Performance and 0-60mph time
Kicking off the GLA range, the 154bhp, petrol GLA 200 hits 62mph in 8.1sec through its standard automatic gearbox, and tops out at 134mph. The GLA 200 CDI might share its "200" badge but with 134bhp it takes a little longer to do 0-62mph, in an acceptable 9.5 seconds dead, or 9.1 with the automatic gearbox, even though it adds 30kg to the GLA's weight. The 4Matic four-wheel drive system adds a further 60kg, but thanks to better traction off the line it enables the 4Matic-equipped (and automatic) GLA 200 CDI to put in the same 9.1-second time.
As the 220 d version weighs no more, yet comes with a healthy jump in power and torque, it's no surprise that it records 7.7 seconds for the benchmark sprint. Saying all that, when the automatic gearbox is fitted, it's necessary to switch the GLA into 'Sport' mode, as engine and transmission response in the default setting is slovenly to say the least.
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The 208bhp GLA 250 4Matic - powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine - is more rapid, at 6.6 seconds, but it's a noisy petrol engine. In terms of top speeds, the GLA 200 d tops out at 127mph unless it has four-wheel drive, in which case it only manages 124mph. The 220 d model reaches 135mph while the GLA 250 hits a heady 143mph.
Obviously the full-on AMG model stands alone from its GLA brethren. It scorches off the line in a blare of revs (and exhaust pops punctuating the gear changes) to record a 4.4-second 0-62mph time, a scant 0.2 seconds slower than the A 45 AMG with the same engine. Remarkably, the AMG-fettled GLA is only 30kg heavier than the equivalent A-class. They share the same electronically limited 155mph top speed too.
