The Mercedes-Benz GLA was launched for the 2014 model year as the company’s smallest crossover to date. Sharing the same platform with the A-Class, B-Class, and the CLA four-door coupe, it’s the SUV equivalent of the A-Class hatchback, which is why it’s wearing the “GLA” badge. Designed to compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, which were launched earlier on the market, the GLA slots below the GLC in the lineup. Powered by four-cylinder engines exclusively, the crossover is available with both gasoline and diesel powerplants in Europe. In the U.S., however, only a gasoline mill is offered, alongside the beefed-up AMG version. Three years old as of early 2017, the GLA has been updated for 2018 and will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show later this month.
Although the upgraded crossover was confirmed officially, Mercedes-Benz has yet to release any information about the facelift. The German brand did release a teaser photo showing the vehicle’s front end, but other than that, there isn’t much to run by. However, the facelifted GLA isn’t much of a mystery as the company’s latest mid-cycle upgrades have brought only mild revisions inside and out, as well as under the hood.
I will be back with all the official data as soon as the vehicle breaks cover at the Detroit Auto Show, but until then, check out the speculative review for all the information we know so far.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Mercedes GLA.
Exterior
Although most of the car is hidden in the shadows, the front fascia reveals most of the important visual updates that come with the facelift. The first thing that catches the eye is the new headlamps design, which features a new LED strip that extends from the upper outer corner toward the lower inner extremity. The grille is also new, sporting new horizontal slats finished in black. This grille might be offered on the more expensive trims as standard and optional on the base model, but it’s pretty cool and gives the small crossover a more rugged, SUV-like stance.
The first thing that catches the eye is the new headlamps design, which features a new LED strip.
More significant changes can be seen in the bumper, starting with the new foglamps that replaced the previous side grilles. The main intake is also larger, while the lower bumper also seems to have borrowed the more utilitarian cues of the larger Mercedes-Benz crossovers. Little else can be seen in the preview picture, but look for the new GLA to sport revised taillights with new LED clusters, a beefier bumper with underbody protection, a raised ride height, and maybe even new side skirts. New wheel designs and exterior colors are also on the table.
All told, the revised GLA gained styling cues from the car it is based on, the A-Class hatchback, as well as elements from larger crossovers for a more SUV-like appearance.
COMPETING DESIGNS
Launched in 2009, the BMW X1 is the car that started this whole compact luxury crossover trend. As a result, it’s the vehicle that Mercedes 
-Benz used as a benchmark and the GLA’s most important competitors. In its second generation since 2015, the X1 (left) is fairly new to the market, having been launched for the 2016 model year. Redesigned from the ground up, it gained a sportier, more appealing exterior similar to its bigger siblings, the X3 and X5. Although I’m not a big fan of its styling and proportions, I must admit that the second-gen looks way better than the first model, which was arguably the ugliest Bimmer on the market between 2009 and 2015. Among the pros compared to the GLA I would list its seemingly more solid stance (far from being a perched-up hatchback) and the aggressive looking front end. However, the GLA feels a bit more elegant and looks more dynamic when seen from the sides or the rear.
The GLA feels a bit more elegant and looks more dynamic when seen from the sides or the rear.
Moving over to the Audi Q3 (right), it was also introduced before the GLA. Around since 2011, it received a healthy makeover for the 2017 model year with plenty of new features for each trim. Although the overall design hasn’t changed much, the Q3 looks quite fresh and the new black trim sets it apart not only from the larger Q5 and Q7, but also from its German competitors. On the flipside, the Q3 looks a bit chunky and doesn’t feel as sporty as the GLA and X1. But if you’re looking for a small crossover that goes into hatchback territory, the Audi is the vehicle you need to consider.
Note: current Mercedes GLA exterior dimensions listed here.
Interior
Note: Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior shown here.
Upgrades should include a revised instrument cluster with new dial graphics.
