- Used Mercedes GLA front
- Mercedes-Benz GLA front static
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA 14-present
What's the used Mercedes-Benz GLA like?
Take a regular family hatchback, raise it up a little, add some beefy bodywork and voilà, you have a family SUV. It’s a simple enough formula, but it has been going down a treat for a long time, so much so that even premium manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz are on this lucrative bandwagon.
The GLA was Mercedes’ first family SUV and it was based upon the underpinnings of the old A-Class. It may look more substantial than the equivalent A-Class, but in fact it’s no longer, no wider and only 59mm taller. It ran successfully from 2014 to 2020, when it was replaced by an all-new second-generation car. Buyers loved its practicality, ease of use and of course that premium badge, and its competitive pricing sealed the deal for many.
Pros
- Low running costs on diesels
- Stylish dashboard
- Plenty of standard kit
Cons
- Disappointing ride and handling
- Noisy diesel engines
- Rivals are more spacious
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It uses the same engines, too. The concise four-cylinder engine line-up kicks off with a 118bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol (badged GLA 180), followed by a 154bhp version of the same engine in the 200. A 211bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre comes in the 250. There are a couple of different power outputs for the 2.1-litre diesel: 134bhp in the 200d and 168bhp in the four-wheel-drive 220d. Most of these engines prove punchy if not terribly refined. For speed freaks, there’s also a 375bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged beast in the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.
All apart from the 200 are available with Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, which brings with it the otherwise optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Front-wheel-drive models get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
As for the standard equipment, there are three trim levels on offer: SE, Sport and AMG Line. Entry-level kit includes 17in alloy wheels, active brake assist and off-road suspension set-up on the outside as standard, while inside there is a leather upholstery, reversing camera, extensive cubbyholes, air conditioning, and Mercedes' Audio 20 infotainment system. The mid-range Sport models gain bigger alloys, aluminium roof rails, privacy glass, automatic wipers, climate control and an 8.0in infotainment display.
The range-topping AMG Line trim adorns your GLA with 19in alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, stainless steel pedals and leather sports seats. Those intent on the GLA 45 will find an AMG-tweaked exhaust and braking systems, folding mirrors, bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors on the outside along with an aggressive bodykit. Inside there are plenty of AMG badging and decals, Garmin-powered sat-nav and heated Performance sports front seats.
On the road, the GLA's steering is a little vague, and although it finds reasonable grip, its handling generally doesn’t inspire great confidence or enthusiasm. On top of that, its ride is a little fidgety, bordering on uncomfortable over broken surfaces.
Things get better inside, though, thanks to plush-feeling materials and comfortable seats. All GLAs get plenty of standard kit, too, although space in the rear isn't as generous as you might expect: six-footers will find themselves cramped. You can just about sit two adults in the rear behind two adults in the front – but no more comfortably than in most compact cars. The rear seat backs split and fold 70/30 and, if you spec the appropriate option (not fitted on our car), even adjust the rear seat back angle, freeing up an additional 60 litres of boot space.
The boot itself is a competitive 421 litres with the rear seats in place, rising to 836 litres if you sling them forwards.
If you're interested in finding a used GLA, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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Tips & Advice
Ownership cost
What used Mercedes-Benz GLA will I get for my budget?
Just under £11,000 is the current starting point for a GLA, this for a 2014 car that has done plenty of miles. We'd suggest spending £12,000 or more for something with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, bought from an independent dealer, from 2014 or 2015. Up the dosh to between £13,000 and £15,000 and you draw in 2016 cars with the same criteria as above, while £16,000 to £20,000 will get you a 2018 or 2019 car, or for not much more one of the last 2020 cars, bought from an independent dealer.
Check the value of a used Mercedes GLA with What Car? Valuations
Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used Mercedes-Benz GLA should I buy?
Diesel buyers have a choice between two 2.1-litre engines, badged 200d and 220d. The former produces 134bhp and is our favourite, mostly thanks to its low running costs. It's a bit slower than equivalent rivals but is flexible enough to satisfy most drivers. The 168bhp latter is noticeably punchier and comes with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Petrol options include a 1.6-litre and two 2.0-litre engines, badged 180, 200 and 250. The 118bhp 180 is a bit slow, making the 154bhp 200 a much better bet, thanks to brisk-enough performance, although you have to rev it quite hard to get the best from it. This engine came with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard but could be specified with an automatic 'box. If you need four-wheel-drive with a petrol engine, go for the 250. It's more rapid but not as fun as you might hope, given its hefty price.
Standard equipment is often better on entry-level SE trim than on most equivalent rivals, and we see no point in spending more for pricier versions.
Our favourite Mercedes-Benz GLA: 200d SE
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Tips & Advice
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Audi Q3 is a more complete and appealing car than most of its rivals. It has a high-quality interior and an easy-to-use rotary controller for its infotainment system. It’s compact, easy to drive and should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a used small SUV.
The BMW X1 is a spacious and practical car with a high-quality interior, fine handling and a great infotainment system. Its ride is rather firm, but if you can put up with that, it’s a classy and desirable compact SUV that makes a sound alternative to the Q3.
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If you're interested in finding a used GLA, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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How reliable is the mercedes-benz GLA-Class ?
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About the writer
