What does the abbreviation GLA actually mean? After my tour with the Mercedes GLA 250 4matic after Amsterdam, it definitely means: Ganz Lcasual, Aolder! Perfect for the last warm, sunny autumn weekend, I was given the compact SUV to test for two weeks. So why not seize the opportunity and go to Amsterdam for a long weekend? Said and done. Our test vehicle in Mountain gray and with AMG package The top class was waiting impatiently to be able to show how the 211 hp turbo and the 7-speed dual-speed transmission can be driven.
Even the first trial sitting gave an almost too good feeling. Glowing moldings greeted us when opening the doors of only 4,4 meter long SUVs. In the interior, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function awaited us in elegant black and shiny carbon everywhere. I couldn't stop being amazed. There were a lot of buttons on the dashboard that had to be explored first. That can be a bit overwhelming for "women", but with patience and the instructions from the glove compartment, every necessary function can be found quickly. Among other things, the USB cable that was in the sliding and folding center arm console.
Fast, faster, GLA
Three different driving modes invited the GLA to pedal a little. Especially in the sport mode it became clear that the small SUV should be taken seriously. The circuit should be left to the Swabian drive system. An attempt to outrun the competition with paddles turned out to be more difficult than expected. Woman at the wheel? Not at all, but in automatic mode the real strength of the small compact was shown. The drive varies in fractions of a second. From 1st to 7th gear, the Mercedes GLA shifts so smoothly that you don't even notice. The modern four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct injection (in series with start & stop function) throb under the bonnet, and you can experience the efficiency advantage here for yourself. But we don't just feel the efficiency at the gas station. The GLA 250 4MATIC sprints from 7,1 to 0 km / h in just 100 seconds, underpinning the GLA-Class's claim to dynamic leadership.
On the tour to Amsterdam, we first drove very relaxed in eco mode. Thanks to Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist, the longer motorway tour was extremely relaxed. Brake or accelerate? Thanks to adaptive cruise control, the GLA does this. This ensures pure relaxation on the long haul. If the risk of a collision persists and the driver fails to react, the system can even perform autonomous braking up to a speed of 200 km / h and thus reduce the severity of an accident with vehicles moving more slowly or suddenly braking. The only thing missing is that the GLA steers independently, so there would be more time for the manicure. In the city, too, and especially in Amsterdam, these security systems are worth more than gold. With the thousands of bike and scooter riders around you, you can definitely use the extra eyes on every corner.
Here it was namely: two-wheeler in front of everyone else. If you think of something, you have a bike or two. Amsterdam can not be better explored than on the back of a bike. Or one Vespa. Thanks to the beautiful sunshine, the Dutch metropolis shone in warm gold tones and the canals glitter invitingly. We couldn't have missed a better time. In each of the small alleys we discovered the so-called coffee shops, which, however, sell anything but coffee. A well-known scent of "forest" wafted around our noses, no matter where we went. Yes, the Dutch also know what relaxation means.
We come to the consumption of the Mercedes GLA: Longer city trips combined with the somewhat brisk driving maneuvers on the motorway unfortunately did not reduce the fuel consumption of the Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC predetermined combined consumption value of 6,7 liters persist. With a moderate driving style in eco mode on the highway, we managed 8,5 liters per 100 kilometers. In the city, consumption leveled off at 10.7. In the end, he had a combined value of 10,4 per 100 kilometers on the needle. That doesn't exactly make the GLA an economical comrade. But we were also fast on the way.
Sharp character
Sharp lines, clearly defined surfaces and an edgy front make it an impressive appearance. The prominent, self-assured front with central star gives the GLA a strong, sovereign expression. The sporty seats in our test vehicle give good lateral support, but are a bit too hard for longer trips for my taste. Five round, carbon-look ventilation nozzles in the instrument panel and a split panoramic glass roof add extra value to the vehicle. The large display, which can be operated via the round instrument in the center console, requires some practice. But if you play with it a bit, you can quickly figure out how it works.
The Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC also left a lasting impression on the people of Amsterdam. No matter where we went, we could be sure of the looks. Especially at our stops to take pictures. Since the compact SUV has ever been the center of events. Not only in the equipment gets "woman" and "Amsterdamer" big eyes, but also at the price. From 35.300 Euro upwards, the Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC is available. With all the security systems and the stylish AMG package, it will probably be just a few thousand more that the inclined customer can put on the table.
And finally ...
One star is not enough for the test car. The Mercedes GLA deserves in any case a few more stars. Once again, all the expectations you have of a Mercedes are more than fulfilled. The fine material selection, the helpful systems and the very safe, dynamic driving are definitely on the positive side. On the other side is the price, which should provide for the choice of some other features for greater teeth grinding.
More impressions from Amsterdam:
Photos: Simone Amores