Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The new GLA is the affordable gateway to the expanding world of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It’s the smallest and most affordable Mercedes SUV available, and this 2nd-generation GLA is much roomier inside. Most notably, there’s an extra 4.5 inches of rear-seat legroom and nearly an inch of additional front headroom.

Although the overall length is down by 0.6 inches compared to the previous GLA, the wheelbase of the new version grows by 1.1 inches. Moreover, the 2021 Mercedes GLA is 1.2 inches wider than the vehicle it replaces, with a roof that has been raised 3.5 inches. Driver legroom has been decreased by 0.8 inches, but drivers who are 6-foot-5 or shorter have plenty of headroom and legroom inside the new GLA.

Mercedes see the GLA as more of a sporty lifestyle-oriented crossover than the more traditionally shaped GLB SUV. As such, it’s available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD).

When ordered with 4Matic, which is an extra $2,000, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with an Off-Road Engineering Package. This package includes an extra drive mode that optimizes the tuning of the engine, transmission, and AWD system for off-road driving in easy terrain. It also includes Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), which keeps the GLA at a pre-set safe speed (of between 1 and 11 mph) when descending steep grades on dirt.

Also available for 2021 are the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 models. The GLA 35 is powered by an AMG-enhanced turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 302 horsepower, whereas the GLA 45 is powered by a 382-horspower turbo 2.0-liter that has been hand-built by AMG. Both of these 4Matic AMG models employ an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With the debut of the 2021 GLA, Mercedes-Benz’s subcompact SUV has improved its standing in the ever-expanding sea of luxurious crossovers that includes the Audi Q3, the BMW X2, the Infiniti QX30, the Lexus UX, and the Volvo XC40.

KBB sampled a front-drive 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, and we immediately appreciated the solidity of its structure. It feels solid and robust, and the tidy overall footprint makes the GLA an ideal runabout in crowded cities.

The suspension is tuned for sportiness. It’s firm, not harsh, but perhaps not quite up to the dignified suppleness of an E-Class sedan. While the GLA welcomes an occasional romp in the twisty bits, the front-drive model occasionally is hampered by torque steer when accelerating hard out of turns. When the powered front wheels have different levels of grip, the steering wheel can get pulled one way or another. This occurs only in aggressive driving, and we strongly suspect this won’t be an issue in the 4Matic GLA. By the way, Mercedes expects 60 percent of 2021 GLA 250s to be sold with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

All GLA 250s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower. It’s a responsive powerplant, with turbo boost (and power) ramping up in a smooth fashion. In Eco or Comfort mode, the GLA 4Matic has 80 percent of its power going to its front wheels. Select Sport mode, and 70 percent goes to the front wheels. In Off-Road, the power distribution is locked at 50/50 by an all-wheel-drive clutch acting as a differential lock between the front and rear axles.

Around town, the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts smoothly and when expected, aided by shift paddles that let you downshift for a little engine braking on downhill stretches. If there’s one fly in the ointment, though, it’s this: Sometimes the last downshift, just as you’re slowing to a stop at, say, a red light, sounds a bit clunky.

Note: In Eco and Comfort modes, the shift schedule of the new GLA feels spot-on. In Sport, however, gears are held for longer, which makes us wait for what feels like an unnatural amount of time for an upshift. The takeaway lesson here: Sport is good for very aggressive driving, but in everyday driving, Comfort mode is far better.

It’s clear that Mercedes spent a lot of time refining the interior of the GLA. It’s a luxurious and handsome place, with materials that are of high quality. While we wish it were a bit quieter inside, we’re happy to report that tall drivers won’t need to put the seat all the way back. What’s more, we really like the appearance and functionality of the twin 10.25-inch digital screens.

A touchpad on the center console replaces the rotary controller on last year’s GLA, and a prominent palm rest makes operation much easier. Much of the scrolling you need to do through the various menus is possible via the new touchpad, which is much easier to use than the little black touch-sensitive thumb buttons on the steering wheel. The center console also has a knurled wheel for volume control, along with a high-quality rocker switch to select the GLA’s available drive modes.

When the front seat is all the way back, there isn’t much rear legroom in the GLA. But the front seat accommodates large drivers very well, and there’s enough room for a 6-foot person to sit behind a driver of the same height reasonably comfortably. Two options that we particularly like on our KBB tester are LED ambient interior lighting (which could even be seen in the daytime on the GLA’s door panels) and the natural-grain wood trim.

With the rear seat in the up position, there’s 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the new GLA. With the rear seat folded, that increases to 50.5 cubic feet (as opposed to 43.6 in the previous GLA). A standard cargo cover helps you keep valuables out of sight, but we wish the new GLA had a pull-out retractable cover instead of a slightly clunky hard panel.

By all accounts (by that we mean everybody we talked to), Mercedes has done a great job with the styling of the German-built new GLA, making it look a bit more like a crossover SUV without stepping on the toes of the more traditionally shaped GLB. From all angles, the GLA looks good, and we especially like the short overhangs and power bulges in the hood. Mercedes says the shape of the new GLA, with its reduced lines and accentuated planes, conveys serene sportiness and modernity.

