MERCEDES-BENZ GLA ELECTRIC HATCHBACK

The Mercedes GLA has been rejuvenated in this third generation guise, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Background

Time for a different kind of Mercedes GLA. This more sophisticated third generation model must interest former EQA customers wanting a compact premium EV crossover, as well as folk in search of a posh little combustion SUV. Perhaps it's now the car its predecessor wanted to be. Whether it's now the kind of model its customers want it to be is what we're here to find out. The first two GLA designs, the X156-era MK1 of 2013 and the H247-era MK2 of 2019, were based on the brand's long-running A-Class hatch. The latter version intentionally separated itself away from the EV market to make space for the brand's similarly-sized all-electric EQA. These days though, the Stuttgart maker wants to merge its EV and combustion model lines, a policy made possible here by the MMA platform this third generation GLA shares with Mercedes' two most recent compact models, the CLA saloon and the GLB SUV. As a result of that, we've now got two quite different kinds of MK3 GLA, the H244-era all-electric model and it's almost identical-looking showroom stablemate, the H248-era hybrid version. There's no longer a GLA PHEV. And those two powertrains are delivered in a car that's now more spacious, more efficient and considerably more futuristic than before. Sounds promising. Let's take a look.

Engines and Tech Spec

Like its almost identically engineered CLA and GLB showroom stablemates, this third generation GLA was designed to be an electric car first and a hybrid second. Though Mercedes of course, thinks the advanced MMA platform is ideally suited to either drivetrain. What it isn't suited to is Plug-in Hybrid drive, so unlike with the second generation model (and rivals like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1), you can't have that. Ideally, Mercedes wants to sell you a GLA Electric - which comes in various flavours, with the emphasis being on the mid-level GLA 250+, which has 272hp from its rear axle e-motor and uses an 85kWh Lithium-ion NMC battery capable of up to 406 miles on a single charge (up from 346 miles with the EQA 250+). If that's more range than you really need, ask your dealer about the entry-level GLA 200 Electric variant (not offered from launch), which has 224hp and uses a smaller 58kWh LFP battery offering up to 278 miles. If you want AWD or more performance, then there's the dual motor GLA 350 4MATIC, with the same 85kWh battery as the 250+. This adds another e-motor on the front axle to boost total output to 354hp and lower the 0-62mph sprint time to 5.4s. Range is 371 miles. As with other MMA-platform EV models from the brand, all GLA models use a clever two-speed auto gearbox to maximise efficiency at higher speeds. If you add in the optional Trailer coupling package, the 250+ can tow a braked weight of up to 1,500kg; with the 350 4MATIC, it'd be up to 2,000kgs. If you really don't want to plug your GLA in, then you'll be offered the combustion hybrid version. It's actually a mild hybrid, so it won't run purely on battery power for very long. But the 48V electrical system that powers a small starter generator helps streamline the 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine's operations at low speed. This unit is boosted by 30hp electric motor powered by a 1.3kWh battery and integrated into the eight-speed eDCT auto gearbox. The hybrid drivetrain comes in three flavours; the base GLA 180, with 136hp; the mid-level GLA 200 with 163hp; and the top GLA 220 4MATIC with 190hp and all wheel drive. At urban speeds and when less than 22kW is needed, the hybrid models can briefly drive using electric power alone. A special feature of the motor is its ability to recuperate in all eight gears, recovering up to 25kW of energy.

Design and Build

It isn't only the powertrains that are different about this third generation GLA. Mercedes wants you to see it as the 'ultimate sporty city SUV', a reference to the now more dynamic-looking side profile. The first thing you're going to notice is the addition of the enormous imposing retro style front grille, something the brand seems to have decided that all its latest models have to have. It's illuminated and has finishing treatment that varies with EV or hybrid powertrains. More significant perhaps is this car's overall size, which at 4,565mm is 145mm longer than the previous generation model. To give you some class perspective, that makes this GLA a little bigger than a BMW iX1 and a little smaller than an Audi Q4 e-tron. This GLA also has a wider track than its predecessor, but the roof line is 20mm lower. There are short overhangs and wheel sizes vary from 18 to 20-inches, with the sleek alloys contributing to better aerodynamics also aided by the squared-off tail lights. The Mercedes three-pointed star is used in the headlamps and even in the panoramic sunroof. Inside, as you might expect from the shared MMA underpinnings, most of the front cabin design is shared with the CLA and the GLB, which means a dashboard dominated by screens. Mainstream models get a 10.25-inch driver's instrument display and a 14-inch central monitor. But with upper spec, there's the brand's MBUX Superscreen set-up which adds a third passenger-side display - to suit the prevailing trend. This GLA is what Mercedes calls 'a software-defined vehicle', which means smarter technology, more meaningful over-the-air updates and a more intuitive AI-enabled voice control system. Not everything's great of course: there are some scratchy interior plastics and don't expect the kind of materials quality you'd find in a GLC. But it's all certainly a step up from the previous generation model, with eye-catching ambient lighting, smart stitched man-made leather and Alcantara-style soft-touch furnishing. Arguably an even bigger step over the MK2 GLA is to be found in the rear, where the longer wheelbase length has freed up 150mm of extra legroom. So a six-foot rear passenger can now easily sit behind a front seat occupant of similar stature. That standard glass roof doesn't compromise head room either and there is a completely flat floor. Boot capacity is rated at 410-litres and if you opt for the EV version, there's also a 107-litre under bonnet 'frunk' for the charging leads. Fold down the 40:20:40-split rear backrest and up to 1,400-litres of cargo room is on offer.

