Mercedes-Benz GLA as a used car

Mercedes-Benz GLA as a Used Car

The Mercedes-Benz GLA occupies an interesting position on the used-car market because it combines the compact dimensions of a premium hatchback with the higher driving position and styling of an SUV. It is smaller and easier to live with than Mercedes-Benz’s larger GLC, yet it offers many of the features associated with the brand’s more expensive models. For buyers looking for a relatively compact premium crossover, the GLA can therefore be an appealing second-hand proposition, particularly in its second generation, which arrived in 2020 with a more spacious cabin, improved technology and a more convincing SUV character.

The name GLA covers two quite different generations. The first-generation X156 was introduced in 2013 and was closely related mechanically to the A-Class of its era. It was followed by the H247 generation from 2020, which became taller, roomier and more SUV-like. Both can make interesting used purchases, but they should not be treated as identical cars. The later GLA is generally the more sophisticated and spacious choice, while the older model can offer a lower entry price. Mercedes-Benz’s launch information for the second generation described it as the eighth member of its then-current compact-car family and highlighted the increase in character, space and safety compared with its predecessor.

For a used buyer, however, the most important question is not simply which GLA looks best in a showroom or which engine produces the most power. It is whether the individual car has been properly maintained and whether its specification suits the way it will actually be used. A relatively modest GLA 200 with a complete history can make much more sense as a daily driver than a heavily optioned AMG version with expensive tyres and a harder life.

Why buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Compact dimensions with an SUV driving position

The biggest attraction of the GLA is its combination of size and driving position. It gives the driver a raised view of the road without becoming as physically large as a conventional mid-size SUV. This makes it particularly convenient in urban environments, where parking spaces and narrow streets can make larger vehicles inconvenient.

The second-generation GLA measures around 4.41 metres in length and has a turning circle of approximately 11.4 metres. Mercedes-Benz lists 425 litres of luggage capacity for the current petrol versions, which is enough for everyday family use without requiring the vehicle to become physically large.

That compact footprint is one of the GLA’s strongest arguments as a used car. It can accommodate five occupants, provide useful luggage space and still remain considerably easier to manoeuvre than a large SUV. The elevated seating position also makes getting in and out easier, which is one reason compact crossovers have become so popular.

Premium equipment without the size of a larger Mercedes

A used GLA can provide a surprising amount of technology. Depending on model year and options, examples can feature MBUX infotainment, digital instruments, smartphone integration, navigation, LED lighting, parking cameras, adaptive assistance systems, heated seats and a variety of comfort packages.

It is important to remember that Mercedes-Benz sold many features as options, so two apparently identical GLAs can have very different equipment levels. A used-car advertisement saying simply “Mercedes-Benz GLA” tells you very little about what is actually inside the vehicle. Factory equipment lists and the original vehicle specification are worth checking before making a purchase.

Mercedes-Benz’s own certified-used listings illustrate how different the equipment can be from one car to another. A 2020 GLA 200, for example, can be equipped with MBUX navigation with augmented reality, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, heated seats, a digital instrument display and a powered tailgate.

Which GLA generation should you choose?

First-generation GLA X156

The first-generation GLA was launched in 2013 and remained on sale until the arrival of the second generation. Its styling has aged relatively well, and the compact dimensions make it easy to use in town. Mechanically, it shares much with other Mercedes-Benz compact models of its era, which means there is a large supply of vehicles and familiarity among independent specialists.

The X156 can be an attractive choice for a buyer working with a limited budget, but age is increasingly important. Many examples are now more than a decade old, meaning that condition can vary considerably. A low asking price should not automatically be interpreted as a bargain. Suspension wear, neglected servicing, corrosion, tired interiors and electronic faults can all turn an inexpensive premium crossover into an expensive one.

The facelifted versions are particularly interesting because they benefited from updates to styling, equipment and engines. However, the exact specification varies by market and model year, so checking the VIN and original equipment list remains important.

Second-generation GLA H247

The H247 is the version most buyers will associate with the modern GLA. It arrived for the 2020 model year and brought a more upright shape, greater ground clearance and a noticeably more spacious cabin. Mercedes-Benz’s original technical data included petrol, diesel, plug-in-hybrid and AMG variants, giving the used market a broad range of possibilities.

