The GLA 35 4MATIC is a complete but very pricey fast small SUV package. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

If you like the Mercedes-AMG A 35 but need something more practical, this almost identically-engineered GLA 35 SUV model might well fit the bill - if you can afford to stretch to it. It's not the most engaging choice in its segment, but there's a lot of technology and polish here.

Background

There's quite a market for small crossover SUVs with hot hatch-style engines and a premium feel. If you're thinking of this kind of car, you'll already be looking at models like the Audi SQ2, the BWW X2 M35i and possibly also the CUPRA Ateca and the Volkswagen T-Roc R. To that list, you'll want to add this car, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC. As you might know, the '35' version of this GLA is showroom stablemate to the wild Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+. And shares virtually all its engineering with the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC hot hatch and saloon models. Which means that the latest version we look at here has gained those '35' shopping rocket models' 48V mild hybrid embellishment for its four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

Driving Experience

The four cylinder 2.0-litre engine borrowed from the A 35 has the same performance stats with this updated GLA 35 model - 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. This has now been embellished with a 48V mild hybrid module which adds 13bhp to the powertrain at low revs and also energises the start stop system. The 62mph from rest sprint takes 5.2s en route to 155mph. And there's a 4MATIC 4WD system that allows up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle. But you don't get the torque vectoring rear differential of the faster GLA 45, or that car's wild 'drift mode'. There's an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G 8-speed paddle shift auto transmission and buyers get much the same 'Dynamic Select' driving modes system as you'd find the AMG GT sports car, with 'comfort', 'sport', 'sport+' and 'individual' settings. There's quick, precise steering. And with top 'Premium Plus' trim you get adaptive damping, though you won't want to engage the stiffer 'sport+' mode very often because it makes the already rather over-firm ride firmer still, particularly with larger wheel sizes fitted. There's quite a bit of road noise, but what might sell you this car to you is its fruity exhaust note complete with parps and crackles. Through the turns, there's lots of grip but not much of a feeling of hot hatch-style engagement.

Design and Build

This certainly looks a more serious kind of GLA. That mark of Mercedes-AMG, the signature 'Panamericana' front grille, is present and sits above a wide wing-shaped air dam that's been re-styled for this updated model. Other marks of this car's proper AMG status include twin tailpipes, a bespoke spoiler and big 20-inch wheel rims. With this updated model, the wheel arch extensions are now painted in body colour. Inside, you sit around 140mm higher than you would in a Mercedes-AMG A 35 on figure-hugging sports seats. There are the expected big twin screens of the MBUX multimedia system and the Widescreen Cockpit instrument display. But the need to stretch this A-Class-derived fascia design over a taller dashboard has resulted in the need to add some rather strangely-shaped slabs of carbon. This updated model has a revised AMG Performance steering wheel. And there's a smart trio of centre bullet vents. A 200mm gain in height and a 30mm gain in wheelbase length over the A 35 makes this fast GLA a better prospect carrying rear-seated folk. But you still wouldn't really want to take more than a couple of adults. Out back, there's a decently-sized 495-litre boot, which is very competitive with the class favourites.

Market and Model

The GLA 35 4MATIC prices from around £53,000 - that's in base 'Premium' form; there's a plusher 'Premium Plus' variant available for just over £56,000. Either way, though very pricey in segment terms, it's much more accessible than the faster GLA 45 model (which costs over £71,000). Both '35' versions have 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG sports exhaust system and LED high performance headlamps . Plus 64-colour ambient lighting, an AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather and an MBUX augmented reality navigation system. To this tally, Mercedes also adds black leather upholstery, AMG-branded floor mats, sports seats and illuminated AMG door sills. There's also the brand's advanced sound system with 225-watts. Stretch to 'Premium Plus' trim and you get an AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled damping, a panoramic sunroof and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with the brand's 'adaptive high beam assist plus' system. In addition, the 20-inch wheels are of a more eye-catching 5-twin-spoke design and are finished in painted matt black with a high sheen rim flange. There's also a seat memory package, an exit warning function and traffic sign assist.

Cost of Ownership

The GLA 35 manages up to 32.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and between 201 to 203g/km of CO2 (which incidentally, is nearly 4mpg less and 40g/km more than the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatch and saloon). These figures don't seem to have been very noticeably improved by the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system to this revised model's 2.0-litre AMG-tuned four cylinder turbo engine. The electrified bit comprises of a belt-driven starter generator (RSG) and an additional 48 volt on-board power supply. The second-generation RSG set-up functions as a mild hybrid and in addition to a temporary power boost of 13bhp under mid-range acceleration, it permits such functions as coasting and recuperation for supposedly greater efficiency. The 48 volt technology is also supposed to improve comfort, with the transitions of the start/stop and coasting function barely noticeable.  The GLA 35's 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving mode system doesn't feature a frugal 'Eco' setting but if you keep this car in its 'Comfort' mode, the auto gearbox will upshift itself earlier to promote frugality. Service intervals for this GLA 35 will depend on how far you drive and under what conditions - but Mercedes does offer 'ServiceCare', which allows you to spread your bills into manageable payments, guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to four services, and covers the cost of recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. Another thing we'll need to tell you is that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. Insurance is group 39E.

Summary

There are lots of reasons why you might want a Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC. Rapid performance, a premium feel, decent efficiency, lots of technology. But then you look at the price. This really is an awful lot of money to spend on a small SUV, even a very fast one. Ride quality and refinement aren't very Mercedes-like either. Still, you may be able to arrange a finance deal that can make that huge up-front sticker figure palatable and if so, the GLA 35 will feel a very thoroughly engineered and desirable little thing. Whether it's actually a better proposition than more affordable, sporty rivals is another question entirely.