Super Mario's Car: How Capable is the New "GLA"?

Just as Japan's leading premium brand, Lexus, introduced theNX"NX," the most exciting category right now, globally, is none other than the compact SUV class. It can be said that the BMW " X1" ignited the boom, followed by Audi's " Q3", and the "Mini Crossover." It's safe to say that a lineup of compact SUVs is now absolutely essential for premium brands.



Perhaps due to the effectiveness of Super Mario's appearance in the TV commercials, the GLA continues to attract visitors to dealerships, even three months after its launch. It's understandable that the car, being Super Mario's vehicle, would appeal to families. One might expect it to delight young children... however, many of those with shining eyes are reportedly in their 30s and 40s. This might be due to the subconscious appeal to those who played Super Mario games in their childhood. After all, Super Mario will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year.

A Size Considered for Usability in Japan

The GLA, which is enjoying strong order growth due to various factors, has a look that is unmistakably a Mercedes and part of the A-Class family. The large tires and wheels, along with a form that places them at the four corners, eloquently convey its SUV nature. However, the vehicle height is lower than that of a typical SUV, suggesting the keyword "urban SUV" for its stylish appearance.



The dimensions of the "GLA 250 4MATIC," the core model, are 4,430mm in length, 1,805mm in width, and 1,505mm in height. This size has been considered for usability in Japan, and its height fitting into mechanical parking garages is a strong point. This 1,505mm height is 80mm taller than the A-Class (A 250 Sport 4MATIC at 1,425mm) and, surprisingly, 40mm lower than the " B-Class" (B 250 at 1,545mm). The wheelbase is set at 2,700mm, the same as the A-Class. Therefore, considering its size, the interior space is not vast but reasonable.



As mentioned earlier, its character places it in competition with the similarly urban BMW X1 series and Audi Q3. However, the price is quite strategic: the X1 starts at 4.16 million yen (FR, sDrive20i/8-speed AT), while the GLA starts at 3.44 million yen (FF/7-speed DCT) for the "GLA 180." This is also true when compared to the Q3, as the Japanese-market Q3 is only available in 4WD and starts at 4.26 million yen.



However, when comparing the starting prices of the 4WD models, we get: "Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro 170PS" 4.26 million yen < "X1 xDrive20i" 4.42 million yen < "GLA 250 4MATIC" 4.59 million yen. This means that the evaluation of the price could change drastically depending on whether users seeking compact SUVs truly need 4WD performance. To use a domestic car example, data shows that most of the Nissan "Dualis" and "Juke" sold are FF.

Combining SUV Presence with the Sportiness Inherited from the A-Class

While sharing a similar face with the A-Class, the exterior design is more voluminous, emphasizing a more muscular physique. Features like the standard roof rails on all models contribute to the tough image essential for an SUV. The meticulous detailing is typical of a premium brand's latest creation, exuding a sense of quality.



The sound of the doors opening and closing, and the cabin upon entering, follow Mercedes' standards, exuding a sense of premium quality. The interior shares the same design as the A-Class, but the sporty design, including the circular gauges, air vents, and the 7-inch wide COMAND system display, fits the GLA well and doesn't feel out of place.




Just like in the " C-Class", adjusting the electric seat switches located on the door allows for a perfect seat position. In the previous A/B-Class, the seat adjustment switches were on the seat itself, which was uncharacteristic of Mercedes in terms of UI consistency and usability across models. However, this has been resolved in the current lineup.



The elevated seating position provides an SUV-like perspective, different from the A-Class.



On winding roads, aside from the elevated seating position, you can enjoy agile handling and a sporty exhaust note, much like the A-Class. The suspension works well, and the ride comfort is good. Even on sequences of left and right corners, the handling allows for direct cornering. Compared to the A-Class, vertical movements are slightly more pronounced, but this is not uncomfortable, likely due to the solid body. In any case, it's far from the sluggish movement one might expect from an SUV.

Capable of Moderate Off-Road Driving

With such car-like ride comfort and handling, one might not expect much off-road capability... but this notion was thoroughly overturned when we took it to the "Fuji Mine Off-Road Course," known for its toughness.



Despite the challenging off-road course, featuring deep moguls and banks that seemed to swallow the GLA, steep slopes exceeding 20 degrees, and rocky terrain, the GLA, even on its normal tires, navigated the course with a steady gait, defying concerns that its on-road-focused character might be overwhelmed.



For off-road driving, preparation is as simple as pressing the off-road mode switch located next to the seat heater switch on the center console. This automatically adjusts the shift program, accelerator response, and electronic systems like ABS and ASR for off-road conditions. No other complicated setup is required.



When the GLA is in off-road mode, the 7-inch wide COMAND system display switches to an "off-road screen" that shows information essential for off-road driving, such as front wheel angle, selected transmission mode, direction, gradient, lateral tilt, and DSR status. It's incredibly helpful to be able to see the conditions and numerical data of off-road driving, which previously relied on experience and skill, at a glance. While most owners may not take their GLA off-road, the off-road screen is a valuable feature for beginners who want to try it with confidence.



Furthermore, for steep descents, DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is available, which automatically controls the accelerator and brakes to maintain a vehicle speed between 4-18 km/h, allowing the driver to concentrate solely on steering.



The "GLA 250 4MATIC" has a minimum ground clearance of 150mm, so as long as you are mindful of that clearance, while it may not go everywhere like the " G-Class", it is certainly capable of moderate off-road driving. Despite its urban appearance, it firmly possesses the fundamental performance expected of an SUV.

The Rival is Within

With BMW leading the charge and Audi and MINI joining the fray, the compact SUV category is attracting significant attention. Considering its design, driving dynamics, off-road capability, and cutting-edge safety features like the Radar Safety Package, the "late-arriving giant" Mercedes' GLA shows no apparent weaknesses at present.




Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC

Body Dimensions | Length 4,430 x Width 1,805 x Height 1,505 mm (1,510 mm with Night Package)

Wheelbase | 2,700 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,555 / 1,545 mm

Weight | 1,570 kg (1,600 kg with panoramic sliding roof (optional))

Engine | 1,991 cc Inline-4 Direct Injection DOHC Turbo

Maximum Output | 155 kW (211 hp) / 5,500 rpm

Maximum Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)

Drivetrain | 4WD

Tires Front/Rear | 235/50R18 / 235/50R18

Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.0 km/ℓ

Price | 4.59 million yen





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