Much like the exterior, the cabin will get a few new features, most likely borrowed from the A-Class. Upgrades should include a revised instrument cluster with new dial graphics, a free-standing infotainment display with a bigger, eight-inch screen, as well as new colors and materials for each trim level. Also, each model will receive additional standard features. As far as tech goes, the refreshed infotainment system will include Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration, as well as Mirrorlink. Like other Mercedes models, the facelifted GLA will also benefit from a range of design packages that will include special trim and upholstery.
THE COMPETITION
The Q3 has what it takes to give the GLA and X3 a run for their money.
The X1 (left) comes with a fairly fresh interior for the 2018 model year, but the design that BMW introduced in 2015 is evolutionary and the lines of its predecessor ar still obvious. The dashboard layout is clean and simple, with all the features grouped on the wide center stack. Just like the GLA, the base model comes with cloth seats and not that many fancy features, but build quality is good. Going with a more expensive trim will bring you leather on the seats and steering wheel, among other surfaces on the dash, gear shifter, and door panels. A large, 8.8-inch infotainment screen is available as an option, as is the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and panoramic moonroof.
While the X1’s interior layout is closer to that of an SUV, the Q3 (right) feels more like a hatchback on the inside, mostly thanks to the slanted, more organic design of the dashboard and the more car-oriented configuration of the center console. Overall, the Q3 comes with a mix of high-quality fit and finish, simple design, and elegant features as far as styling goes. When it comes to premium features, the Q3 has what it takes to give the GLA and X3 a run for their money, with plenty of leather and Alcantara options to choose from, as well as aluminum look finish on certain trim levels.
Drivetrain
Note: Current Mercedes GLA engine pictured here.
Under the hood, the GLA will continue to use the same four-cylinder engines, but some will probably get minor power increases and improved fuel economy.
In Europe, the current gasoline lineup includes three powerplants, starting with 1.6-liter rated at 122 PS and 200 Nm of torque (120 horses and 148 pound-feet) in the base GLA180. The GLA200 gets the same unit, but rated at 156 PS and 250 Nm (154 horsepower and 184 pound-feet), while the GLA250 comes with a larger, 2.0-liter mill that generated 211 PS and 350 Nm (208 horses and 258 pound-feet).
The U.S. market will most likely continue to get the GLA250 model with 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Moving over to diesels, there’s the GLA180 CDI with the Renault-sourced 1.5-liter and the GLA200 CDI and GLA220 CDI with a 2.1-liter four-banger. The base model comes with 109 PS and 260 Nm (108 horsepower and 192 pound-feet) on tap, while the other two benefit from 136 PS and 300 Nm (134 horses and 221 pound-feet) and 170 PS and 350 Nm (168 horsepower and 258 pound-feet), respectively.
The U.S. market will most likely continue to get the GLA250 model with 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (assuming it won’t receive a power update). The same version will also be available with 4Matic all-wheel-drive. North American customers will also have access to the performance-oriented AMG GLA45 model, which currently cranks out 375 horsepower from its AMG-tweaked, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo.
Nothing should change in the transmission department apart from minor tweaks for improved efficiency. The six-speed manual will be standard on the base models, while the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic will be optional on most trims and standard on the more expensive cars, including those equipped with all-wheel-drive. The AMG variant will continue to use the AMG Speedshift DCT gearbox.
COMPETING PERFORMANCE
Note: BMW X1 engine pictured here.
If you’re looking to buy an X1, you have quite a few engine options to consider. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, BMW offers a three-cylinder engine in the base model. Displacing 1.5 liters, the turbocharged unit pumps out 136 PS and 220 Nm (134 horses and 162 pound-feet) and delivers outstanding fuel economy. Move up the range and there’s a 2.0-liter four-pot rated at 192 PS and 280 Mn (189 horses and 207 pound-feet). The range-topping gasoline mill is also a 2.0-liter, but tweaked to send 231 PS and 350 Nm (228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet) all four wheels. On the diesel front, the base 1.5-liter three-cylinder comes with 116 PS and 270 Nm (114 horses and 199 pound-feet) on tap, while the 2.0-liter four-banger can be had in three flavors. The least powerful delivers 150 PS and 330 Nm (148 horsepower and 243 pound-feet), while the mid-range choices is rated at 190 PS and 400 Nm (187 horses and 295 pound-feet). Finally, the xDrive25d gets a solid 231 PS and 450 Nm (228 horsepower and 332 pound-feet) of torque. A hybrid version combining the gasoline three-cylinder engine with an electric motor is also available. In the U.S., only the 228-horsepower version of the gasoline model is offered.
