Mercedes GLA SUV - Practicality & boot space
The Mercedes GLA has grown to offer more space for occupants and luggage
One of the most noticeable changes for the second GLA is its more SUV-like shape. This isn't just a clever visual trick, the new car is 14mm shorter, but 30mm wider and a massive 104mm taller. Its axles have also been pushed 30mm further apart, so interior space is improved in almost every way you care to measure it.
Mercedes GLA interior space & storage
By far the most noticeable increase is in rear legroom, which jumps by 116mm and makes things more comfortable for back seat passengers. While the old GLA often felt like an A-Class on steroids, the new model now feels like a proper small SUV, with features like rear seats that can slide back and forth by up to 140mm, making it comfortably spacious enough for a family of four. The middle seat is somewhat cramped but it’s bearable for a short journey.
Boot space
The boot has also grown slightly, up to 495 litres from 421 previously and measuring a handy 85mm wider. That's still on the small side though, with the BMW X1 offering 505 litres and the Audi Q3's boot measuring 530 litres. Due to where the batteries are placed in the plug-in hybrid, you get slightly less boot space: 385 litres.
Towing
The GLA should satisfy just about anyone with a caravan or trailer because even the entry-level version can tow a 1,800kg braked trailer. Stepping up to a GLA 250 or four-wheel drive diesel extends this to 2,000kg. These are identical figures to the BMW X1.
