Tom Voelk, well done. The overall quality of your reviews have become really exemplary, and I think I'd vote for you as the best auto reviewer on TH-cam. I often find myself watching your reviews even for cars I have little interest in.
In doing research, I've watched more than a few reviews. This is my first of yours and I am impressed. TH-cam is flooded with painfully amateurish reviews. This, on the other hand, was very well done. Videography, sound quality, specs, commentary, the delivery, all of it. Reviewers take note. *This* is automotive journalism.
we had the old GLA, now we have the new one since we crashed the old one, and the new grill is a copy and paste and the back looks kind of like the GLC. The most obvious change about the new GLA is the front seats, you can raise them really high and feel like you’re in an actual SUV the back looks like it’s squinting, and they removed the middle table/armrest with cup holders and the storage under the trunk. In Australia, for the “average household outlet” is removed and instead an empty space is inserted. Above that is a tiny, awkward concave shelf that no one knows what to do with It also has a wireless charger and lots of c-type chargers, not USBs and only one cigaret port
Hi Tom! Good review as always. The proportions look awkward on video and the cost cutting is apparent, but the new GLA should sell better. Any word on whether Infiniti will get their own version?
I like what Mercedes did inside the car, great interior, not the same story with the exterior, I like the Audi Q3 more as an all rounder, followed by the Volvo CX40.
First Mercedes I've found that would work for my lifestyle. Local dealer has a few in inventory with a range between 42- 45G. Not specked out at all but quite liveable IMO. Time for a test drive! What do you think of their hybrid efforts?
Something to think about. You can assume that my overall impressions extend to the highway. I always note if there's wind noise, road noise or instability at freeway speeds, even if the visual is me driving in a neighborhood. Too hard to shoot on highways.
Looks pretty awkward to my eyes. They're trying too hard to make it look bigger with the high belt-line and rear quarter window. If only they could just let it be a big hatchback. Seems a tad overpriced too.
Well done, Tom! Thank you for adding the scene in the twilight and showing what the lights/body look like in darker settings, thumbs up! This is a handsome little devil, it's a shame that the price shoots up so quickly. Argghhhh. The plug-in hybrid version would justify some of the extra cost; I guess we'll have to see about that.
To mention Model Y in the video of THIS? Where do they compete in? Performance? Efficiency? Maintenance? Resale value? Interior space? Power-train warranty? Pliiiiiizzz!
Thank you Tom, always delivering quality; what do you think of Mazda going upmarket? Is it a perception issue for people not thinking of Mazda when it comes to small luxury crossovers, or are they? Thank you!
Good review. Down to a detail I haven't heard mentioned in any GLA reviews, how quickly does the heater start heating in cool/cold weather and the AC start cooling when it's hot out? Any info would be appreciated.
Great video as always. 12:19 yikes, misaligned chrome strip on the D pillar is a shame on a $50,000 plus car, especially for this brand. Tesla gets a pass on this issue, but not Mercedes, they have had over 100 years to streamline these processes.
Driven Car Reviews I think that the area where the top portion meets the bottom portion is misaligned. There is another part near the C pillar, right below the glass that has a similar misalignment. Initially I thought this was a press/pre-production vehicle, but these cars are already on dealer lots.
@@robertkamanzi9147 It's not. It's actually one molded piece in the D pillar. The car was very nicely screwed together, something I noticed but didn't comment on. Because it should be for that price. Different camera angles can give the illusion that seams and trim are crooked. I'm guessing that's what you're seeing.
It's not. It's a single piece of trim with a crease in it. Look at it from the other angles and you'll see. It's a single mould and not 2 separate pieces.
Driven Car Reviews I appreciate your response and will trust your opinion since you have reviewed all these cars over the years and have a keen eye. Thank you for taking the time to prove to me that it was just my eyes playing tricks. Thanks for being our eyes and ears while filming these videos. It is helpful to hear first hand descriptions on what different surfaces feel to the touch at close inspection, such as your description of the back of the front seats (which only back passengers will get to experience with their knees perhaps). Also, your ™ Cosco TP test, it is amazing how that whole business of making TP never really came back to pre-COVID levels. I heard that because a lot of people are spending so much time at home, residential TP has been more in demand than commercial TP (such as those you find in office buildings), despite their effort to convert their portion of Household/commercial production, it is still not enough. I do think that people have been hoarding though. But, I digress. Forgive me for talking about an unrelated topic.