Whether you can see that or not, other neat visual details on the new GLA include subtle roof rails and protective cladding that plays up the vehicle’s off-road character. It’s a pity, but the front and rear underbody guards are purely cosmetic.

MBUX (MERCEDES-BENZ USER EXPERIENCE)
When you say, “Hey, Mercedes,” this standard multimedia system replies, asking how it can help you. If you want to learn the population of Djibouti (958,920, if you’re curious), find the nearest Chinese food, or have your side of the interior warned by a couple of degrees, just ask MBUX. It does a fine job of recognizing requests and answering them, thanks in part to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE
With this optional package, you’ll end up using the Mercedes nav system more often than the Apple Maps on your iPhone. When you approach an instruction on a given route, a forward-facing camera displays the intersection with excellent clarity on the GLA’s central screen, dramatically lessening the chance of you missing the turn. Sounds simple, but it really helps.

Although it’s the gateway to the Mercedes family of SUVs, the 2021 GLA comes with a long list of standard equipment. This includes the MBUX system and a power tailgate, plus dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels (with all-season run-flat tires), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel with touch-control buttons and shift paddles. Other standard equipment on the new GLA 250 includes 8-way power front seats with memory, LED headlights and taillights, keyless ignition, driver-selectable drive modes, a 7-inch fully digital instrument panel, and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

The Mercedes-AMG models, the GLA 35 and GLA 45, are distinguished not just by their potent engines, but also their 10.25-in digital instrument cluster, 10.25-in touchscreen display, AMG sport suspension (with 3-stage damping), 19-in alloy wheels, and 64 colors of ambient interior lighting. The GLA 45 also has AMG Torque Control, a system that apportions power individually to each rear wheel.

The GLA 250 that KBB tested had two major option packages. The $1,750 Premium Package is one we particularly like because it contains a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch central information screen, both melded into one large digital panel that looks a bit like a tall Apple iPad laid on its side an integrated into the dash. The package also includes power-folding side mirrors and Keyless-Go, which allows you to unlock the GLA and start the vehicle if you have the key in your pocket or purse.

Our tester also had the $1,295 Multimedia Package, which is highlighted by MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation and map updates for three years. It also comes with Speed Limit Assist, which “sees” speed limit signs, displays them on the GLA’s instrument panel, and adjusts the cruise control speed accordingly.

On loaded 4Matic versions of the 2021 Mercedes GLA that can eclipse $50,000, you’ll see the above packages plus the multifaceted $1,700 Driver Assistance Package. This includes adaptive cruise control (that will reduce vehicle speed for upcoming corners), active steering (that keeps the CLA centered in its lane) Active Emergency Stop (which will bring the CLA to a safe stop if it senses that the driver is asleep or unconscious), Speed Limit Assist (which adjusts vehicle speed according to the posted limit), a lane-change assist program and lane-keep assist. It also includes Pre-Safe Plus, which will emit a loud sound if an upcoming collision is detected, thereby triggering a protective reflex in the ear that helps reduce hearing loss during the actual crash.

Other available packages on the new GLA include the $1,090 Parking Assistance Package, which has active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera, plus the 2,240 AMG Line, which features AMG body styling, drilled front brake rotors, and an AMG Diamond-block grille.

Among the numerous stand-alone options are a panoramic sunroof ($1,500), leather upholstery ($1,450), adjustable suspension damping ($900), a Burmester Surround Sound stereo ($850), 19-inch alloy wheels ($700), XM satellite radio ($460), and heated front seats ($500).

But that’s not all. Natural-grain wood interior trim is yours for $325, while 64 colors of ambient interior lighting can be had for $310. Wireless smartphone charging adds $200, and the USB-C adapter cable you’ll likely need is available for $25. One last option we’d highly recommend: the sliding 2nd-row seat ($360). It can be slid forward to prioritize cargo room, or pushed back to maximize rear legroom.

Options on the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 include AMG Ride Control suspension, the AMG Night Package ($750), an AMG aero kit ($1,550), wheels of up to 21 inches, and even AMG Track Pace ($250), an app that lets you keep track of your lap times and other data if you attend track events on the weekend. You can also get a panorama roof on the GLA 35 or GLA 45 for $1,500.

A transverse-mounted turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine still powers the GLA 250, but it’s a bit more powerful and efficient for 2021. It puts out 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, plus 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. That power gets sent to the front (or all four) wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

Compared to the 2020 GLA, which had a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and hit 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (or 7.1 with 4Matic), the new 2021 GLA is a bit quicker. It hits 60 in 6.8 seconds (or 6.6 with 4Matic). Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

While we wouldn’t call the standard GLA 250 breathtakingly quick, it has a sprightly and entertaining feel that we appreciate.

On the other hand, both the GLA 35 and GLA 45 are pulse-quickeners. The GLA 35’s turbo 2.0-liter engine is modified to produce 302 horsepower, while the one in the GLA 45 is hand-built to the tune of 382 hp by the AMG experts in Affalterbach, Germany.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLA 250)
221 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg (FWD), 24/33 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLA 35)
302 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged turbocharged inline-4 (GLA 45)
382 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27