Used Mercedes-Benz GLA for sale: everything you need to know
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is now in its second generation, having first been introduced in 2013. The current model followed in 2019 and was very much a refinement of the formula - this is a family car roughly the size of the Mercedes A-Class hatchback, but it sits a little taller for that all-important raised seating position that crossover buyers crave.
These second-generation models don’t quite have the rugged look of the earlier cars but are better in most other respects, with more cabin space, a more striking interior design, and improved ride and handling, while a ride range of engines - including petrol, plug-in hybrid, diesel, and high-performance versions - covers most bases. With the Mercedes EQA there’s also a fully electric option - and with all models, buying used can result in some useful savings over a brand-new GLA.
Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
If you were a fan of the original Mercedes GLA then you’ll probably quite like the second generation model launched in 2019 too. It’s a natural evolution, taking the same formula - a slightly taller and more spacious take on the A-Class hatchback - and refining it with a flashier interior, smoother styling, and a better drive. But you don’t have to be an existing Mercedes buyer for the GLA to make sense either, as all those qualities make it a well-rounded family car in general.
The exterior styling is a little anonymous compared to its predecessor, but that Mercedes badge will still look good on the driveway. The interior is where the action is anyway, with a modern layout comprising jet-like air vents and a slick twin-screen driver display and infotainment layout. The screens can take a while to get used to but work well with familiarity, and allow plenty of customisation.
The GLA is practical too, with useful interior space despite a relatively compact exterior - aided by being a full 10cm taller than the original GLA. Despite the extra height it’s better to drive too, and rides less firmly than before. That’s even the case for the high-performance AMG models, but most buyers will be sated by the petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options, all of which are economical and perform well.
If you’re still not sold on the GLA then you’re in luck, because there are plenty of alternatives ready to take your money instead - the Audi Q2 and BMW X1 and X2 are probably the most direct rivals, but the Range Rover Evoque is a stylish option, and Japanese luxury brand Lexus offers several compact SUVs that overlap with the GLA on price, including the LBX, UX, and NX.
What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz GLA model to buy?
The GLA is one of those cars where many buyers would be perfectly well served by the least expensive model, which is good news if you’re looking to put a Benz badge on the driveway but want to keep costs to a minimum. Its decent performance, frugal engine and generous equipment levels even in the lower trim lines make it a good all-rounder.
If you have somewhere to plug in, the GLA 250e is worth a look, but otherwise the diesel might be the better option if you want to maximise economy. The GLA 35 and 45 AMG models are both a riot to drive, but something of a niche choice - we suspect those interested in AMG-style performance would prefer the regular A-Class AMGs.
Used Mercedes-Benz GLA fuel economy and performance
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 200: The 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the GLA 200 makes 163PS and uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as standard, good for a 0-62mph time in 8.8 seconds at launch, and 8.9 from 2023-on. Economy actually dropped a little at the facelift too, going from 42.8mpg to 42.2mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e: With the same 1.3-litre engine but electric assistance, the 250e’s power climbs to 218PS. That same output delivers different performance figures prior to and after 2023 - 7.1 seconds and 7.9 seconds to 62mph. Average economy in regular hybrid mode is 40.4mpg, with 39 miles of range pre-facelift and 48 miles since July 2023.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d: The 200d uses a 2-litre turbodiesel making 150PS, with a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds in earlier models, and 8.8 seconds since 2023. Economy is 53.3mpg for the former, 52.2mpg for the latter.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4Matic: 220d models come with all-wheel drive as standard, as well as more power at 190PS. 0-62mph takes 7.3 seconds pre-facelift and 7.5 seconds after, while economy goes from 49.6mpg to 50.4mpg.
- Mercedes-AMG GLA 35: The first of two AMG models makes 306PS from a 2-litre petrol turbo, and has a 5.2-second 0-62mph time. Mercedes quoted 32.5mpg pre-facelift, and 32.1mpg after July 2023.
- Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S: The GLA top dog uses AMG’s ‘45’ powertrain, a 421PS 2-litre turbo petrol engine that takes the GLA from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. Economy is 28.8mpg combined.
What used Mercedes-Benz GLA trim levels are available?
Mercedes has a habit of tweaking its trim level lineups over time but the models listed below should be broadly representative of the cars you’ll find for sale, with standard trim lines spanning Sport Executive to AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition, with two dedicated AMG models at the top of the tree. The GLA range was facelifted in July 2023 so equipment may differ depending on whether you’re looking at a GLA before or after this date.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLA Sport Executive kicks off the GLA range with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 7-inch driver display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line Executive upgrades to 19-inch alloys, an AMG body styling kit, an off-road driving mode, a reversing camera, and sporty interior fixtures and fittings.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line Premium keeps much of the AMG Line Executive’s features but also adds keyless go, and the availability of a trailer attachment.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition steps up to 20-inch wheels, adds multibeam LED headlights, and gets a panoramic glass roof as standard.
- The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 has its own 35, 35 Premium, and 35 Premium Plus grades, the main difference among them being 19, 20, and 21-inch alloy wheels respectively.
- The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S gets the most powerful engine of the GLA range, but also 21-inch alloys, an aero package, sports seats, and various other AMG details and features.
Used Mercedes-Benz GLA dimensions and boot size
The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4412mm-4436mm
- Width: 1834mm (without mirrors), 2020mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 1590-1616mm
- Ground clearance: N/A
The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s boot size is:
- 445-495 litres
- 1385-1430 litres with the rear seats folded down
Used Mercedes-Benz GLA road tax
The majority of the GLA range cost more than £40,000 when brand new, which means most are subject to the government’s high-value vehicle VED surcharge. For petrol and diesel cars that currently means a £600 annual bill, until the car’s seventh year of registration, or £10 cheaper for the plug-in hybrid GLA 250e. The handful of cars that cost less than £40k when new get a much lower rate of £190 per year, or £180 for the plug-in version.
How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The GLA range spans groups 22-37 for insurance, out of a maximum group 50, with Sport and Sport Executive models and the 200 petrol engine being at the bottom of that range. The GLA 35 is then a little higher, starting in group 38, while the GLA 45 starts in group 41.