Another fine video review, thanks. Despite this VERY impressive next gen GLA, my real world dream car (when the wife and I eventually depart NYC for SF Bay Area (GO NINERS!) remains the BMW X1. The X1's unfashionable tall greenhouse allows this middle aged 49ers fan to see his surroundings much more easily. Having said that, if we consider something larger, then the M-B GLB's dorky uprightness works for me. Or ... maybe we'll just get a hybrid Honda CR-V and save some $$.
Thx for the great review!! Do you think this size would work for a family of 3 which includes a 13 year old boy??? Or would I have to consider the GLB instead? I'm coming out of a Lexus IS 250 with a tight back...thx
Much better than the previous model, but I don't think people will buy this with so many options. I have a well equipped 2020 GLC 300 that cost less. I think most GLA's at the dealerships will be around $40K or less.
True. Buying a fully loaded entry level car is silly. I would spend more on higher class cars if budget allows. If I really buy this one, I would only go for 3k to 4k options over the base model.
Gimme a break. It's 2020, why manufactures can't design engines to run on regular fuel? With direct fuel injection, twin turbos, variable valves, intelligent quick shifting transmissions , and yet they somehow end up with premium fuel requirement. Are they afraid their customers will be embarrassed being seen filling up with regular at the pump? Nice looking crossover, augmented reality navigation is something else.
Serious Question. Is it really worth spending twice the money $$$ on this or one like it in this price range vs paying for the same type/size of a vehicle like a Honda HRV or Chevy Trax or the Hyandai Kona. They all look to be the same size, shape, etc...And the Honda HRV is coming out with a Hybrid AWD in 2023 that will probably get like 40MPG. My point is, there is alot of competition so why would anyone buy this?
Quality reviews as always, Tom Voelk. Any chance you'll review the new Chevrolet Suburban very soon? In either Premier (With maple sugar interior) or High Country (With mocha interior)?
Hi Tom! Thanks for yet another great review. Quick suggestion - I miss your Costco TP demo when it doesn't happen, as it's such a great metric for trunk volume. Why don't you go to Costco, buy 10 or so packs, and keep them for your reviews? That way you're not a slave to bizarre waves of TP hoarding!
Get a RAV-4 for a better vehicle, with much better reliability and resale value for at least 10,000 less. No one buys cheap Mercedes below E class or equivalent SUV, only lease.
For overall quality and driving experience RAV4 is far behind. I agree it’s more reliable and has higher resale value, though. But not everyone thinks buying a car is investment.
too bad MB does not offer these vehices with all the of options shown in this review. Reviewed over 25 vehicles and none had both ambient light and the nav package
Yes, Tom, it might take a while but... we will go to parties, again! Sorry to hear you got the "Mercos Jinx"... Nice car, but it does not turn me on at all. Looking forwad to your next review!
When you said $57000 I turned the video off. Not a knock on the channel but a kick in the nuts for Mercedes. It's not even an AMG. However, the young, rich and stupid are buying it, so, therefore, it exists.
Wow! 57 large USD for a fully loaded GLA?!? If I configure smartly I think I can buy a reasonably loaded GLC for that price or even an X3 which in my opinion is a better all around vehicle.
Tyler the partnership with Infiniti is over. No QX30 going forward from everything I’ve read. Sad too considering the Infiniti was the better looking vehicle.
B W thanks !! I was really curious. Probably didn’t sell well. Odd partnership between two luxury brands. If you want to even consider Infiniti “luxury”.
I’m so sad people didn’t buy the qx30 version I mean I didn’t but I wanted too but I’m too loyal to toyota lol but the Infiniti version was so much better looking than this. And this gen is alright but looks bland and uninspiring! But omg 57k!!!!
Just my opinion, but this is not an attractive vehicle. Like many new Mercedes designs, it looks very soft, rounded, bloated, and perhaps a bit melted. And the front end looks like an angry pig.
