Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz GLA review - not just a ramped up A-class - Ride and Handling

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

Ride and handling

Leaving the 45 AMG models out of the equation for the moment, and assuming that few others buying the GLA will care how it handles on track, the little SUV could be the pick of the Mercedes small cars in terms of chassis set-up.

At first it's obviously softer than either the A-class or the CLA, helping it feel more grown up and less susceptible to jiggling about on its springs. There's a good long-legged sensation to how it deals with large undulations too, underlining its comfortable remit. Yet push on and it doesn't all fall apart in an understeering mess.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even the front-wheel drive GLA 200 d is competent - especially in the dry, where its modest performance is well contained by the chassis. Clearly the 4Matic four-wheel drive versions are much more surefooted when the road turns wet and greasy and - running costs aside - they're the ones to go for. Predominantly, power is sent to the front wheels - even in the GLA 45 AMG - but it quickly moves to the back axle when you overload the front tyres, notably on exit from tighter corners. It never feels as rear-lead as say a BMW X1, but it's pleasantly neutral all the same, and the softer suspension settings mean there's enough movement in the chassis for you to sense where the limits of grip are. 

You certainly won't be relying on the steering for such information, as it's a largely communication-free zone, if not as lifeless as some electric power assisted steering set-ups. At least the weighting is good and it's modestly direct. The brakes, as ever from Mercedes, are powerful and easy to modulate, with well-judged intervention from the stability control system. It's saying something though when you realise there's little to gain from turning this off, even in the GLA 45 AMG, which soon overheats its tyres if pushed to its limits for too long in the environs of a race track.

'[On the GLA 45 AMG:] That this is going to be a pretty damn good day after all is confirmed by five minutes in the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG. Like the Audi, the Mercedes balances speed with adjustability in a completely unexpected and entertaining way. Okay, so the surface is damp right now, but the car’s keenness to react to throttle and brake inputs from corner entry to exit is in stark contrast to that deathly dull A45 we drove on track in Anglesey (evo 194), which was all grip and zero fun.' Jethro Bovingdon, contributing editor, evo 205.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025