The second-generation car is arguably the more convincing all-rounder because it feels more like an SUV than the first GLA. The seating position is higher, the rear accommodation is improved and the luggage compartment is more useful. At the same time, it remains compact enough for everyday city driving.

For many buyers, a relatively early H247 GLA 200 is therefore an interesting compromise between price and modernity. Mercedes-Benz’s own certified-used listings show 2020 GLA 200 examples with a 1.332-litre petrol engine, 163 hp, automatic transmission and a 0–100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds.

Engines: petrol, diesel and hybrid

GLA 200 petrol

The GLA 200 is likely to be one of the most common versions encountered on the used market. In the early H247, it used a 1.332-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 163 hp and 250 Nm. Mercedes-Benz’s launch data gave it a 0–100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds, although individual market specifications and later model years can differ.

For everyday driving, this is a useful level of performance. It is not intended to be a hot hatch, but the engine is sufficiently strong for motorway driving and overtaking while avoiding the fuel consumption and running costs associated with the larger-performance variants.

The GLA 200 is especially attractive when the intended use consists primarily of urban and suburban journeys with occasional motorway trips. Buyers should nevertheless test the dual-clutch transmission carefully during low-speed manoeuvres and traffic, making sure engagement is smooth and free of unusual hesitation or noises.

GLA 250 and four-wheel drive

The GLA 250 moves the car into a different performance category. Early H247 versions used a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 224 hp, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available as part of the specification. Mercedes-Benz quoted a 0–100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds for the GLA 250 4MATIC in its technical documentation.

For buyers who regularly travel on motorways, drive in hilly areas or simply want stronger acceleration, the GLA 250 is considerably more effortless. The trade-off is higher purchase and running costs. Four-wheel drive also adds mechanical complexity, so the condition of the entire drivetrain should be verified rather than assuming that 4MATIC is simply an advantage with no downside.

Diesel GLA

The diesel versions can be particularly suitable for high-mileage drivers. Early H247 models included the GLA 200 d and GLA 220 d 4MATIC. Mercedes-Benz’s technical data lists a 1,950 cc diesel engine, with the GLA 200 d producing 150 hp and 320 Nm and the GLA 220 d 4MATIC producing 190 hp and 400 Nm.

The diesel makes most sense when the car spends substantial time on longer journeys. Buyers who mainly drive short urban trips should consider the implications of modern diesel emissions equipment, including the diesel particulate filter and related systems. A used diesel that has spent its life doing repeated short journeys may not be as attractive as one that has regularly covered longer distances.

GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid adds another possibility for buyers with reliable access to charging. The GLA 250 e combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and can cover some daily journeys using electric power alone. Mercedes-Benz’s current Czech technical information lists an electric-only range of up to 74 km under the relevant testing procedure, although actual range depends heavily on temperature, speed and driving conditions.

A used plug-in hybrid should be inspected with particular attention to battery and charging-system operation. It is also worth remembering that a PHEV only provides its full efficiency advantage when it is charged regularly. If charging at home or work is inconvenient, a conventional petrol or diesel GLA may be simpler.

How does the GLA drive?

The GLA is fundamentally a road-focused crossover rather than a serious off-road vehicle. Its raised ride height and available 4MATIC system make it more capable on poor roads, snow and loose surfaces than a conventional hatchback, but buyers should not confuse it with the much more specialized G-Class.

On the road, the GLA’s compact dimensions are a major advantage. Steering is light enough for urban use, the elevated seating position improves visibility and the automatic transmissions suit stop-start traffic. Higher-performance versions naturally feel sharper, while the standard models emphasize comfort and everyday usability.

The second-generation car also feels more substantial than the original GLA. Its increased height and more upright proportions make the driving position more SUV-like, while improved insulation and technology make it better suited to longer journeys.

What should you check before buying?

Service history

A complete service history is one of the most important things to look for. Premium-brand maintenance can be expensive, and skipping scheduled servicing can create problems later. Check invoices rather than relying solely on a stamped service book, and verify that the mileage appears consistent across the available records.

The VIN can also be useful for establishing the exact engine, factory specification and relevant maintenance or recall information.

Automatic transmission

Most used GLAs will have an automatic or dual-clutch transmission, depending on the model and generation. During a test drive, try the vehicle from cold as well as after it has warmed up. Low-speed hesitation, harsh engagement, unexpected vibrations or inconsistent gear changes deserve further investigation.

