- Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present front driving black
- Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present rear driving black
- Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present interior dashboard
- Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present side driving black
- Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present alloy wheel detail
- Used Mercedes GLA 2020-present back seats
What's the used Mercedes-Benz GLA like?
Though its name isn't short for glamorous, we think many would use such a word to describe the Mercedes GLA. It sits in the fashionable family SUV class and bears a premium badge, too. It's all very trendy, yet fortunately, it's not all form over function.
Engines: For starters, most of its engines are impressively punchy. We say most because the entry-level 1.3-litre petrol (found in the GLA 180 model) is somewhat lacklustre, but the rest have decent get-up-and-go. The GLA 200, for example, provides effortless oomph for relaxed cruising, with its more powerful version of the same engine.
Pros
- Good choice of engines
- Refined driving experience
- Well equipped
Cons
- Prices remain quite high
- Rear head room isn't generous
- Interior quality could be better
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If pace is truly important to you, though, you’ll want to look at the GLA 250. With 221bhp, it’s hot hatch fast, and its plentiful low-rev urge makes it feel pleasingly brisk even when you’re not thrashing it. There’s also an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid, the GLA 250e, and this uses another version of the 1.3-litre petrol engine, but this time paired with an electric motor that significantly boosts performance – it’s only fractionally slower than the GLA 250. Plus, official figures state that it has a 37-mile range on electric power alone.
Performance variants come in the form of the 306bhp GLA 35 and the 421bhp GLA 45. These have turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engines and, perhaps needless to say, are incredibly rapid.
As for the diesel engines, the 200d proves satisfactory, while the 220d is even stronger. It pulls well throughout its rev range and generally feels in tune with the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Trims and equipment: Even the entry-level Sport model is pretty well equipped. You have 18in alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, climate control and heated front seats.
The AMG Line trim mostly makes the car look more aggressive, but we'd recommend focusing on getting a GLA that has the Executive Package instead, for the infotainment upgrades it brings. You gain Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and wireless phone-charging, as well as a 10.25in screen that replaces the standard 7.0in one.
Ride and handling: Ride comfort is decent, even on the relatively large 19in wheels and lowered suspension fitted to AMG Line models. The GLA doesn’t breeze over ripples and expansion joints as effectively as the Volvo XC40, but it suffers less from side-to-side sway and still takes the sting out of potholes.
The adaptive suspension – an optional extra from new – stiffens or softens depending on which mode you're in, but we don't feel that it's a must-have.
A high ride height never helps a car’s handling, so it’s no surprise that the Mercedes GLA’s body leans over a fair bit in corners compared with the Mercedes A-Class family car that it's based on. Fortunately, this happens progressively enough that it isn’t unsettling, and the GLA feels more controlled than a Range Rover Evoque or XC40.
The steering is a bit numb just off centre, but it improves greatly after that, enabling you to place the front wheels with confidence. You can make it more weighty and reassuring by putting the car in Dynamic mode. In Comfort mode, the steering is super-light and well-suited to town driving.
Interior and practicality: If there’s one thing about the GLA that catches your attention, it's the design of the interior. It’s flamboyant and more in keeping with a luxury saloon than a family SUV, plus the large infotainment screen offers plenty of visual appeal. Unfortunately, though, the actual fit and finish isn't very good; it doesn't feel as sturdy or as well-built as an Audi Q3, for example.
You’re unlikely to grumble about space in the front, even if you tower over most of your friends and colleagues. The seats slide back a long way, and there’s plenty of head room, even with the panoramic glass roof you'll find on cars with the Premium Plus Package.
Rear leg room is comparable with the Q3, so you won’t find your knees are jammed up against the front seat backs. What’s more, there’s plenty of space for your feet under the front seats, even when these are in their lowest position.
However, head room is a little disappointing, at least on cars with the panoramic glass roof, partly due to the way the roof curves downwards at the sides. Children and smaller adults will still be fine, but six-footers are likely to feel a bit confined.
When the rear seats are as far back as they can go, the GLA’s official boot capacity is 495 litres. That's down on the Q3 and BMW X1, but slightly more than you get in an Evoque or XC40.
"I'm always impressed by the GLA when I drive it. It could be that to my eyes it looks a little ungainly, so the fact it drives in a composed hatchback-style manner comes as a welcome surprise." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor
If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes 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.
Tips & Advice
Ownership cost
What used Mercedes-Benz GLA will I get for my budget?
Used prices for the Mercedes GLA begin at around £17,000 for high mileage 2020 cars. For low mileage examples, expect to pay around £18,000 for a 200 or 200d in either Sport or AMG Line trim. Prices for 2021 models only rise to around £20,000, though 2022 cars start at around £24,000, and slightly more, think £25,000 upwards, for 2023 and 2024 models. You'll need around £28,000 for 2025 cars.
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Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used Mercedes-Benz GLA should I buy?
Unlike the Mercedes GLA 180, the 200 model doesn't feel wanting in power. It has enough performance to satisfy most buyers while coming in at a reasonable price and returning good fuel economy .
You don't need to upgrade from Sport trim – just remember to look out for that previously mentioned Executive Package. However, if you do like the look of AMG Line, you won't need to stretch your budget too far to grab one.
Our favourite Mercedes GLA: GLA 200 Sport (Executive Package)
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Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?
If you're seeking out rivals for the Mercedes GLA, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are worth checking out. They both have premium badges, and they have a great focus on luxury, refinement and tech. Because they've been around longer than the GLA, they also tend to be cheaper used buys.
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If you're interested in finding a used Mercedes 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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