Mercedes-Benz GLA

By 2020, it was time for a different kind of Mercedes GLA.

This second generation version evolved into a proper SUV, rather than a high riding hatchback, and became more sophisticated in almost every way.

It was the car its predecessor wanted to be. Like the very first GLA, launched in 2014, this one was A-Class-based - like the other seven compact models Mercedes was making by 2020.

That first 'X156'-series GLA design tested the appetite of global buyers for small Mercedes Crossover and was rewarded with so many sales - over a million - that the Stuttgart maker replaced it in 2020 with three models - this MK2 H247-series GLA, the slightly larger, boxier GLB and the all-electric EQA.

In theory, every segment requirement was covered. Except perhaps, the requirement for affordability.

This GLA was pitched firmly at the premium end of the small SUV market, taking on similar models of this era from BMW, Audi, Volvo, Lexus and Jaguar.

That was fine, providing the ownership experience here could be properly reflective of the marketing promises.

Which hadn't always been the case with this model's predecessor.

There was certainly no shortage of the kind of advanced technology potential customers were looking for, including an advanced PHEV plug-in version. Across the range, there was everything from modest shopping variants to the segment's fastest high-performance small SUV.

All from a car that was more spacious, more efficient and considerably more futuristic than before.

In Spring 2023, this MK2 GLA was improved with a smarter front and rear look, an updated MBUX infotainment system and more power and range for the Plug-in Hybrid version.

The GLA 250e PHEV was discontinued at the end of 2023.

This H247-era GLA design sold until it was replaced by a third generation GLA design in Autumn 2026.

If you want to know the difference between a Crossover - basically a high riding hatchback - and a proper purpose-designed SUV, then compare the first generation GLA design (very definitely a Crossover) with this MK2 model.

By 2020, this segment had become so significant that half-hearted design just didn't cut it anymore, so, like its premium rivals, this Mercedes was in this second generation form every inch a proper compact SUV. As part of that transition, there were some interesting dimensional changes - the MK2 version of this car was actually 40mm shorter than before, but there was 30mm more wheelbase length between front and rear axles, so that didn't much matter.

And it was a considerable 104mm taller. What will matter just as much to likely owners is the fact that it became a considerably more complete and modern piece of design.

The powerful shoulders of the bodywork blend with the coupe-like lines of the tapering side windows and a contoured panel profile. At the front, where stylised powerdomes in the bonnet emphasise the self assured demeanour, it's evident that this GLA is quite a bit wider than its predecessor - 30mm wider in fact.

Something emphasised by the prominent grille, which features single louvre strips flowing into the central Star and will have a background of twinkling silver pins, providing you avoid the base 'Sport'-spec models. Inside, it really does feel very premium, with man-made leather-stitched seats, a glossy black piano black-coated centre console that flows up into the dash and curious tubular silver door grab handles.

Plus of course, as usual with a modern compact Mercedes, there's the usual glitzy pair of screens.

Depending on the spec you choose, these will be either 7 or 10.25-inches in size (or a combination of both) and can be activated by prodding on the monitors, by various neat touchpads or by the provided MBUX 'Hey Mercedes' voice-activated functionality. You sit much more commandingly than was the case with the previous generation model - your windscreen perspective is here 140mm higher than it would be in an A-Class.

And of course, as ever in a Mercedes, you're surrounded by premium touches; like the intricately fashioned double-stitched door cards.

And the circular silver jet engine-style vents which decorate the dash and are an integral part of the classy ambient lighting system that brings the interior alive at night.

Luxury downsizers will love it all. And in the rear? Well in one single design leap, this H247-series design took the GLA from near-bottom to near-top of its class in terms of the space on offer, thanks to 116mm of extra leg room.

Someone well over six foot tall could sit behind a similarly-sized front passenger and still have leg space.

Plus there's plenty of room to slide your feet below the base of the chair in front. Finally, let's consider the boot, accessed via a standard 'EASY-PACK' powered tailgate that on a plusher variant can be activated by a wave of your foot beneath the bumper if you happen to be approaching your GLA laden down with child seats and paraphernalia.

Once the hatch powers up, you'll find 435-litres of space - which is actually 46-litres less than was offered by the previous generation model and 70-litres less than an equivalent BMW X1.

The GLA 250e PHEV variant, due to under-floor battery placement, has even less room - 385-litres.

Even here though, something like a folded baby buggy should easily fit.

Prices for this MK2 GLA start in GLA 180 petrol form from around £17,100 (around £19,500 retail), which gets you a '20-plate model with base 'Sport' trim.

In GLA 200 petrol form, you're looking at paying from around £17,450 (around £19,850 retail), which gets you a '20-plate model with base 'Sport' trim.

In GLA 200d diesel form, you're looking at paying from around £16,800 (around £19,200 retail), which gets you a '20-plate model with base 'Sport' trim.

