Genetically Blessed: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Quicker Even than Mercedes’ Claims
This one has Merc’s frisky 221 hp 258 lb-ft 2-litre turbo petrol nicked out of the A250 and an 8-speed dual-clutch autobox under that muscular bonnet. They promise it accelerates to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and on to 130 mph. How the hell can we believe them? Well, that’s why we test cars in the first place. Anyway, our man blasted down our test patch half a second quicker than that in 6.38 seconds with our faithful test kit strapped to this black GLA 250. We like test cars that are quicker than claimed. The most important numbers are listed below, as always.
Solid and impressive on the road, it certainly drives more like a hot hatch than a sport ute. Handling is progressive, it rides well, solidly in fact and that turbo petrol lump gets on with it, with aplomb. The eight-cog box is seamless, but nice and responsive when flappy paddled gear-to-gear. It’s mighty economical. And it has a pleasant demeanor about it too. Oh yes, it turns heads. Even though it’s the baby of the G bunch.
Our GLA 250 was well safety-stacked too. It packed the full driving assistance gamut including the optional Driving Assistance Package with a turning maneuver function, emergency corridor function, exit and pedestrian warnings. Add Active Distance, Evasive Steer, Lane Keeping, Blind Spot and Brake Assistants, Speed Limit with route-based traffic sign speed adjustment and rear impact pre-safe plus. And a carwash assistant!
It’s a Mercedes-Benz After All
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is an impressive little number, especially in this AMG Line. Sure, it comes at a little bit of a premium, especially in this fat cat get-up. It plays an interesting role in the entry SUV arena, for the want of a better word. That’s a hugely competitive space, where the GLA always has been a strong rival. Now the new one is just all that much better. And clearly good enough to consider. Even if you’d never considered going premium. It’s a Mercedes-Benz, after all… — Michele Lupini
MB WORLD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line Engine: 221 hp 258 lb.-ft 2-litre turbo petrol I4 Drive: 8-speed Double Clutch Auto, FWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 3.17 sec 0-60 mph: 6.38 sec 0-75 mph: 8.62 sec 0-100 mph: 14.89 sec Quarter-mile: 14.6 sec @ 105 mph 50-75 mph: 4.31 sec 75-100 mph: 6.85 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 130 mph Fuel Highway: 25 mpg Fuel City 34 mpg LIST PRICE: $38,830 MSRP RATED: 8
Photos: Giordano Lupini