Click for vehicles with £300-£500 Cashback
£17,900
£25,980
£20,690
£18,500
£18,600
£19,999
£11,390
£27,500
£24,220
£17,295
£29,890
£33,780
£33,480
£34,980
£33,780
£54,890
was
£26,220
£1,300 off£37,890
325-342 of 346 vehicles
The Mercedes-Benz GLA was first launched in 2013. Based on the A-class hatchback, it featured chunkier styling and a raised stance that nuzzled it in with the crossover crowd, but a similarly cramped cabin to the A-class, and a surprisingly firm ride, didn’t quite hit the mark when competition was already so strong.
The latest Mercedes GLA, launched in 2019, has changed that. Its styling doesn’t quite have the same rufty-tufty appeal but in all other respects it’s become a much better car, with a larger cabin, more striking interior design, and an improved drive. There’s still a wide range of engines and trim levels, while high-performance AMG versions, and a similar electric model called the Mercedes EQA, mean there’s something for everyone.
If the GLA doesn’t appeal, this is still a busy market segment too, with rivals including everything from the Audi Q2 and BMW X2, to the Range Rover Evoque and Lexus UX, to less premium but still desirable alternatives such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Mazda CX-30.
The latest Mercedes-Benz GLA, introduced in 2019 and facelifted in 2023, is a better car than its predecessor. While the first model was more of a Mercedes A-class with slightly raised suspension, the current GLA stands out as a model in its own right. That much is apparent from its change in proportions, as it’s 10cm taller than the original GLA, and while it’s also slightly shorter, Mercedes managed to increase both headroom and legroom.
That makes it surprisingly practical for its relatively compact size, and driver and passengers sit higher too, for an SUV-style driving position that may appeal to some buyers. And if the exterior styling is nothing much to shout about, the interior is very slick, with a combined instrument display and touchscreen panel across the dash, jet-style air vents, and plenty of equipment.
The GLA drives well too, even if it’s not quite as entertaining as some rivals, or as comfortable and refined as others. There’s good grip, not too much body roll, and performance ranges from more than adequate in the entry-level GLA 200, to truly ballistic in the AMG 45. The AMG models trade some comfort for handling prowess, but it’s a trade performance car buyers will more than likely be happy to make.
The recent facelift is unlikely to change things a great deal, though Mercedes-Benz has made a few minor equipment tweaks, and performance and economy have altered ever so slightly. There’s still a fully electric EQA available for those who wish to trade away from internal combustion for their next car though, while the boxier Mercedes EQB offers greater practicality.
There are rivals too, of course. Audi offers the Q2 and BMW the X2, each with slightly more rakish styling than the Mercedes (and slightly higher cabin quality, too), while more leftfield alternatives include the handsome Range Rover Evoque, and the hybrid-only Lexus UX. And if you’re on a budget, later versions of the previous generation GLA may still be worth a look if you’re set on a Mercedes.
A Mercedes GLA not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
The good news is that the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 will serve most buyers very well indeed. Its 1.3-litre engine has enough urge for family duties - while not using excessive quantities of fuel - and even the cheapest Sport Executive trim line is well-equipped; trading up definitely gets more toys, but the larger alloy wheels and AMG styling kits won’t change your life too much.
The GLA 250e is worth a look if low company car tax is a factor, while the short electric range (improved at the 2023 facelift) means that if you’re able to charge it regularly, you’ll end up paying very little in fuel if many of your trips are local. And of course, there are the AMG models: the 35 offers hot hatchback pace, while the 45 S really is a true performance car.
Older, pre-2020 GLAs aren’t quite as good to drive, nor as spacious, but with desirable newer models on the market you may find a late example quite good value for money, and performance and economy has always been strong with the GLA.
The current Mercedes-Benz GLA range is available in several different trim lines. Updates in July 2023 slightly changed the models available (and some equipment may have changed to that listed below) but broadly kept the same spread between Sport Executive and AMG Line Premium Plus trim - as well as the two high-performance models, the GLA 35 and GLA 45, the former itself available in three trim lines.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s dimensions are:
The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s boot size is:
Given the current, second-generation GLA was launched in 2019, all models are subject to the current VED or ‘road tax’ structure, which means paying an individual CO2-based rate in their first year of registration, and a flat rate thereafter. With all but a few lower-end GLAs costing over £40,000 brand new, the majority are subject not just to the flat rate but also a surcharge in the second to sixth years of registration. Models under this price threshold will cost £180 per year to tax, while petrol and diesels over it will be £570, and the GLA 250e, being a hybrid, £560 per year. If you want to pay nothing in VED, then you’ll need to look towards the all-electric Mercedes EQA.
Prior to the GLA’s 2023 facelift, insurance groups ranged from 25 for a GLA 200 in Sport Executive trim to 37 for a Premium Plus-spec GLA 250e, with the GLA 35 in group 38 and the GLA 45 in group 42. Post-facelift insurance group data is yet to be confirmed, but is unlikely to be much different.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLA review
What is the most popular colour for Mercedes-Benz GLA ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Mercedes-Benz GLA ?
What is the most popular fuel type for Mercedes-Benz GLA ?
What is the most popular engine for Mercedes-Benz GLA ?
What is the average mileage for Mercedes-Benz GLA ?
29467
How many Mercedes-Benz GLA cars are available for sale?
353