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First Drive: Mercedes-Benz GLA200d
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Mercedes has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism lately. An F1 car that’s hardly cutting the mustard and the main speculative point as to why its world champ, Lewis Hamilton, is leaving the team for greener, or in this case, redder pastures come 2025. More importantly, its performance division’s C63 that’s been downsized and hybridised, sounds no better than a washing machine on a spin cycle. Make no mistake, it’s mighty quick (read all about it here) but for R2.4m+, it lacks that character that makes it feel like the Grim Reaper has picked your number out of a hat.
And speaking of prices, this brings me neatly onto the subject of this article: the recently revamped Mercedes-Benz GLA, or more specifically, the GLA 200d. On the surface, it perfectly captures the essence of what a crossover should be. It’s compact, but not to be confused with a hatchback, with the upside being that it’s efficient, and it has actual measurable gravel travel abilities, which is the main selling point to pick a crossover with a GL persuasion over, say, an A-Class. Then there’s also the features list, which is top-tier, and therein comes the caveat: a price tag well north of R900,000. Worth it?
Design and Features
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Some would argue that with the release of the current generation GLA, it’s gone soft in a styling sense—a stark contrast to the aggressive and sharp lines employed by Chinese crossover entrants. It’s more generally pleasing to more people with its rounded execution as opposed to the previous generation’s more polarising stance. And that’s not a bad thing; at the end of the day, numbers sell cars.
So, to appeal to a broader audience, Mercedes-Benz is using words like “powerful character enhancement” provided by items such as the grille’s louvers and subtle but visible power domes on the bonnet that update the look somewhat. Also, as a side note, it receives a new lighting signature, a new colour called Spectral Blue, and four additional wheel designs. The unit I sampled was fitted with Merc’s optional 19-inch wheels that form part and parcel of the AMG Line pack, which also includes exterior AMG trimmings. And considering the added curb appeal for a price tag just shy of R30,000, I’d say that on the surface, at least it’s worth the additional capital outlay. Or if you’re inclined to analyse everything on a macro level, I suppose you could argue the “but it’s already pricey, why won’t they make it as pretty in standard trim” argument. You could even take it up one notch further and accuse Merc of exploiting consumer psychology. Make of that what you will, but don’t say TGSA doesn't provide solid consumer advice.
Interior Loadout
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Before I go too far off the rails and force my editor to cut all my wise ramblings, I’ll move on to the interior, which, again, seems a bit basic on the niceties front without the expensive add-on packs. The standard trim is called the Advanced Package, and with it, you get a reversing camera, Merc’s Parktronic system that assists with, well, parking, and 4-way lumbar support. It will still be an okay cabin, for the most part, but it’s at the upper end of the price scale where all the worthwhile equipment lives. It’s the Premium Plus Package that’s fitted to my tester, and with it come the above-mentioned features plus a plethora of other really-nice-to-haves like a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a slightly overwhelming kaleidoscope of colour with ambient lighting, a head’s-up display, MBUX Interior Assistant, and that’s the point where I’ll stop.
The seats, though, are a standout feature with their Artico artificial leather microfibre upholstering that feels near-identical to what would conventionally be called Alkantara. It’s a fantastically textured experience that feels reminiscent of something from the upper echelons of the Stuttgart camp, making it easy to forget that this is Merc’s smallest SUV entry.
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Then it’s a matter of just letting your eyes pore over the intricate details found in the rest of the cabin, with the jet-engine-inspired air vents, the tasteful use of the carbon fibre trimmings, and that bulky, perfect-in-hand steering wheel that’s also a relatively new addition to Merc’s updates list. While the latter looks great, I’m still having trouble wrapping my fingers around the haptic capacitive feedback toggles for volume control and, more annoyingly, cruise control. It feels better optimised than, say, the fitful controls as tested on the GLC last year, but still, I’d like a physical toggle to keep my attention on the road. At least the head-up display helps alleviate this when I accidentally switch the cruise control to 138km/h in a 120 zone.
At least there’s not a lack of driving information thanks to the free-standing dual-screen setup that includes a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display for the instrument cluster and multimedia infotainment screen, integrated with the latest iteration of Merc’s MBUX system. Both screens offer a seamless high-tech experience with their responsiveness and also serve to up the ambiance of the GLA’s interior. Further helping to elevate the on-board tech experience is the option to customise the screens’ readout depending on your mood or what level of information you require. It allows a switch from “classic” to “sporty” modes to the more minimalistic “discreet” readout.
Driving Experience
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As far as driving is concerned, the GLA200d shines with that gem of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 110kW and 320Nm. It’s not the quickest nor the most powerful diesel application, but the responsiveness and immediacy of torque on request make it a peach to drive around town and highways. The handling too makes for an engaging drive, and it’s easy to forget that it is indeed a crossover and not a hatchback with its precise steering and well-optimised suspension.
It’s the fuel efficiency that’s the standout feature of the 200d, with a recorded figure at the end of our five-day stint standing at 6.5l/100km. This included several East-Rand to Pretoria trips as well as plenty of inner-city driving. Why diesel is a dying breed in applications beyond light commercial vehicles is beyond me (I’m starting to think the whole ‘pollution’ excuse is a corporate conspiracy) since these engines still deliver on all fronts, from efficiency to power to daily usability.
Final Thoughts
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Overall, the Mercedes-Benz GLA200d is an impressive package within its segment that continues to blur the line between hatchback and SUV. It effortlessly combines luxury, performance, and a good measure of efficiency, while its handling and actual gravel travel abilities increase the versatility factor. These, combined with the upmarket and ambient-rich interior, belie the GLA’s position at the bottom of Merc’s SUV totem pole.
However, despite these inherent strengths, there are some drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. For one, the reliance on USB-C ports for smartphone connectivity, which, without designated adaptors, severely limits functionality to only charging. Sure, there is Bluetooth connectivity, but in the grand scheme of things, it provides an unreliable connection, and this feels like a persistent step back in an otherwise forward-thinking crossover.
Then there's the price tag of the most affordable derivative, which starts at R922,841. Compare that with BMW’s entry-level X1 which commands a comparatively affordable price tag of R788,899, and one can’t help but question if the GLA’s strengths outweigh its price tag by quite the same margin. Also, while all the add-ons are nice to have and brag-worthy, they don’t do much to raise the trade-in value of the kitted-to-the-brim GLA should the time come to look at its replacement. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you want and what you need. So, is it worth the price tag? Well, yes and no, depending on the value you attach to a shopping list of nice-to-haves. Personally, I’d go for a more conservative tech loadout and wish I’d worked harder to afford the rest.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d AMG Line Price: R986,062
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