Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift review

• Published On: 19 July 2017
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Mercedes-Benz' baby SUV gets a nip and tuck, but is it a better package?

Back in 2014, Mercedes launched the GLA, but with two-wheel drive only, and later added more versions, like the GLA 45 AMG and the all-wheel-drive GLA 220d, that came with an off-road mode as well. The car you see here is the facelifted version of the GLA.

On the outside
This is a mild facelift – there are no sheet metal changes. The most noticeable changes to the exterior is addition of LED headlamps. The front also features a new grille with a perforated twin-blade design and there’s a cladding on the lower part of the bumper as well. Mercedes has added new five-spoke alloys and redesigned crystal-effect LED tail lamps. The rest remains largely unchanged.

On the inside
Changes to the cabin are minimal. The car now comes with two new trims -  a sail-patterned trim on the Sports edition and black matrix trim on the Style edition. There’s a new set of instruments with a 11.6cm colour multifunction display and there’s also an ambient lighting system with 12 selectable colours. The rest remains unchanged – you get a large panoramic sunroof, attention assist, powered tailgate, powered front seats with memory and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s only a manual AC system and a reverse camera system but with no audio warnings.

The small, extendable underthigh support on both front seats is a neat touch. Headroom and rear legroom is just about sufficient for an average-sized adult, and the narrow all-round glass house adds to that cramped feeling inside. The beige interiors and a large sunroof are nice touches though.

Under the hood
The car is powered by either a 1,991cc petrol engine or a 2,143cc diesel in two states of tune. The car tested here is the 220d; it makes 170hp and 350Nm of torque, compared to the 200d’s 136hp and 300Nm of torque. The car accelerates briskly and power comes in from low revs. Power delivery is linear all the way to the redline, but sound levels are higher than you would expect on a Rs 30 lakh car.

This car comes with a few driving modes that include off-road and individual (customisable). There are no further changes to the suspension or other dynamic components of the car. The SUV can easily manage some light off-roading with the four-wheel drive and sufficient clearance. The steering offers a decent amount of feel and there’s a small improvement in ride quality, but this is thanks to different material on the tyres.

How much does it cost?
The GLA is a stylish car that can manage some light off-roading and is well equipped too. It’s priced from Rs 30.65 lakh to Rs 36.75 lakh for the 220d 4matic and, thanks to GST, the car costs Rs 3 lakh less.