memory after a few hours at the wheel.

On the road, the new proportions and bigger footprint of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA help deliver a significant dynamic improvement over its predecessor.

There’s a certain composure about the newcomer, heralded by strong roadholding, nicely weighted controls and a general air of refinement.

The cabin is well insulated from outside noise, suppressing tyre and wind noise and limiting sharp imperfections such as cat’s eyes to a controlled thud.

And when pushed, the dynamic potential of the GLA feels strong. The steering weighs up as desired and there are faithful levels of grip and body control, despite its higher-riding body and circa-1700kg mass.

We can’t speak for the entry 1.3-litre engine, but the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol in the GLA 250 offers a strong breadth of performance, underlined by a linear powerband respectable real-world efficiency.

It’s clearly an engine that doesn’t mind exploring the upper echelons, either, reinforced by its turbocharger-laden soundtrack.

Equally, the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic is smooth and well-timed in its shifts, working well to promote efficiency or performance as required. On a highway run, it spins the engine at a miserly 1600rpm, for instance.

The entire dynamic experience works within the parameters of Mercedes’ quick-thinking electronics and driver aids. Combined with the all-wheel drive system, there’s an inherent feeling of safety on slippery roads.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA benefits from its bolder new SUV direction and all of the advances delivered by other new Benz small cars based on the same second-generation front/all-wheel drive platform, including the latest A-Class, B-Class and all-new GLB-Class.

As such, the GLA successfully renews its fight against European rivals including our COTY-winning Volvo XC40. Instead of feeling like an A-Class in stilettos, it now feels more like a shrunken GLC-Class, albeit one that makes very efficient use of its smaller proportions.

The only real downside of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is the $10,000-higher entry price. The best way forward, it seems, is up.

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC cost?
Price: $66,500 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 165kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 170g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested