2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA price and specs

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a new flagship. Pricing for the compact SUV remains unchanged for 2021, but the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG GLA45 S has touched down in Australia.

Stay tuned for our launch review of the hyper hatch on stilts on Thursday, January 28.

The GLA range mimics that of the related A-Class hatchback, kicking off with the GLA200 and its Renault-sourced engine. Both the 200 and 250 have been on sale since August last year, while the range-topping AMG 45 variant started arriving early this year.

Pricing

• 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA200: $55,100
• 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic: $66,500
• 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 4Matic: $82,935
• 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 S 4Matic+: $107,035

All pricing excludes on-road costs.

Engines

The new GLA family is exclusively powered by turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines.

GLA200 models are powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four co-developed with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, developing 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

The GLA250 4Matic gets a larger 2.0-litre turbo making 165kW and 350Nm, driving all four wheels via a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Opting for the AMG GLA35 (above) gets an even more powerful version of the GLA250’s 2.0-litre turbo, boosted to 225kW and 400Nm. Drive in the GLA35 is channelled through an AMG-tuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The GLA35 completes the 0-100 sprint in a claimed 5.1 seconds.

Finally, the flagship AMG GLA45 S gets a model-specific 2.0-litre turbo four outputting a hefty 310kW and 500Nm. The powertrain is married to an eight-speed DCT with launch control and variable all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-AMG claims a 4.3-second sprint from 0-100 for the GLA45 S, making it 0.2 seconds quicker than arch rival Audi’s new RSQ3 and RSQ3 Sportback.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy figures for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA are as follows:

• GLA200: 6.2L/100km
• GLA250 4Matic: 7.5L/100km
• AMG GLA35 4Matic: 8.0L/100km
• AMG GLA45 S 4Matic+: 9.6L/100km

Safety

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

It’s worth noting, however, that all the GLA’s platform mates – i.e. the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLB – have all achieved five stars with strong results across the board.

All models come as standard with the following active safety features atop their nine airbags:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot assist
• Exit warning assist
• Active lane-keeping assist
• Cross-wind assist
• Pre-Safe accident anticipatory systems
• Traffic sign assist

Dimensions

At 4417mm long, 1834mm wide and 1616mm tall with a 2729mm wheelbase, the GLA is 14mm shorter, 30mm wider and 122mm taller than the previous model according to Mercedes-Benz, with an extra 30mm between the axles as well.

There’s 435L of boot space with the rear seats up – an improvement of 14L compared to the outgoing model – which expands to 1430L with the back row folded, an increase of nearly 200L.

Servicing

Maintenance in the all GLA models except the AMG 45 S is required every 12 months or 25,000km. The GLA45 S needs servicing every 12 months or 20,000km.

Service plans are available in three, four, or five-year increments. Pricing is below:

Standard Equipment

GLA200 standard features include:

• Comfort Seats in Artico leatherette upholstery
• Keyless entry and start
• Power tailgate
• Thermotronic climate control
• MBUX infotainment with dual 10.25-inch displays
• Satellite navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Selectable drive modes
• 64-colour ambient interior lighting
• Rain-sensing wipers
• DAB+ radio
• Semi-autonomous parking assist
• LED fixed headlights with adaptive high beam
• 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels
• Progressive Equipment Line (styling)

The GLA250 4Matic adds:

• Panoramic electric sunroof
• Front seats with heating, electric adjustment and memory
• Lowered comfort suspension
• Sports-direct steering
• Off-Road Engineering Package
• Remote engine start via Mercedes Me Connect app
• 19-inch five-spoke alloys

The AMG GLA35 4Matic adds:

• AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather
• Steering-mounted AMG Drive Unit
• AMG Ride Control sports suspension
• AMG high-performance brakes
• AMG exhaust
• AMG speed-sensitive power steering
• AMG Night Package
• AMG-specific body styling
• Comfort Sport Seats in Lugano leather
• 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloys

The AMG GLA45 S 4Matic+ adds:

• AMG Driver’s Package (top speed lifted to 265km/h)
• AMG Performance steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre with contrast stitching
• Comfort Sports seats in ‘Yellow Cut’ leather with contrast stitching
• AMG Track Pace
• Burmester surround sound system
• Driving Assistance Package Plus including:
  • Active Distance Assist ‘Distronic’ (adaptive cruise control)
  • Front cross-traffic assist
  • Lane Change Assist
  • Route-based speed adaptation
• Parking Package with 360-degree cameras
• Multibeam LED headlights
• AMG-specific body styling with roof-mounted spoiler lip and AMG rear apron with specific diffuser
• AMG exhaust system
• AMG brakes (360 x 36mm perforated front discs and 330 x 22mm perforated rears)
• Six-piston fixed front calipers and one-piston floating rear calipers
• 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control
• Body shell stiffening
• AMG-specific front steering knuckles and rear axle sub-frame

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