Used Mercedes-Benz GLA for sale: everything you need to know

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.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz GLA? 

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.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz GLA model to buy?

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.

Used Mercedes-Benz GLA fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz GLA 200: The entry-level engine is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol making 163PS. Pre-facelift it covered 0-62mph in 8.7sec with the standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and 8.9sec after the 2023 facelift. Combined economy was 42.8mpg before, now 42.2mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e: A petrol plug-in hybrid, the 250e uses the same 1.3-litre but with electric assistance for 218PS of power. Again performance changes slightly pre- and post-facelift: 0-62mph in 7.1sec before, and 7.9sec after. Excluding consumption in EV mode, Mercedes quotes a small improvement after the facelift, 40.4mpg from 38.2mpg, with an EV range of 39 miles before, and 48 miles since July 2023.
• Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d: Yep, Mercedes still offers a diesel, a 2.0-litre unit making 150PS. 0-62mph takes 8.6 seconds in earlier models and 8.8sec in later ones, and economy goes from 53.3mpg to 52.3mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4Matic: The other diesel in the range is still a 2.0-litre, but power bumps to 190PS, and 0-62mph drops to 7.3 seconds prior to the facelift, 7.5sec after. Economy improved slightly, from 49.6mpg to 50.4mpg - and 4Matic means standard all-wheel drive.
• Mercedes-AMG GLA 35: With 306PS from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, the GLA 35 is hot-hatchback quick, going from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds (unchanged at the facelift). Economy is quoted as 32.5mpg (or 32.1mpg post-facelift).
• Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S: Mercedes hasn’t yet confirmed an AMG 45 for the facelifted GLA, so all figures here pertain to the pre-July 2023 cars. That means 421PS, 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, and 28.8mpg combined.

What used Mercedes-Benz GLA trim levels are available?

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 Sport Executive is where the GLA range starts, though it’s far from basic. LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 7-inch driver display and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display are all standard.
• The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line Executive takes things up a notch with 19-inch wheels, an AMG styling kit, an offroad driving mode, reversing camera, and sportier interior styling.
• The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line Premium offers similar equipment to the AMG Line Executive, but does get keyless go and the provision for attaching a trailer as standard.
• The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition trades up to 20inch alloy wheels, multibeam LED headlights, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
• The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is the less potent of the two high-performance models in the GLA range, and available in its own 35, 35 Premium, and 35 Premium Plus grades, trading up through 19, 20, and 21-inch wheels, plus other features. All use the same 306PS engine.
• The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S tops the GLA tree, with a hugely potent 421PS engine, 21-inch alloy wheels, a standard aero package, heavily bolstered sports seats, and other AMG-specific features.

Used Mercedes-Benz GLA dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4412mm-4436mm
• Width: 1834mm (without mirrors), 2020mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1590-1616mm
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s boot size is:

• 445-495 litres
• 1385-1430 litres with the rear seats folded down

Used Mercedes-Benz GLA road tax

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.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz GLA?

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