2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Compact Luxury - CUV

​      With a final grade of 64.35%, the new GLA makes a big splash in the ever growing compact luxury CUV market.  Let's hope Mercedes can keep the good times rolling with all of its new lineup.

    With an ever growing marketplace, it seems that Mercedes just couldn't leave one luxury market untouched.  The new GLA is just one of the many new segments which Mercedes is entering within the next five years.  With the addition of the CLA compact sedan, it was just a matter of time before MB would use that new platform to make a compact CUV to take on its rivals.

    Up front the new GLA is one fierce looking CUV.  With perfectly flowing head lights the front end is a step in all the right design directions.  The only down side, is that the over sized chrome grille adds a snout to the front of this beauty.  I guess she needs to go in and get a nose job done, to make her the perfect supermodel.
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    Along the side, deep body cuts engage your eyes and draw you into the smooth ripple of the body's wave.  Add in a rough and rugged side skirt and you have the makings of an all purpose sleek design.

​    Out back is where you find a few of the issues with this CUV and a couple of the great features.  It seems that someone has cut this design, since it has scab like tail lights which need to be picked off to ensure the true smooth skin returns.  Added to this is that over use of the plastic cladding.  Since you have a great looking skid plate, the use of plastic cladding should have been done away with around the plate.  This would make it appear that the skid plate is part of the rear, not an added feature.

    Overall the new GLA is sure to be a hit with anyone caught between an X4, MKC or RX.  Maybe like the CLA, we should choose to either sell our soul, or just check the billboard.

​Everett J.

​OVERALL GRADE = B-

​Front End: C+
    Good: Headlights that move with the outline
    Bad: Grille makes a snout out of the front
Rear End: B-
    Good: Rear skid plate with integrated exhaust ports
    Bad: Scab like tail lights
Side: B+
    Good: Smooth flowing lines
    Bad: Not enough wheel arch
Overall Appeal: B
    Good: The supermodel of the compact luxury market
    Bad: Not enough bling for a MB

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AutoLooks Buy List Approved:  Yes
Recommended Tuner:                 Maybe
Trend Setter:                                 Yes
Brand Value:                                 Increase