The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact luxury SUV with performance, style, and advanced technology. With its bold design, premium interiors, and premium features, the GLA is designed to deliver an elevated driving experience. Offering several powertrain options and a host of safety features, it stands out as a top contender in its segment.
Bold Exterior Design: The exterior of the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a bold and sporty character, making it stand out on the road. Its sleek lines, pronounced grille, and LED headlamps contribute to its dynamic presence. The muscular wheel arches and large alloy wheels add a rugged touch, while the sloping roofline and roof rails enhance the sporty aesthetic of the SUV.
Premium Interior: Step inside the Mercedes-Benz GLA and find a cabin designed for comfort and elegance. The interior features a multifunction sports steering wheel, comfortable adjustable seats, and a high-resolution touchscreen display with an advanced infotainment system. It offers ample storage, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and various convenience features like climate control and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing overall comfort and connectivity.
Advanced Technology: The GLA has technology features that elevate the driving experience. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX interface offers intuitive controls, voice recognition, and seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and a premium sound system add to the appeal.
Safety Features: Safety is a priority for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, loaded with state-of-the-art safety features. The SUV includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and a 360-degree camera system. Other safety highlights include active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring maximum protection for drivers and passengers.
Powertrain Options: The GLA 200 features a 1332cc petrol engine producing 163 bhp and 270Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The GLA 220d 4MATIC has a 1950cc diesel engine, delivering 190 bhp and 400Nm of torque, with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Performance Features: When it comes to performance, the GLA delivers an impressive balance of power and efficiency. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system enhances the SUV’s stability and control, particularly on rough terrains. The GLA 200 achieves a top speed of 210 km/h, while the GLA 220d 4MATIC reaches 219 km/h.
Comfort and Convenience: The Mercedes-Benz GLA ensures the utmost comfort and convenience for all occupants. Key features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and the digital key handover option. Passengers benefit from adjustable rear seats, while keyless entry and push-button start add convenience for the driver.
To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA compares to its competitors, let's look at two main rivals in the Indian market: the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1.
Engine Options: The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers multiple engine options, including a 1332cc petrol engine and a 1950cc diesel engine. The Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering a solid performance. However, it lacks a diesel option, which may be a deciding factor for some buyers.
Grille and Headlights: Both SUVs sport bold grilles that command attention. The GLA features a large single-louver grille with the iconic Mercedes star, while the Q3 showcases Audi's signature hexagonal grille with vertical slats. About lighting, both models are equipped with LED headlamps, but the GLA’s design is more angular, giving it a sharper, more aggressive look.
Safety Features: The Mercedes-Benz GLA excels in terms of safety, with features such as seven airbags, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Audi Q3, while well-equipped with six airbags, offers fewer advanced safety features, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, making the GLA a slightly more comprehensive package for driver assistance.
Body Dimensions: The Mercedes-Benz GLA is slightly more compact than the Audi Q3, offering a tighter turning radius for better manoeuvrability in city driving. The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line measures 4436 mm long and 1605 mm tall. It is 2020 mm wide. The Q3 is 4482 mm long, 1849 mm wide, and 1607 mm tall.
Inside Layout: The Mercedes-Benz GLA focuses on luxury with premium materials and a sleek, minimalist design. The Audi Q3, while also luxurious, has a more understated cabin with practicality and user-friendly controls. The GLA’s digital instrument cluster and larger infotainment display give it a more modern and tech-forward feel.
Body Styling: The GLA's sporty, muscular styling contrasts with the Audi Q3's more conservative design. The GLA’s coupe-like sloping roofline gives it a dynamic appearance, while the Q3’s boxier shape offers a more traditional SUV profile. The GLA's styling appeals to those who want a sportier, more youthful aesthetic.
Convenient Features: Both models have convenient features, but the Mercedes-Benz GLA edges ahead with extras like a hands-free power tailgate, wireless charging, and a more advanced voice-controlled infotainment system. The Q3 offers similar conveniences but lacks some of the cutting-edge tech found in the GLA.
Powertrain Options: The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a 1332cc petrol engine and a 1950cc diesel engine. The BMW X1 has two engine options. There’s a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 2-litre diesel engine.
Grille and Headlights: Both the GLA and the BMW X1 sport distinctive front-end designs. The GLA features a sleeker, more modern grille with the signature Mercedes star, while the X1 showcases BMW’s traditional kidney grilles. In terms of lighting, both SUVs feature LED headlamps, but the GLA’s design is more angular, contributing to a sharper, more aggressive look.
Safety Features: The GLA offers seven airbags (compared to six airbags in the BMW X1) and active brake assist, giving it a slight edge in overall safety. Both come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Technological Prowess: About technology, both the GLA and the X1 offer state-of-the-art infotainment systems. The GLA features a 10.25-inch touchscreen with MBUX. The X1 also has a 10.25-inch display with BMW’s iDrive system.
Inside Layout: The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a more modern and luxurious interior than the BMW X1. Premium materials, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof make the GLA upscale. The X1, while still premium, has a more utilitarian feel, focussed on durability and ease of use.
Body Styling: The GLA's exterior design is sportier and more streamlined, with a coupe-like build that appeals to younger buyers. The BMW X1 has a more rugged SUV appearance. While both vehicles offer strong visual appeal, the GLA is better suited for those looking for a sportier, more youthful design.
Convenient Features: Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1 have a range of convenient features. The GLA stands out with features like wireless charging and live traffic information. The X1 offers smart access card entry, ‘follow-me-home’ headlamps, and a cooled glovebox.
What engine options are available for the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
What convenience features does the Mercedes-Benz GLA offer?
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA have a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system?
What are the main safety features of the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
What interior design features make the Mercedes-Benz GLA stand out?
What technological features are included in the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
How does the THERMOTRONIC climate control system work in the Mercedes-Benz GLA?