Test Mercedes GLA 200d 8G-DCT 150 CV AMG Line

El Mercedes GLA It has been on the market for two years now and has earned the right to be one of the best sellers of the German brand. Especially the model that we have had the opportunity to test: AMG Line trim along with the 150 hp diesel engine. Both options, the best sellers in the repertoire of this compact SUV.

Throughout this test, you will see why this combination serves the GLA to increase the note that he took out with his 163 hp gasoline version. Not only because of the fuel change, but because of some equipment choices that upgrade it. Of course, not everything is desirable in the extras that this car can carry and here we are also going to explain what you should avoid.

Design of the Mercedes GLA AMG Line

As usual, we are going to take a very quick look at its design and dimensions. this suv measures 4,41 meters long, 1,83 meters wide, 1,61 meters high and 2,73 meters of battle. Some measures with which gain habitability compared to its predecessor, but no trunk. Mercedes seems to have downplayed this section or, at least, has relied on the adaptability offered by the 14 cm sliding seats, which allow the 425-liter cargo space to be somewhat expanded.

These proportions, together with its sporty design accentuated by the AMG Line finish, give it a very attractive appearance. Above all because of the three-dimensional grille, with the large logo of the brand and the sharp headlights, which in this case are the Recommended Multibeam LED (578 euros) with automatic high beam Plus.

The profile of the Mercedes GLA maintains this sporty aspect, both due to the drop in the roof and the 19-inch AMG wheels, which do not imply any extra cost with respect to the 18 of the Progressive finish.

The rear design is more discreet, except for the two chrome exhaust outlets and the diffuser that unites them Although it should be noted that both components are merely aesthetic, because the outputs are false and the bumps are not marked enough for the diffuser performs its aerodynamic function. Although logically the latter is out of place in such a car.

As you can see in the photos, the paint on the test unit is matte. An extra that increases the bill by 2.559 euros, for being in the category that Mercedes catalogs as Manufaktur.

It must be recognized that within paintings of this type, it is a finish that suits GLA very well. It gives it some differentiation, without falling into the overly aggressive or rough look that other matt paints give. If you want to see the difference with a normal one, the gasoline we tested has the same Mountain Gray but with normal enamel (874 euros).

GLA interior and equipment

If we already entered the interior, the premium environment in this car is noted for several details. The first is the MBUX media system, which unites the instrumentation and the central screen in the same frame. Its performance is one of the best. of the premium segment for its fluidity. To which we must add that it is one of the most configurable and that they have not abused by introducing car controls inside it.

Climate controls are outside and conventional type, not the touch type that we have discouraged so many times, because they help to divert your eyes from the road to handle them well.

The materials and assembly are very good, except for two details: the use of piano black that gets dirty very easily and the creaking of some parts such as the central air vents. An aspect that could be improved, especially since it is in a highly visible area and where it is frequently touched.

Interior space of the Mercedes GLA

Space is good both front and rear and the seats are very comfortable despite having a sporty design and the imitation leather has a very pleasant touch. A comfort that contributes to the extra lumbar support with 4 adjustment channels that we recommend. Especially if many kilometers are going to be covered, as we have done in our test, which has exceeded 1.200 km.

Most of them we have done on the highway, which leads us to talk about the plenty of driving aids for the Mercedes GLA. As standard it brings Active Braking Assistant, Active Lane Departure Detector, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call and Speed ​​Limit Indicator.

Driving aids to spare

The driving aids can be completed with various extras such as automatic high beams, blind spot control and active distance assistant. But the most advanced driving assistance package with traffic sign assistant for 2.081 euros.

Everything in this package works perfectly: Active Steering Assistant, Traffic Sign Assistant or Active Speed ​​Limit Assistant. However, it has a function called Route-based speed adaptation, that not up to the rest.

Use the browser information to adjust speed automatically. What happens is that it easily confuses the road we are on and applies speed changes that do not correspond. In our case, the most notable were descents at 40 km/h on some 120 km/h roads.

Nothing that cannot be solved by accelerating as soon as the deceleration is noticed and choosing the speed we want again. Although, it is a discomfort that should be avoided by deactivating it through the central touch screen. At least until Mercedes finds a solution to this.

