Mercedes GLA 2016 360 degree test drive | Passenger Rides

TL;DR

The 2016 Mercedes GLA 250 is quick, smooth enough, and reasonably comfortable, but weak steering feedback, limited visibility, and some poor cabin materials undermine the experience. Its 2 L petrol engine produces over 200 horsepower, while observed economy was under 30 miles per gallon during mostly sedate driving. Read on for specific details about its handling, drivetrain, controls, and infotainment.

Transcript

welcome to a 360 degree passenger Ride video on the Mercedes GLA so let's go what a beautiful day we have today it's absolutely peeing it down so here we go now this particular car that I'm driving is the GLA 250 which means it's the petrol 2 L petrol over 200 horsepower and yeah it goes pretty quick but it also makes that noise bit of a racket smo... Read More

Key Insights

• The Mercedes GLA 250 offers a 2L petrol engine with over 200 horsepower, providing a quick yet noisy driving experience.
• Automatic gearbox placement in Mercedes cars is appreciated for its convenience, differing from other models.
• The GLA's ride quality is enhanced by its elevated design, offering comfort and decent handling despite some criticisms.
• Steering feedback is minimal, likened to a computer game, lacking the tactile sensation of wheel movement.
• Visibility is compromised due to small windows and a sleek windscreen, making the cabin feel dark and enclosed.
• The infotainment system is mid-level, featuring a Garmin sat-nav, which is functional but not as advanced as higher-end models.
• The car's design is visually appealing, though some interior materials are considered subpar for a Mercedes.
• All-wheel drive is standard on most GLA models, but front-wheel drive is available on entry-level diesel versions to save costs.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the 2016 Mercedes GLA 250 like to drive?

The GLA 250 feels quick and smooth enough, while its raised design helps make the ride more comfortable. It handles reasonably well and maintained its grip on a very slippery closed track, but the steering provides almost no sense of what the wheels are doing.

Q: What engine does the Mercedes GLA 250 have?

The GLA 250 has a 2 L petrol engine producing over 200 horsepower. The reviewer says it goes pretty quickly, although the engine also makes a noticeable racket.

Q: What fuel economy did the Mercedes GLA 250 achieve?

The displayed economy was under 30 miles per gallon. The reviewer noted that the car had been driven rather sedately apart from one brief moment of acceleration.

Q: How is the automatic gearbox controlled in the Mercedes GLA 250?

The GLA 250 comes standard with an automatic gearbox. Its gear selector is mounted higher up, a position the reviewer praises as convenient and easy to reach.

Q: How well does the Mercedes GLA 250 handle slippery roads?

On the slippery closed track, the GLA gripped and went around a corner well. The reviewer says it handled well enough and did its job nicely, though steering feel remained poor.

Q: What visibility problems does the Mercedes GLA have?

Visibility is worse than expected because the windscreen is sleek, the rear window is small, and the other windows are also quite small. Although the driver sits higher than in a normal hatchback, the difference is limited, and the cabin feels dark, especially in the back.

Q: What infotainment system does this Mercedes GLA have?

This car has the mid-level navigation setup with a Garmin sat-nav rather than the full Command Online system found in high-end Mercedes models. The reviewer says it works adequately but criticizes some nearby buttons as fiddly and difficult to use while moving.

Q: Does the Mercedes GLA have all-wheel drive?

Most GLA models are all-wheel drive, which provides added grip. The entry-level 200d diesel can instead be purchased with front-wheel drive, allowing buyers to save money if they do not need all-wheel drive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Mercedes GLA 250 is a compact SUV with a powerful 2L petrol engine, offering a fast but noisy ride. Its automatic gearbox is conveniently placed, though steering feedback is lacking, making it feel more like a video game than a traditional driving experience.

• Despite its elevated design for comfort, the GLA struggles with visibility due to small windows and a sleek windscreen, resulting in a darker cabin. The infotainment system is mid-level, featuring a Garmin sat-nav, but lacks the sophistication of higher-end Mercedes models.

• While the GLA's exterior is stylish, some interior materials fall short of Mercedes' usual standards. The car handles well enough, though steering feedback is minimal. All-wheel drive is standard on most models, with a front-wheel drive option available for entry-level diesel engines.