I disagree that cars like this are aimed at young buyers, smaller upscale cars like this are very popular amongst empty nesters, very few young couples will be dropping $50k on a car that they’ll need to replace in a few years once kids or dogs enter the picture unless they’re from a very different social class than I spend time in.
Nope. Test drove this. Not fun to drive, looks simple and over priced. Mercedes does not provide a 3 year warranty and you need to prepay for maintenance with a lease. Decided to buy a 2020 BMW X2 M35i. So much fun to drive!
Meh, I'll pass. I'm not a badge shopper so I don't need to have 3-pointed star on the hood of my vehicle. For an adequately equipped model you'll have to spend over $50K and I can think of plenty of other brands that provides more bang for the buck... which is the kind of shopper I am. I can't live with myself knowing I paid more for less.
Oh great...the expected poor reliability of Mercedes now has the ability to transmit itself through the air and into your electronics. Somebody should call the CDC about this. ;)
These cars are leased or bought for 3-7 years and for that time almost all cars are reliable. Very few people that buy NEW cars will keep them for more than 10 years so reliability in general doesn’t matter on new cars
This channel deserves more subscribers. The content it’s very informative and the editing it’s only the best.
Tom Voelk, well done. The overall quality of your reviews have become really exemplary, and I think I'd vote for you as the best auto reviewer on TH-cam. I often find myself watching your reviews even for cars I have little interest in.
me too
Completely agree. His reviews are vocally presented far above anyone else’s. Deserves millions of followers.
Saw this in person the other day and it looks nice. Definitely getting one in black.
In doing research, I've watched more than a few reviews. This is my first of yours and I am impressed. TH-cam is flooded with painfully amateurish reviews. This, on the other hand, was very well done. Videography, sound quality, specs, commentary, the delivery, all of it. Reviewers take note. *This* is automotive journalism.
we had the old GLA, now we have the new one since we crashed the old one, and the new grill is a copy and paste and the back looks kind of like the GLC. The most obvious change about the new GLA is the front seats, you can raise them really high and feel like you’re in an actual SUV
the back looks like it’s squinting, and they removed the middle table/armrest with cup holders and the storage under the trunk. In Australia, for the “average household outlet” is removed and instead an empty space is inserted. Above that is a tiny, awkward concave shelf that no one knows what to do with
It also has a wireless charger and lots of c-type chargers, not USBs and only one cigaret port
Hi Tom! Good review as always.
The proportions look awkward on video and the cost cutting is apparent, but the new GLA should sell better.
Any word on whether Infiniti will get their own version?
Great review as always man. I did not like the previous GLA but this one looks great. Mercedes got their mojo back.
Love your videos Tom! Keep it up!
I like what Mercedes did inside the car, great interior, not the same story with the exterior, I like the Audi Q3 more as an all rounder, followed by the Volvo CX40.
I like this review. Nice shots, great audio, kept it real.
Always Love Your Reviews , Thanks
Thank you for the great content!
First Mercedes I've found that would work for my lifestyle. Local dealer has a few in inventory with a range between 42- 45G. Not specked out at all but quite liveable IMO.
Time for a test drive!
What do you think of their hybrid efforts?
Great review. Love the red , yellow and green light breakdown. When did you start doing that? Thumbs up Tom!!
It’s getting very expensive to go small these days.
Much better looking than the outgoing puffer-fish looking one
It’s still hideous.
I agree. It is still ugly. MB could have done so much more with this one.
I love my kryptonite green pufferfish
Old was unique this ones bland
At least the old one was unique. And in my opinion looked more aggressive. This one looks like any other generic compact suv like a Honda CR-V.
I Ike this more than the GLB it’s based on. Another good video. Thanks.
Can you make a video comparing the mercedez gla 2021, bmw x1 and audi q3
Exterior is giving my Buick vibes
Hmmm, wonder what my next video is going to be....
Quality reviews thanks Tom, if you can, it would be good to see and hear more about how cars you test handle in highways.
Something to think about. You can assume that my overall impressions extend to the highway. I always note if there's wind noise, road noise or instability at freeway speeds, even if the visual is me driving in a neighborhood. Too hard to shoot on highways.