In the U.S., the Q3 gets a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of twist.
Note: Audi Q3 engine pictured here.
The Q3 also comes with more drivetrains than the GLA, but unlike the X1, there’s no three-cylinder mill. The range kicks off with a 1.4-liter that generates 150 PS and 250 Nm (148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet) and continues with a 2.0-liter TFSI rated at either 180 PS and 320 Nm (178 horsepower and 236 pound-feet) or 220 PS and 350 Nm (217 horses and 258 pound-feet). Those looking for more power can step up to the RS Q3, which uses a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo. The Quattro model gets 340 PS and 450 Nm (335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet), while the Performance version cranks out 367 PS and 465 Nm (362 horses and 343 pound-feet). Diesel options are made exclusively of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, but there are three flavors available. First up, there’s the entry-level model with 120 PS and 290 Nm (118 horsepower and 214 pound-feet). Then there’s a variant with 150 PS and 340 Nm (148 horses and 251 pound-feet). Finally, the range-topping oil burners delivers 184 PS and 380 Nm (181 horsepower and 280 pound-feet) of torque. In the U.S., the Q3 gets a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of twist.
Prices
Pricing for the GLA-Class should see only a minor increase in all markets. In the U.S., the GLA250, which now retails from $32,850, should cost a little more than $33,000. The all-wheel-drive version will probably start from around $35,500 compared to the current $34,850 sticker. Moving over to the AMG GLA45, pricing will probably increase from $49,900 to around $50,400. In Germany, expect the GLA to start from around €28,300, while British customers should be able to purchase one from around £26,000.
COMPETITIVE PRICES
Pricing-wise, the GLA’s competitors are pretty close. In the U.S., the X1 sDrive28i retails from $33,100, while the all-wheel-drive version starts from $35,100. In Germany, the Bimmer fetches €30,800 before options, while in the U.K. it comes in at £27,850. The Q3, on the other hand, starts from $31,800 in the U.S., making it the most affordable choice on this side of the pond. For this amount you get the base Premium trim. Upgrade to the Premium Plus or Prestige and the sticker jumps to $34,500 or $39,200, respectively. German prices begin from €28,200, while U.K. pricing starts from £26,600.
Other Options to Consider
Infiniti QX30
The company smallest crossover yet, the QX30 is pretty much a Q30 hatchback crossover on But what’s really important here is that it based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which pretty much makes it a GLA with a different body work and interior. Introduced for the 2017 model year, the QX30 resulted from an agreement between Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz, through which Nissan’s luxury division gained access not only to the A-Class’ platform, but its 2.0-liter turbo-four engine too. The QX30 stands out among its German rivals through its bold, organic design, as well as a well crafted interior wrapped in Nappa leather. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is identical to the GLA250. In Europe, Infiniti also offers Merc’s 2.1-liter diesel engine rated at 170 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of twist. U.S. pricing starts from $34,400, which makes it a bit more expensive than the competition. It’s worth noting that while other markets get the hatchback as the Q30 and the crossover as the QX30, in the U.S. both models carry the same badge, with the latter set apart by the AWD moniker. German pricing is set at €39,100, while U.K. prices begin from £29,790.
Learn more about the Infiniti QX30 here.
Conclusion
It’s obviously too early to draw a conclusion here, but it’s safe to assume that the GLA won’t change dramatically with this facelift. As a result, I expect it to carry the same classy styling inside and out and feature a much better standard equipment setup with the safety standards all Mercs are known for. Drivers who want a raised car that doesn’t drive like an SUV will definitely appreciate it, as well as enjoy the reasonable space it offers given its size. On the flip side, it remains to be seen whether Mercedes fixed the noisy diesel problem most reviewers complain about and if the handling is as lifeless as the outgoing model.