Mercedes-Benz labels the GLA as a crossover utility vehicle, but it edges more towards a car than and SUV.
In simple terms, a crossover utility vehicle is a cross-breed that splices the appearance and the utility of a traditional SUV with the engineering genes of a passenger car. In practice, however, the countless CUVs out there occupy varying points on a continuum between car-ness and SUV-ness. And none clings more closely to the car end of that continuum than this new Mercedes-Benz.
Indeed, is this really a CUV at all, or just a stylish hatchback car with all-wheel drive? The GLA's shape is a sleek wedge. It is low, light, and aerodynamic, with fuel economy to match. It has no more ground clearance than many cars.
Nonetheless, Mercedes is pitching the GLA against other makers' compact luxury CUVs. This segment is on fire, with too many choices to list; as one of the smallest and least expensive, the GLA is likely to be cross-shopped against the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Infiniti QX50.
The base GLA 250 and its GLA 45 AMG evil twin are propelled by basically the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder; the former generates a modest 208 horsepower but ample torque, while the AMG version has been coaxed up to 355 hp. The AMG's version of the seven-speed automated transmission is likewise fortified, and plays gleefully with the engine to deliver throttle-blipping downshifts and mischievous "breaking wind" noises during upshifts.
The AMG rides lower than the 250, on a starchier suspension and bigger tires, which can be respectively further stiffened and enlarged with the optional Driver's Package. Miraculously, this doesn't brutalize the ride; even in its most rigid forms, Mercedes suspension tuning always preserves a thin layer of padding over the suspension's hard points. Less welcome is the unexpected stodgy on-centre feel of the steering that dilutes full enjoyment of the AMG's athletic handling.
The AMG-tuned exhaust delivers the expected go-faster bark and snarl while staying just this side of tiresome. But perhaps the quest for decorum appropriate to a Mercedes is why the AMG doesn't feel that fast. The claimed 0-100-km/h time is 4.8 seconds, which was surely achieved using the highly effective but mechanically violent Race Start function. Few owners are likely to do that to their own cars, especially on public roads, where the everyday reality is that hesitant clutch engagement and turbo lag tame the launch experience.
All of which leaves the AMG seeming somewhat bijou; a fascinating specimen of technical craftsmanship that's pleasing to behold and entertaining to play with, but perhaps not something you'd want to use every day.
Fortunately there's the GLA 250. The mainstream model may not be as fast on the test-track, but it gets away almost as smartly from a stop sign. What the 250 engine lacks in aural charisma, it makes up with exceptional mechanical refinement. Even the steering feels better than the AMG's, and the 250's deft handling is pure car, not crossover. So without getting into semantics about whether it's a car or a CUV, let's all agree that this small four-cylinder vehicle does indeed deliver a premium driving experience to justify its price.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
You'll like this car if ... you think like a European, are not embarrassed to drive a hatchback, and don't hitch your self-esteem to the size of your vehicle.
TECH SPECS
- Base prices: GLA 250: $37,200; GLA 45 AMG: $50,500
- Engines: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
- Drive: Automatic all-wheel drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): GLA 250: 9.8 city/7.4 highway; GLA 45: 10.5 city/8.1 highway
- Alternatives: Audi Q3, BMW X1, Infiniti QX50, Land Rover LR2, Lexus NX, MINI Countryman, Range Rover Evoque
RATINGS
- Looks: Given its curvaceous wedge shape and lowest-in-class (especially the AMG) stance, the GLA looks more like a shapelier hatchback than the crossover “soft-roaders” it competes with.
- Interior: It’s no roomier than many $13,000 econoboxes, but 12-way power adjustment ensures spot-on at-the-wheel comfort, and it’s furnished like a premium car, with real burl walnut available.
- Technology: The basic mechanical package is advanced but you pay extra for some on-board tech that’s standard on lesser cars, and fewer advanced active-safety driving aids are available than in other Benzes.
- Performance: Mercedes claims 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds for the 250, 4.8 for the AMG at the track. But in town the AMG doesn’t launch much quicker, due to slow clutch take-up and some turbo lag.
- Cargo: It’s basically a compact hatchback, with a cargo hold to match.
The Verdict
8.5
A compact luxury crossover vehicle that doesn't look or feel like a crossover.
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