Looks pretty awkward to my eyes. They're trying too hard to make it look bigger with the high belt-line and rear quarter window. If only they could just let it be a big hatchback. Seems a tad overpriced too.
Totally agree..👍👍
a bit of a guppy. Not unlike the Buick Encore in that regard.
@@toronado455 Well, I will say the Mercedes looks better in person. The Encore is definitely worse.
Daniel R I think it looks good but now they should definitely being the a class hatchback to America
I'm surprised someone picked up when you called Costco.
Great review as always!
I used the Bat Phone
@@DrivenCarReviews 😂😂😂😂
Tom has connections 😉
I’m sold on this one. Trading in my E350 cabriolet for the new GLA 250
7:31 Tom using “shade” like a pro 💅
Quality and good reviews thank tom.
Well done, Tom! Thank you for adding the scene in the twilight and showing what the lights/body look like in darker settings, thumbs up! This is a handsome little devil, it's a shame that the price shoots up so quickly. Argghhhh. The plug-in hybrid version would justify some of the extra cost; I guess we'll have to see about that.
But chances are the PHEV will be more expensive (though there are tax incentives...)
$37k for this one is probably the sweet spot, not north of 50k, which is a funny joke.
Great review 👏 keep up the good work Tom
To mention Model Y in the video of THIS? Where do they compete in? Performance? Efficiency? Maintenance? Resale value? Interior space? Power-train warranty? Pliiiiiizzz!
Thank you Tom, always delivering quality; what do you think of Mazda going upmarket? Is it a perception issue for people not thinking of Mazda when it comes to small luxury crossovers, or are they? Thank you!
I don't see any Mazdas that compete at this level. Yet. Some are nice but not at the Audi or MB level.
I love your reviews!!!!
Good review. Down to a detail I haven't heard mentioned in any GLA reviews, how quickly does the heater start heating in cool/cold weather and the AC start cooling when it's hot out? Any info would be appreciated.
I was skeptical about MBUX. It’s good. Mercedes is making a strong case recently. Excited to see the next generation GLC.
great review
You know MB (and the people buying them) are out of their mind when pricing this when the Genesis GV80 starts at a few thousands less than your tester
Ok, I gotta ask…have only seen a few of your reviews (and love them, very professional) but do you really have a twin or no?
Glad to see someone returns the TP (toilet paper) after they use it!
Great video as always. 12:19 yikes, misaligned chrome strip on the D pillar is a shame on a $50,000 plus car, especially for this brand. Tesla gets a pass on this issue, but not Mercedes, they have had over 100 years to streamline these processes.
That's an intentional design crease
Driven Car Reviews I think that the area where the top portion meets the bottom portion is misaligned. There is another part near the C pillar, right below the glass that has a similar misalignment. Initially I thought this was a press/pre-production vehicle, but these cars are already on dealer lots.
@@robertkamanzi9147 It's not. It's actually one molded piece in the D pillar. The car was very nicely screwed together, something I noticed but didn't comment on. Because it should be for that price. Different camera angles can give the illusion that seams and trim are crooked. I'm guessing that's what you're seeing.
It's not. It's a single piece of trim with a crease in it. Look at it from the other angles and you'll see. It's a single mould and not 2 separate pieces.
Driven Car Reviews I appreciate your response and will trust your opinion since you have reviewed all these cars over the years and have a keen eye. Thank you for taking the time to prove to me that it was just my eyes playing tricks. Thanks for being our eyes and ears while filming these videos. It is helpful to hear first hand descriptions on what different surfaces feel to the touch at close inspection, such as your description of the back of the front seats (which only back passengers will get to experience with their knees perhaps). Also, your ™ Cosco TP test, it is amazing how that whole business of making TP never really came back to pre-COVID levels. I heard that because a lot of people are spending so much time at home, residential TP has been more in demand than commercial TP (such as those you find in office buildings), despite their effort to convert their portion of Household/commercial production, it is still not enough. I do think that people have been hoarding though. But, I digress. Forgive me for talking about an unrelated topic.
Another fine video review, thanks. Despite this VERY impressive next gen GLA, my real world dream car (when the wife and I eventually depart NYC for SF Bay Area (GO NINERS!) remains the BMW X1. The X1's unfashionable tall greenhouse allows this middle aged 49ers fan to see his surroundings much more easily. Having said that, if we consider something larger, then the M-B GLB's dorky uprightness works for me. Or ... maybe we'll just get a hybrid Honda CR-V and save some $$.
