2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA review, first drive

The GLA serves as the entry-level SUV into the world of Mercedes-Benz, one of the most sought after luxury marques. The formula has been simple, compact size mixed with SUVish proportions and luxury levels enough to help it pass as a genuine Mercedes-Benz, which has made it quite the popular choice, especially in India, where it has clocked sales of over 14,000 units.

Like the other Mercedes-Benz cars which have received a facelift these past few months, the changes to the new GLA aren’t major. The biggest beneficiary is the AMG Line trim, available solely with the diesel powertrain. The headlamps get new LED matrix lighting elements and new signature LED lights, while lower down, the bumpers have become more aggressive. The grille is the same as before, and comes with chrome highlights which look proper.

Mercedes-Benz has added a new colour too in the form of the Spectral Blue that you see on these pages. Along the sides, the SUV now gets 19-inch AMG style alloys. The rear gets new lighting elements for the taillights, as well as chrome exhaust tips. The GLA does lack the butch SUV road presence, but the new design elements enhance the modern crossover aesthetic.

The cabin of the GLA has been left untouched in terms of layout with its dual floating displays and the turbine-design aircon vents. The AMG Line now comes with faux carbon fibre inserts on the dashboard and the door panels, which along with the microfibre seats with red stitching do give the cabin a really sporty and premium feel.

The new AMG-style steering, while being a challenge to operate with its capacitive controls, adds even more premiumness to the interiors, taking the experience very close to the larger cars from Merc. All surfaces that one can touch and see while sitting at normal posture are top-notch, however fit and finish lower down isn’t up to the Mercedes-Benz standard.

While the twin 10.25-inch displays are the same as before, they run the latest-gen MBUX UI, which means it gets more functions and faster and smoother responses. New tech additions include a 360-degree view camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger and keyless access. The central console has been