Model overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV revealed by the German maker Mercedes-Benz in 2013 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. It was earlier revealed to the public at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2013 as a concept vehicle. A second generation GLA-Class was launched in December 2019.

The name GLA was devised following the updated Mercedes-Benz classification for SUVs. This was oficially declared in November 2014 to begin rollout in 2015. Still, the GLA-Class name was already compliant with the identifying structure since its introduction. Following this scheme, SUVs use the base name "GL", accompanied by the model's position in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "G" which stands for geländewagen (German word for off-road car) and refers to the long-running G-Wagen. This is accompanied by the letter "L" that serves as a boundage with the letter "A"—the GLA being the SUV counterpart to the A-Class.

From 2016 to 2019, it was shipped and marketed by Nissan through its Infiniti Brand in North America as the Infiniti QX30 with only minor detail/appearance variations; mechanically, the two vehicles are nearly alike.

The GLA-Class is equipped with a range of petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines, and is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive 4Matic. It is offered in two trim levels: GLA 250 and the all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic. The GLA is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) and paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Mercedes-Benz GLA known problems

Some of the common problems or complaints owners have about the Mercedes-Benz GLA are:

• Window airbags
• Risk of fire
• Oil leak
• Engine may stall
• Overheating starter motor
• Vacuum lines
• NOx recall

Mercedes-Benz GLA PDF owner manual

Posted by, John Mana

A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.