The GLA 200d diesel engine

This is the more modest mechanical version within the diesel range, but this does not mean that it is lacking in power. Quite the contrary. With its 150 hp and, above all, its 320 Nm of torque, it is capable of moving this compact SUV with ease. What's more, if you look closely, the GLA 200d gets half a star more than the GLA 200 (gasoline).

It is not for less, since the relationship between performance and consumption of this car is one of the best. An example of this is that, helped by its 8G-DCT automatic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds. While the Audi Q3 35 TDI S tronic takes 9,2 seconds and the BMW X1 sDrive18d Automatic comes in last with 9,4 seconds.

In terms of consumption, the GLA 200d homologates 5,3 l/100km in the WLTP cycle (0,1 l less than the Audi and 0,1 l more than the BMW. In practice, the consumption that we have registered has been 5,6, 100 l/4,8 km on the highway, 100 l/90km on the highway at 7,2 km/h and XNUMX liters in the city. very good fuel consumption considering it's an SUV.

Driving dynamics and comfort

On all types of routes we have covered the GLA 200d has behaved in an impeccable way. The focus of the suspension is clearly geared towards comfort despite being an AMG Line. Not for nothing does Mercedes call its running gear “lowered-height comfort”.

Even with everything, its dynamic behavior is very good for the comfort it offers. A relationship between both poles, which is not found in other premium brands such as BMW or Audi, due to their somewhat more dynamic approach. only the Mazda CX-5 moves on similar levels.

Conclusions

The Mercedes GLA 200d is a compact SUV very suitable for those seeking comfort without losing too many dynamic capabilities and a premium image. In addition to a balanced engine, efficient and capable of giving certain joys when required. Of course, we recommend it before the 136 hp and 163 hp petrol versions, if you are not afraid of the future of diesel.

An Achilles heel with respect to the competition is the trunk, which only has 425 liters, compared to the 530 liters of the Audi Q3 and the 505 liters of the BMW X1. Although that will only penalize drivers who require such cargo space.

As for the price, it is also one of the weak points, since it is considerably more expensive than its direct competition in Germany. Alone, the Land Rover Evoque matches it on the hefty bill to pay for it. More so with the current times in which car prices have skyrocketed.

Mercedes GLA standard equipment

AMG Line

• Low-height comfort undercarriage
• Faux leather upholstery
• Sports seats
• Longitudinal bars on the roof, in polished aluminum
• AMG cosmetic kit
• Trim elements with carbon structure
• Nappa leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel
• 19-inch AMG alloy wheels
• AMG floor mats
• Active bonnet for pedestrian protection
• Rain and light sensing windshield wipers
• Rear seats with folding backrests
• 12V socket in boot
• lighting and visibility package
• comfort seating package
• Air conditioning pre-equipment for hot countries
• Chrome loading edge protection
• Storage net in front backrests
• Black fabric headlining
• Storage compartment in center console with louvered lid
• Reversing camera
• Load compartment package
• knee airbag
• Active Brake Assist
• active lane departure detector
• Mercedes-Benz emergency call
• Communication module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes connect me services
• digital radio
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• MBUX media system
• Cruise Control
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• USB Type-C sockets
• High Performance LED headlights
• Touch screen
• Headlining in black fabric

Progressive

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Longitudinal bars on the roof, in polished aluminum
• Decorative elements in spiral effect
• Thermotronic automatic air conditioning
• High Performance LED headlights
• Easy-Pack tailgate
• Active bonnet for pedestrian protection
• Rain and light sensing windshield wipers
• Velor floor mats
• Rear seats with folding backrests
• 12V socket in boot
• paddle shifters on the steering wheel
• lighting and visibility package
• comfort seating package
• Air conditioning pre-equipment for hot countries
• Chrome loading edge protection
• Storage net in front backrests
• Black fabric headlining
• Reversing camera
• knee airbag
• Active Brake Assist
• active lane departure detector
• Mercedes-Benz emergency call
• digital radio
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• MBUX media system
• Cruise Control
• USB Type-C sockets
• High Performance LED headlights
• Touch screen

Mercedes-Benz GLA Prices

The 2022 prices have experienced an increase of between 2.000 and 3.000 euros compared to 2020:

Editor's opinion

Gallery Mercedes GLA 200 AMG Line