Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz GLA review - not just a ramped up A-class - Design

Merc's GLA is a mildly SUV-like take on the A-class.

Evo rating
RRP
from £25,260
  • Comfortable, spacious, well-made, looks interesting
  • Limited manual options, none-too generous specification

Design

The Mercedes GLA barely looks like an SUV at all such is its wide and low design, though when the car is finished in a darker hue, the contrasting silver-painted sections front and rear, plus the roof rails, do distance it from the Mercedes A-class it clearly shares so much with. Not all will like the stylistic swage lines along the sides or the bulges in the bonnet, but it's certainly a smart looking premium SUV and its large tri-pointed star grille badge will appeal to the image and status conscious.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It looks even better in AMG Line specification and with the optional panoramic sliding roof. Remarkably, the GLA 45 AMG can be personalised to look no more attention grabbing than a mildly specified regular model, though the options list has plenty to tempt the extrovert too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The subtle trick that makes Audi’s old interior better than a touch screen
evo Fast Fleet Audi TT RS
Long term tests

The subtle trick that makes Audi’s old interior better than a touch screen

Its tech is no longer state of the art, but it’s got ease of use nailed
22 Sep 2026
Peugeot 208 GTi review – can it take the fight to the Alpine A290?
2026 Peugeot 208 GTi
Reviews

Peugeot 208 GTi review – can it take the fight to the Alpine A290?

After a six year hiatus, Peugeot has revived GTi with a modern take on its iconic hot 208. We find out if has the same spark as its predecessor with a…
23 Sep 2026
Porsche 911 Carrera T review – the ultimate all-round sports car
Porsche 911 Carrera T
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera T review – the ultimate all-round sports car

One of a handful of manual sports cars that remain, the Carrera T is also the most 'affordable' way into a manual 911
22 Sep 2026