Planning To Buy The Mercedes-Benz GLA? Here Are Some Pros And Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLA is the entry-level SUV in the Stuttgart-based carmaker's line-up. Earlier this year, the company finally launched the new-generation GLA in India, after postponing the launch by almost a year, due to the challenges caused by the pandemic. Mercedes-Benz India says that the GLA, along with the A-Class Limousine, is currently driving the company volume sales in India. So, if you are planning to buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA right now, here are some key pros and cons that you should know about.

Pros

1. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA looks more muscular and butch than before, and you also get a bold grille, LED headlight, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive LED taillights.
2. The GLA has grown in size and that translates into a more spacious cabin compared to the previous-gen model.
   Also Read: Mercedes-Benz GLA And AMG GLA 35 Launched In India
   

   The top-end GLA 220d 4MATIC AMG Line trim gets diamond-stud pattern grille, AMG body kit, bigger 19-inch alloy wheels

3. Mercedes-Benz offers two fully digital screens for infotainment and instrument cluster, along with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, panoramic sunroof, and 64 colours ambient lighting.
4. The GLA also gets Mercedes-Benz's AI-enabled latest-generation MBUX system with voice command function, and Mercedes ME connected car system that offers features like vehicle status check, location, remote lock-unlock, Geo-fencing and more.
   Also Read: Top 5 Highlights: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
   

   The cabin comes with a 10.25 inch single unit display with two different screens for infotainment and instrument cluster

5. The top-end GLA 220d 4MATIC AMG Line trim comes with special features like - diamond-stud pattern grille, AMG body kit, bigger 19-inch alloy wheels, flat-bottom sports steering wheel and Sports Seats.

Also Read: Exclusive: Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC Review

Cons

1. The ride quality on the GLA is a bit too stiff and you will feel the undulations while driving through bad roads.
2. The 7-speed DCT unit offered with the 1.3-litre mill is not the best one out there. There is a noticeable lag in shift, especially while driving in Eco mode.
   

   The Mercedes-Benz GLA is on the pricier side and almost all of its existing rivals undercut the SUV

3. While it's an SUV, the seating position is a bit too low and visibility is also an issue, as there are too many blind spots.
4. Even though the GLA is locally assembled, it is on the pricier side. In fact, almost all of its existing rivals undercut the GLA by a decent margin.