Volvo XC40 has a nice greenhouse too.
Thx for the great review!! Do you think this size would work for a family of 3 which includes a 13 year old boy??? Or would I have to consider the GLB instead? I'm coming out of a Lexus IS 250 with a tight back...thx
I always thought the previous one looked like a hatchback with cladding, and now this looks like an MPV with cladding
Tom, judging from the issues you were having, it sounds like the car is cursed!
I’m so glad I bought volvo xc40 r-design over this
Me too
That's one ugly car lol
Beautiful car
Amazing video, I imagine the editing must be awful to do though haha. Thank you for the review
How much the ground clearance with cm? plz
It's a very nice Car indeed and I wish I can get one soon. 👏🤘
Much better than the previous model, but I don't think people will buy this with so many options. I have a well equipped 2020 GLC 300 that cost less. I think most GLA's at the dealerships will be around $40K or less.
True. Buying a fully loaded entry level car is silly. I would spend more on higher class cars if budget allows. If I really buy this one, I would only go for 3k to 4k options over the base model.
Thanks Tom! When do you get your Tycan?
Hmmm, let me check my finances..... Apparently never.
I like it, but I can’t get my head around the price.
Gimme a break. It's 2020, why manufactures can't design engines to run on regular fuel? With direct fuel injection, twin turbos, variable valves, intelligent quick shifting transmissions , and yet they somehow end up with premium fuel requirement. Are they afraid their customers will be embarrassed being seen filling up with regular at the pump? Nice looking crossover, augmented reality navigation is something else.
I liked how it looked in the prior years. Much sportier.... too rounded now.
Serious Question. Is it really worth spending twice the money $$$ on this or one like it in this price range vs paying for the same type/size of a vehicle like a Honda HRV or Chevy Trax or the Hyandai Kona. They all look to be the same size, shape, etc...And the Honda HRV is coming out with a Hybrid AWD in 2023 that will probably get like 40MPG. My point is, there is alot of competition so why would anyone buy this?
It's a very nice Car indeed.
Quality reviews as always, Tom Voelk. Any chance you'll review the new Chevrolet Suburban very soon? In either Premier (With maple sugar interior) or High Country (With mocha interior)?
I'll be doing the Yukon first in late September. It's what I can get from GM.
@@DrivenCarReviews Understood.
Hi Tom! Thanks for yet another great review. Quick suggestion - I miss your Costco TP demo when it doesn't happen, as it's such a great metric for trunk volume. Why don't you go to Costco, buy 10 or so packs, and keep them for your reviews? That way you're not a slave to bizarre waves of TP hoarding!
Doesn't last. The plastic cover starts ripping after the forth or fifth load in. Mayhem ensues...
@@DrivenCarReviews Ha! Thought I was being clever...
If this was parked next to whatever small suv Buick makes, I'm not sure I'd be able to tell them apart from one another. That's not good for Mercedes.
Yes it looks a lot like Buick Encore.
I have this car, and it is awesome compare to the old model....
great video
Finally! Now I know what happens to all the packs of TP! 🧻
Get a RAV-4 for a better vehicle, with much better reliability and resale value for at least 10,000 less. No one buys cheap Mercedes below E class or equivalent SUV, only lease.
Yup thats true.
I'd argue a Mazda CX-5 looks more expensive.
@@danielr9708 CX-5 is nice
For overall quality and driving experience RAV4 is far behind. I agree it’s more reliable and has higher resale value, though. But not everyone thinks buying a car is investment.
too bad MB does not offer these vehices with all the of options shown in this review. Reviewed over 25 vehicles and none had both ambient light and the nav package
Of course it does.
already subscribed since mid march
Thanks Roxy
Have this beautiful car...love
Yes, Tom, it might take a while but... we will go to parties, again! Sorry to hear you got the "Mercos Jinx"... Nice car, but it does not turn me on at all. Looking forwad to your next review!