A short test drive around the block is not enough. Include slow manoeuvres, stop-start traffic, acceleration and motorway-speed driving if possible.

Suspension and steering

Listen for knocks over uneven roads and check that the car tracks straight. Examine the tyres for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension problems. Cars fitted with large wheels and low-profile tyres can suffer more easily from damage caused by potholes.

The GLA is not especially large or heavy by SUV standards, but suspension components still wear with mileage. A professional inspection before purchase is inexpensive compared with replacing multiple worn components after the sale.

Electronics and infotainment

The modern GLA contains a considerable amount of electronic equipment, so take time to test it. Operate the infotainment system, digital displays, climate control, cameras, parking sensors, electric seats, windows, mirrors and lighting. Check that smartphone connectivity works correctly and that there are no unexplained warning messages.

The MBUX system is one of the attractions of the newer car, but electronic sophistication means there are also more components to test on a used vehicle. Do not assume that an intermittent fault will disappear by itself.

Interior and practicality

The GLA’s cabin is one of its strongest selling points. The dashboard architecture of the H247 combines digital displays with the MBUX infotainment system and gives the car a considerably more modern atmosphere than many conventional compact SUVs.

Rear-seat space is also improved over the first-generation car, although the GLA remains a compact vehicle rather than a replacement for a large family SUV. The official luggage capacity of 495 litres for early petrol versions is useful for everyday shopping, luggage and family duties, while folding the rear seats expands the available space to approximately 1,430 litres.

The boot is therefore large enough for the GLA’s class, but buyers with regularly demanding family transport requirements should test their own luggage, child seats or other equipment before purchasing. A vehicle can look spacious in photographs while proving less convenient for a particular family.

Running costs

The GLA’s smaller engines can make it considerably more economical to operate than a larger Mercedes-Benz SUV. Official figures for the early GLA 200 were around 5.6–5.9 l/100 km under the applicable test cycle, although real-world consumption will naturally depend on driving conditions.

The larger petrol engines, AMG models and 4MATIC versions will generally cost more to run. Tyres can also become expensive when a car is equipped with large wheels, while insurance may vary substantially according to engine and performance.

One advantage of the GLA is that its basic mechanical layout is familiar across Mercedes-Benz’s compact-car family. That means there is a broad pool of knowledge among independent specialists. Nevertheless, buyers should budget for premium-car maintenance rather than assuming that a compact Mercedes will cost the same to maintain as an ordinary mainstream hatchback.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA a good used car?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA can make a strong used-car proposition when its compact dimensions, premium interior and SUV-style driving position match the buyer’s requirements. The second-generation H247 is particularly appealing because it feels considerably more mature than the original GLA while retaining the advantages of a relatively small footprint.

The most important decision is choosing the right powertrain for the intended use. The GLA 200 petrol is a sensible general-purpose option, the GLA 250 provides substantially stronger performance, the diesel versions can suit high-mileage motorway drivers, and the GLA 250 e can make sense for owners who can charge frequently. The AMG versions add another dimension altogether and should be considered primarily by buyers who specifically want their performance and are prepared for the associated running costs.

As with any used premium car, condition matters more than the badge. A well-maintained GLA with a transparent history, healthy transmission, good tyres and fully functioning electronics is a much more attractive proposition than a heavily discounted example that has been neglected. Buyers should also resist the temptation to choose a car solely because it has the biggest wheels or longest equipment list.

Ultimately, the GLA succeeds because it occupies a useful middle ground. It provides many of the qualities people expect from a Mercedes-Benz while remaining small enough for everyday European roads and city streets. For someone looking for a used premium crossover that is practical, comfortable and technologically well equipped without moving into the dimensions of a larger SUV, a carefully selected GLA can remain a very appealing choice.

Mercedes-Benz GLA technical specifications

The following table uses representative second-generation H247 specifications from the early model years, since equipment, engines and dimensions vary between model years and markets. Mercedes-Benz’s technical documentation confirms the relevant power, acceleration, dimensions, weights and luggage capacities.

*Figures are representative and can vary with model year, market, equipment and drivetrain. The early H247 technical documentation lists the GLA 200 at 163 hp and 8.7 seconds to 100 km/h, the GLA 250 at 224 hp and 6.9 seconds, the GLA 200 d at 150 hp and the GLA 220 d 4MATIC at 190 hp. The AMG GLA 35 was rated at 306 hp and 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h.