It’s not as robust a vendor because it was once, however the Mercedes-Benz GLA remains to be probably the most fashionable small premium SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz was Australia’s best-selling luxurious model final 12 months, although BMW might dethrone it this 12 months. And but the GLA shouldn’t be solely behind the rival X1, but additionally the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, and solely simply retaining forward of the Lexus UX.
A part of this may very well be down to produce. Our information says you’re taking a look at wait occasions of greater than six months to take supply of a brand new GLA.
Say you don’t need to wait that lengthy, even when an up to date mannequin has simply gone on sale in Australia with extra gear (albeit at a better value). Do you merely have a look at its Audi, BMW and Lexus rivals, or is there one other various to think about?
The members of the CarExpert crew have shared what they might purchase as a substitute of a GLA.
Paul Maric: Tesla Mannequin Y
I’d be going for a Tesla Mannequin Y. Tesla has a stack of brand name new inventory sitting dormant at its dealerships, so that you’d be capable to take supply instantly.
By way of worth for cash, it appears to be a greater wager than the Mercedes-Benz and also you get the electrical drivetrain in addition.
It gained’t be as premium or trip in addition to the Mercedes-Benz, nevertheless it’s a compromise I’d be prepared to make to get my palms on a much bigger SUV shortly.
MORE: Every thing Tesla Mannequin Y
Scott Collie: BMW X1
The up to date GLA has been hit with a value hike, and it wasn’t what you’d name low cost to start with. With that in thoughts, I might be wanting on the BMW X1.
The final X1 felt a bit half-baked, however the brand new one has taken an enormous step ahead. It’s fashionable and spacious inside, with a expertise suite that’s each bit as flashy because the Mercedes-Benz setup… however simpler to make use of.
If you happen to’re not in a rush, the xDrive20i xLine is the choose of the vary. The X1 M35i xDrive is fairly tempting although, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and sportier seems to be. It’s additionally $7000 cheaper than the equal GLA, the 35 AMG.
MORE: Purchase a BMW X1
Anthony Crawford: Mercedes-AMG GLB 35
By no means thoughts the GLA, I’m a a lot greater fan of the GLB35 AMG 4Matic for its powerful, no-nonsense seems to be, punchy efficiency, composed dealing with and naturally the practicality of being nearer in measurement to the GLC.
Priced from $104,000 plus on-roads, it’s solely $5200 greater than the GLA35, and properly definitely worth the premium for my part.
And whereas I haven’t but pushed the BMW’s newest X1 M35i xDrive, it’s additionally a crossover I’m significantly eager on, given my family chariot (Volvo XC40) is now 5 years outdated and arising for alternative.
I see Stretch Scollie has already flagged that automobile. I’ll give him factors for that.
MORE: Purchase a Mercedes-AMG GLB
James Wong: Cupra Formentor VZx
I’m a bit baffled by the GLA’s value level today – there’s a lot you should buy for a similar cash as even the entry-level GLA 200 ($68,900 +ORCs).
Compact premium SUVs have by no means actually floated my boat. Usually they’re not significantly plush, include common efficiency until you shell out for a high-spec mannequin, and require you to possibility quite a lot of issues which might be usually customary within the mainstream section.
For me, an alternate that basically stands out is the Cupra Formentor VZx, which from $70,790 drive-away is already lower than what a base GLA will price in your driveway. It’s the same measurement, is arguably sexier and cooler to have a look at, in addition to providing the form of efficiency that’s restricted to the AMG GLA 35 which is – watch for it – $96,900 plus on-road prices!
If you happen to will need to have a premium badge, the Audi SQ2 is a bit smaller however provides comparable ranges of punch to the Cupra, priced from $68,200 which remains to be cheaper than a GLA 200.
MORE: Purchase a Cupra Formentor
Jack Fast: Tesla Mannequin Y
The asking value for the entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLA has now risen to nearly $70,000 earlier than on-roads, which isn’t petty money for a small premium SUV.
If you happen to’re not prepared to attend over six months for a brand new GLA I’d argue you’d be foolish to not take into account the marginally bigger and all-electric Tesla Mannequin Y.
I utterly perceive electrical vehicles aren’t for everybody however the entry-level Tesla Mannequin Y RWD is at present over $3000 extra reasonably priced than the GLA 200. That’s even earlier than taking into consideration the cheaper working prices of an electrical automobile.
The Mannequin Y is at present Australia’s best-selling electrical automobile for a purpose. It provides unrivalled battery and electrical motor effectivity, oodles of inside and boot house, in addition to sufficient package to attract your eyes away from the legacy premium manufacturers.
MORE: Every thing Tesla Mannequin Y
Jade Credentino: Audi Q3
I might greater than possible go for the bigger Audi Q3. It’s a pleasant bundle for the value level.
I feel it’s necessary to think about a premium various on this case and the Q3 to be ticks quite a lot of packing containers.
For individuals who are in search of some energy behind the wheel the Q3 vary extends to the RSQ3, however even the extra reasonably priced variations of the Q3 are nice.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has elevated costs throughout its vary for varied fashions. With this in thoughts, it’s a chance for brand new and present clients who need to buy a brand new Mercedes-Benz to check drive a wide range of choices to judge their subsequent automotive towards opponents and guarantee they’re getting worth for cash.
MORE: Purchase an Audi Q3
William Stopford: Cupra Formentor VZx
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a good small SUV, nevertheless it’s removed from essentially the most reasonably priced and its styling leaves me chilly. The outdated GLA seemed higher outdoors, although it didn’t look even remotely like an SUV – maybe that’s why I appreciated it!
I’m not a lot of a badge snob, and I’ve typically taken a dim view at a few of these entry-level fashions from German premium manufacturers that don’t sufficiently elevate themselves in luxurious and luxury over extra mass-market manufacturers.
The newest BMW X1 impressed me, nonetheless, with a genuinely luxurious inside in xLine guise. Total, it feels a big step forward from the outdated X1.
The Volvo XC40’s styling is ageing like tremendous wine and its packaging stays spectacular, even in electrical guise. It’s one in all my favourites on this section, even should you can’t bloody get Android Auto (critically, Volvo?)
However I’ll must agree with James and go along with the Cupra Formentor VZx. Its inside isn’t fairly as posh because the BMW’s nevertheless it nonetheless has a terrific design, whereas this SUV appears like a sizzling hatch to drive. Contemplating an X1 M35i xDrive or AMG GLA 35 is greater than $20,000 pricier, the VZx is a relative discount, too.