Amg gla 35 intelligence drive package no longer available
Price bro
Did anybody understand what it thinks of BMW? Sound is so muffled, though I listened three times, I could not understand what it said...
When you said $57000 I turned the video off. Not a knock on the channel but a kick in the nuts for Mercedes. It's not even an AMG. However, the young, rich and stupid are buying it, so, therefore, it exists.
Very minor point. Phenomena is the plural of phenomenon.
Wow! 57 large USD for a fully loaded GLA?!? If I configure smartly I think I can buy a reasonably loaded GLC for that price or even an X3 which in my opinion is a better all around vehicle.
It's why I float those figure out
@@DrivenCarReviews Great review! Appreciate the thoughtfulness to mention the minor details that would help the consumers.
This has been true of cars forever. You can option up most cars to he price of the next car up in the line
Other markets don't prefer small cars it's what manufacturers think but that's not true
I wonder if the Infiniti version will live on
Tyler the partnership with Infiniti is over. No QX30 going forward from everything I’ve read. Sad too considering the Infiniti was the better looking vehicle.
B W thanks !! I was really curious. Probably didn’t sell well. Odd partnership between two luxury brands. If you want to even consider Infiniti “luxury”.
Another review showed the dual clutch transmission was bad. Bad enough to return to the dealer multiple times.
*When did Mercedes design language become MAKE EVERYTHING LOOK THE SAME*
*No inspiration, they're all just so bland & boring.*
😩😩😩😩
make everything look Chinese to sell to the Chinese market.... Americans should stop supporting the German union mafia
I agree, I had this 2021 model, and it is wobbling on corners and feel unstable above 60 mph. I ditched it for a hybrid UXh Lexus...
True
I’m so sad people didn’t buy the qx30 version
I mean I didn’t but I wanted too but I’m too loyal to toyota lol but the Infiniti version was so much better looking than this. And this gen is alright but looks bland and uninspiring! But omg 57k!!!!
12:30 Is that a Volvo 240 on the right hand side of the screen?
I was wondering who would be the first to comment on that
Just my opinion, but this is not an attractive vehicle. Like many new Mercedes designs, it looks very soft, rounded, bloated, and perhaps a bit melted. And the front end looks like an angry pig.
the back looks like it’s squinting
Great video, considering all the gremlins...
The worst part is the fake exhausts.
Did the Bermuda triangle move?
I'm kinda wondering
I disagree that cars like this are aimed at young buyers, smaller upscale cars like this are very popular amongst empty nesters, very few young couples will be dropping $50k on a car that they’ll need to replace in a few years once kids or dogs enter the picture unless they’re from a very different social class than I spend time in.
Might sounds odd but it’s like Fiat 500x Sport had a distant rich cousin.
True
$50k?!
A Mercedes escape GLA 😅🤣😅
Nope. Test drove this. Not fun to drive, looks simple and over priced. Mercedes does not provide a 3 year warranty and you need to prepay for maintenance with a lease. Decided to buy a 2020 BMW X2 M35i. So much fun to drive!
"Small' SUVs aren't so small anymore ....
Uh this is definitely small.
Small is relative depending on one's needs.
Meh, I'll pass. I'm not a badge shopper so I don't need to have 3-pointed star on the hood of my vehicle. For an adequately equipped model you'll have to spend over $50K and I can think of plenty of other brands that provides more bang for the buck... which is the kind of shopper I am. I can't live with myself knowing I paid more for less.
Oh great...the expected poor reliability of Mercedes now has the ability to transmit itself through the air and into your electronics. Somebody should call the CDC about this. ;)
These cars are leased or bought for 3-7 years and for that time almost all cars are reliable. Very few people that buy NEW cars will keep them for more than 10 years so reliability in general doesn’t matter on new cars
Sea chickens reference, may have to unsubscribe 🤪
Looks like your run of the mill SUV will get lost in a parking lot for sure interior is nice though but you have to pay to make that desent smh
Remove. The. Star. And. No one. Would. Know. It. Is. A. Mercedes. !!! Mercedes. Is. Trying. Too. Hard. To. Become. Mainstream. !!!
Хочу слышать на руском
At idle it sounds like a Diesel. Looks like a Fiat with an ugly grill.
Third
Looks like Japanese design👎