In GLA 250e PHEV petrol form, you're looking at paying from around £22,800 (around £25,250 retail), which gets you a '20-plate model with base 'AMG Line Executive' trim.

Values for the 250e rise to around £25,200 (around £28,250 retail) for the same-spec model with a late 2023-plate. In GLA AMG 35 4MATIC petrol form, you're looking at paying from around £21,250 (around £23,750 retail), which gets you a '20-plate model.

In GLA AMG 45 4MATIC+ petrol form, you're looking at paying from around £27,750 (around £30,750 retail), which gets you a '20-plate model.

All quoted values are sourced through industry experts cap hpi.

Click here for a free valuation.

Most GLA owners in our survey were satisfied, but inevitably, there were some who'd experienced problems - mainly in areas like electronics, transmissions, engines and bodywork. On the GLA 200, we've heard of issues with the wastegate actuator on the 1.3-litre petrol engine, which can stick - or fail from carbon build-up.

We've heard of coolant leaks from M260-powered models.

And oil leaks on higher-mileage or poorly-serviced petrol engines.

The 7G-DCT and 8G-DCT auto gearboxes can deliver low-speed judders, harsh shifting and delayed engagement, so look for that on the test drive.

We've also heard of clunks and vibrations from the 4MATIC AWD system too.

The panoramic sunroof is known to rattle and leak.

And we've heard of tail light condensation and door latch issues.

There have been problems with the reversing camera.

And with the MBUX infotainment screen freezing.

And the 12V battery can flatten in 7-14 days if the car is left un-driven. Otherwise, it's just the usual stuff.

Check for signs of damage to the bodywork and alloy wheels.

Even though all GLAs came with parking sensors, the wide alloy rims are particularly prone to scratches.

Check for uneven panel gaps and paint flaws.

Inspect the electrics and the air conditioning functionality - it should blow our really chilled air.

[based on a 2021 model GLA 250e ex-vat] Parts prices for a GLA H247-era model from this period can be reasonable if you shop around.

We trawled around the internet and found these for a GLA 250e: An oil filter is in the £5-£8 bracket.

A quality air filter is around £16-£25.

Front brake discs cost in the £53-£110 bracket for a set; rear discs are in the £35-£84 bracket for a set.

A set of front brake pads is around £43-£65; rear pads are around £44-£54.

A fuel filter is in the £44-£56 bracket; an alternator is around £241-£324; wiper blades are around £21-£33.

The first generation GLA could easily be dismissed as an A-Class hatch with lifestyle ideas above its station, but this MK2 model was very different - and you feel that right from the get go.

If you're a graduate from the older design, you'll immediately note the more commanding driving position.

And then, as you drive, it'll become obvious that MK1 model's famously lumpy low-speed ride is here properly addressed.

Both these things got fixed as part of a fundamental redesign based on the completely new MFA platform that by 2020 was undergirding all compact Mercedes models.

But this MK2 GLA used an updated version of it with increased rigidity and stiffness.

And, in a further difference over the A-Class, all conventionally-engined models got a properly sophisticated multi-link rear suspension set-up - hence the better damping. Much else was new too.

All the mainstream engines for a start, which included a Renault-derived 1.3-litre four cylinder petrol unit mated to a 7-speed auto gearbox and offered with 136hp in the base GLA 180 - or with 163hp in the GLA 200 model that most customers preferred, which manages decent WLTP efficiency figures, up to 42.8mpg on the combined cycle and 151g/km of CO2.

All other GLA variants use an 8-speed auto transmission, arguably the most interesting of these being the GLA 250 e PHEV plug-in model.

This mates the faster version of that 1.3-litre petrol unit to a 75kW electric motor powered by a 15.6kWh lithium-ion battery that's good for up to 37 miles of all-electric driving if you don't take full advantage of the healthy 218hp system output.

This increased to 43 miles with the 2023 update. All other GLA variants use 2.0-litre powerplants of various sorts.

There's a choice of two diesels, a front-driven GLA 200d with 150hp; and an AWD GLA 220d with 190hp, a much improved 4MATIC system and an 'Off-Road Engineering Package' that adds a bit of extra soft road capability.

Three more performance-orientated petrol models also feature, the 224hp GLA 250, the 306hp Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC and the top, wild, 421hp Mercedes-AMG 45 S 4MATIC+.

This second generation GLA model offered stiffer opposition to key rivals like the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40.

That's primarily because it improved in the three main areas where the old model fell a little short.

That car looked a little unremarkable, rode the bumps badly and was a little cramped in the back.

All those issues were pretty thoroughly addressed here.

Plus it'll be of considerable importance that this car - in its plusher forms anyway - was equipped and finished with a silken thoroughness typical of the Three-Pointed Star. And in summary? Well every compact SUV in this class claims to take concept of sense and sensibility and add to it something of an adventurous streak.

This MK2 GLA did that too, but with a bit of extra polish.

We can see why you might like it.