It doesn't look much like it, but the GLA is formally a compact premium crossover SUV, which makes it a rival of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque. It's based on the same platform used for the A-Class and at first glance doesn't appear to be a great deal taller, though in fact the difference in height amounts to nearly five inches.
The GLA 200 CDI is available with front- or four-wheel drive, while the more powerful 220 CDI and the petrol-fuelled 250 are four-wheel drive only, as is the very fast GLA 45 AMG. Seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on the AMG and an alternative to a six-speed manual on the others.
Performance
The AMG uses the world's most powerful two-litre four-cylinder production engine, whose 355bhp output (helped by the 4x4 transmission) gives it a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
None of the others can match that, but the 220 CDI and 250 are still quick, with 0-62mph times of 8.3 and 7.1 seconds respectively. The 200 CDI is more sedate, completing the same run in around ten seconds depending on whether you chose the front- or four-wheel drive.
Ride and Handling
The AMG is surprisingly disappointing here. In town it gives the impression that it will become a very lively hot hatch when it reaches a country road, but in fact this never happens.
The AMG is surprisingly disappointing here. In town it gives the impression that it will become a very lively hot hatch when it reaches a country road, but in fact this never happens. Unexpectedly, it's much more effective on a long-distance cruise than it is on a more interesting journey. Lower-specification models should be friendly enough on the road, but a GLA 220 CDI we've driven had a terrible ride. It was also very noisy from cold and never shook off an unpleasant rattle even when it had warmed up.
Interior and Equipment
Mercedes has come late to a sector it had never previously considered. The first appearance of the GLA in concept form happened as recently as April 2013, at the Shanghai Auto Show.
Modern Mercedes interior design is very smart, and the GLA is a pleasant car to sit in, though unnecessarily difficult to see out of thanks to very wide pillars and inadequately sized windows. The non-AMG models come in two trim levels: Sport and AMG Line, the latter actually being the sportier of the two. Aluminium roof rails, a reversing camera and a 5.8-inch tablet-style central display screen are common to both. Cruise control, DAB digital radio and satellite navigation are all extra-cost options. With the rear seats in place, the luggage capacity is 481 litres, which compares well with the BMW X1's 420 litres and the Audi Q3's 460. The Evoque is easily the class leader with 575 litres.
Cost
The front-wheel drive 200 CDI is by far the cheapest GLA to run, with 62.8mpg combined fuel economy and a 119g/km CO2 rating.
The front-wheel drive 200 CDI is by far the cheapest GLA to run, with 62.8mpg combined fuel economy and a 119g/km CO2 rating which means it will cost just £30 in Vehicle Excise Duty each year. With four-wheel drive the equivalent figures are the same as those of the 220 CDI at 56.5mpg and 132g/km. On the EU test the AMG can manage 37.7mpg, but it won't approach that if you use anything like the available performance. With a price tag of nearly £45,000 it is also memorably expensive to buy.
Our Verdict
You could say that the GLA-Class is the SUV for people who don't want to be seen driving an SUV, since it doesn't actually look anything like one. Luggage space is quite good and you definitely get a feeling of modern-day Mercedes quality when you're sitting inside. Visibility is a big problem, though, and so are ride quality and noise levels on some models. The AMG is very fast in a straight line but nothing like the exciting driving machine that its looks and specification might suggest.