Market and Model

Pricing for this third generation GLA starts from around £45,000, but you'll probably need to pay significantly more than that for the version you'd ideally want. The available trim levels are familiar - 'Sport', 'Sport Executive', 'AMG Line Executive', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. As you'd hope for the money be asked here, even base 'Sport' trim includes quite a lot. Features like a glass panoramic roof, an 'EASY-PACK' powered tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, an illuminated front grille and LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist, plus the brand's 'Parking assist' auto-parking system with PARKTRONIC and a Reverse manoeuvring function. Inside, there's ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch driver display, heated front seats, THERMATIC automatic climate control and a selfie and video camera. Media stuff's taken care of by a 14-inch central monitor with built-in MBUX navigation. GLA camera safety features fitted across the line-up as standard include Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist Plus, Traffic Sign Assist, an Emergency Stop Function, an Evasive steering function, a Lane keeping function, Manoeuvring assist and Exit warning. Plus the brand's Distance Assist DISTRONIC system for easier highway cruising. 'Sport Executive' spec adds larger 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, keyless entry and a wireless charging mat. 'AMG Line Executive' spec gives you AMG body styling and sports seats. 'AMG Line Premium' adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive damping and the MBUX Superscreen set-up with its extra 14-inch front passenger-side display. And 'AMG Line Premium Plus' spec gives you MULTIBEAM LED and adaptive high beam assist plus headlights, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, heat for the steering wheel and wiper blades and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Cost of Ownership

The GLA Electric has a powerful regen braking system that can provide up to 200kW of stopping power off-throttle, helping to keep the battery topped up. And the 4MATIC EV model retains impressive range because its additional front motor is decoupled from the front axle when it isn't needed, reducing energy losses to friction by 90%. At the right public charging station, the EV version of this third generation GLA can be DC rapid-charged at up to 320kW thanks to its adoption of an 800V electrical architecture. This enables 201 mile top up in just 10 minutes. And a full DC top-up in 22 minutes. As for AC charging at home, well if you've an 11kW three-phase supply, your GLA EV can be fully charged in 9 hours. That figure will rise to 13 hours 45 minutes if you've only a single-phase 7.4kW wallbox. For £850 more, Mercedes offers the option of a direct current charging system, which allows owners to charge the car with up to 100kW at compatible 400V fast-charging stations. With this, you can have what's called 'lossless charging' - which means you avoid losing energy when converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) in the form of heat and the battery can be charged with higher power.

Summary

The GLA competes in a very different market today to the one it was launched in back in 2014 and this third generation model offers stiffer opposition to key rivals like the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40. That's primarily because it's improved in the three main areas where the old model fell a little short. That car looked a little unremarkable, couldn't be had as an EV and was a little cramped in the back. All those issues have been pretty thoroughly addressed here. Plus it'll be of considerable importance that this car - in its plusher forms anyway - has been equipped and finished with a silken thoroughness typical of the Three-Pointed Star. That caveat relating to the need for plusher variants is an important one. As before, you have to spend quite a lot to get yourself the kind of premium ownership experience the brochures promise. And unless you do so, you might struggle to justify the considerable extra cost this car demands over more mainstream contenders in this segment. Still, if you can hide the not-inconsiderable price tag likely to be attached to your ideal GLA away in lease payments sharpened by excellent residuals, you may not feel this issue to be a game-changing one. Which would leave you free to enjoy the segment's most sophisticated cabin - and impressive standards of efficiency and technology. And in summary? Well every compact SUV in this class claims to take concept of sense and sensibility and add to it something of an adventurous streak. This GLA does that too, but with a bit of extra polish. We can see why you might like it.