Saxtons | 22 September 2026

Inside the Mercedes-Benz GLA Line-Up

The Mercedes-Benz GLA brings SUV styling and a raised driving position into one of the more compact vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz range. It sits below the GLB, GLC and GLE, making it particularly well suited to drivers who want the characteristics of a premium SUV without moving to a substantially larger vehicle.

There is considerable variety within the used GLA market. Petrol and diesel engines are joined by the GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid, while Mercedes-AMG versions provide a completely different level of performance. Age is another important factor because the first and second generations use different engines, technology and model designations.

This guide breaks down the principal Mercedes-Benz GLA models, explaining where each version sits within the range and what type of buyer it may suit.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA is the entry point into the Mercedes-Benz SUV family and uses a five-door, five-seat body. Compared with the larger GLB, it places more emphasis on compact dimensions and road-focused driving rather than maximum passenger capacity.

The second-generation GLA arrived in 2020 and brought a taller SUV profile, substantially updated cabin technology and a wider selection of powertrains. Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions have all been available. Mercedes-Benz continues to describe the GLA as its entry-level compact SUV.

Models commonly found on the used market include:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 - A smaller petrol-powered version designed around everyday driving.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 - A more powerful petrol option and one of the most widely available GLAs.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d - A diesel model suited to buyers covering greater annual mileages.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d 4MATIC - An earlier second-generation diesel configuration adding all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC - A stronger diesel model with additional torque and four-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e - The plug-in hybrid GLA, combining petrol and electric power.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC - An AMG model providing a substantial increase in performance while retaining everyday usability.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ - The flagship performance version with 421 PS and AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 180

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 occupies the more accessible end of the petrol range and is aimed at buyers who do not require particularly high power outputs from their compact SUV.

Current combustion-engine versions use a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance. The GLA 180 produces 136 hp from its combustion engine with an additional 14 HP of electrical assistance and uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz quotes 0-62 mph in 10 seconds.

The GLA 180 is front-wheel drive, keeping its mechanical layout relatively straightforward compared with the 4MATIC models.

Specifications vary according to age and can include:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 Sport - A more understated version focused on everyday comfort and equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 Sport Executive - Adds further convenience and infotainment features.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 AMG Line - Gives the GLA a more performance-inspired exterior and interior appearance.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 AMG Line Executive - Combines AMG Line styling with additional technology.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 AMG Line Premium - Introduces further comfort and convenience features.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 AMG Line Premium Plus - One of the more generously equipped specifications available with the smaller petrol engine.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 provides another route into petrol GLA ownership but with additional performance over the GLA 180.

Second-generation examples use a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Later cars incorporate mild-hybrid assistance, while earlier second-generation examples use the petrol engine without the updated electrical system.

The GLA 200 has been widely offered across Mercedes-Benz's main specification levels, making it one of the easier versions to find on the used market. Mercedes-Benz's recent UK model records include the GLA 200 Sport Executive alongside the higher AMG Line specifications.

Used examples may include:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Sport - A straightforward petrol GLA with a more restrained design.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Sport Executive - Adds further technology and convenience equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line - Introduces AMG-inspired styling inside and outside.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line Executive - Builds on AMG Line with additional equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line Premium - Places greater emphasis on comfort and technology.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line Premium Plus - A higher-specification version with an increased equipment level.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Exclusive Launch Edition - A special specification offered around the introduction of the facelifted model.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d

For higher-mileage drivers, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d is one of the main diesel options to consider.

Second-generation versions use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 150 hp. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is used rather than the seven-speed transmission fitted to many of the petrol models.

Diesel torque makes the GLA 200 d particularly appropriate for frequent motorway travel, while its compact dimensions still make it manageable for everyday driving.

A wide range of used specifications is available:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d Sport Executive - Combines the diesel engine with a relatively understated equipment package.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d AMG Line - Adds a sportier appearance to the diesel GLA.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d AMG Line Executive - Introduces additional convenience and infotainment equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d AMG Line Premium - Adds further comfort and technology.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d AMG Line Premium Plus - A higher-specification diesel GLA with additional equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition - Selected model years add darker exterior details for a more distinctive finish.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC takes the diesel formula further by adding both greater performance and all-wheel drive.

Recent versions use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 193 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Power is distributed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Mercedes-Benz quotes 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds for current examples.

This makes the 220 d noticeably more performance-focused than the GLA 200 d without changing the overall character of the vehicle.

Specifications include:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Executive - Combines the more powerful diesel engine with AMG styling and additional equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium - Adds further comfort and technology features.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus - A high-specification version combining stronger diesel performance with additional luxury equipment.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e provides a very different ownership proposition by combining a petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery.

Second-generation examples originally used a 1.3-litre petrol engine alongside an electric motor for a combined output of 218 hp and 450 Nm. The original system used a 15.6 kWh battery and provided an official WLTP electric range of approximately 33 to 38 miles depending on specification and testing conditions.

Later versions of the GLA 250 e received updates to the hybrid system, and Mercedes-Benz's 2026 vehicle information continues to list a 218 HP combined output.

Used specifications include:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e AMG Line - Combines plug-in hybrid technology with sportier AMG-inspired design.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e AMG Line Executive - Adds further infotainment and convenience equipment.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e AMG Line Premium - A more generously equipped plug-in hybrid specification.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e AMG Line Premium Plus - Adds further technology and comfort features.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e Exclusive Edition - A distinctive specification available on selected model years.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e Exclusive Edition Premium Plus - Combines the special-edition specification with a higher equipment level.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC marks the transition from the regular GLA range into dedicated AMG territory.

It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 306 PS and 400 Nm. More recent versions incorporate mild-hybrid assistance, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard. Mercedes-Benz quotes 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds for the current model.

The differences extend beyond straight-line performance. AMG styling, chassis changes, performance-focused drivetrain calibration and a more distinctive cabin give the GLA 35 a noticeably different character from an AMG Line GLA 200.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC Premium - Combines AMG performance with a strong comfort and technology specification.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC Premium Plus - Adds further luxury, convenience and technology features.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+

At the very top of the second-generation range is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+.

Its hand-built 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque. Mercedes-AMG pairs it with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control.

The result is exceptional performance for a compact SUV. Mercedes-AMG quotes 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the original GLA 45 S specification had an electronically limited top speed of 168 mph.

The performance upgrades are far more extensive than an AMG styling package. The GLA 45 S receives model-specific suspension, braking, body strengthening, driving modes and drivetrain technology designed around higher-performance driving.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ - The flagship 421 PS GLA with AMG Performance all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Plus - Selected later versions add further styling and equipment.

Earlier Mercedes-Benz GLA Models

The first-generation GLA was launched before the current H247 model and remains widely available at more accessible prices on the used market.

These earlier vehicles use a noticeably different design, engine range and interior architecture from the second-generation car.

Models buyers may encounter include:

Mercedes-Benz GLA 180 - An entry point into the earlier petrol range.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 - A popular four-cylinder petrol model.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d - A diesel version focused on efficiency and longer-distance driving.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC - A more powerful diesel with all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC - A stronger petrol model with four-wheel drive.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC - The high-performance version of the original GLA.

New Mercedes-Benz GLA Electric

The GLA range is now entering another significant phase with the introduction of an entirely new electric generation.

The new GLA 250+ electric is fundamentally different from the combustion-powered H247 GLA and the earlier EQA. Mercedes-Benz quotes 272 HP, rear-wheel drive and an official WLTP electric range of up to 406 miles.

Its 85 kWh usable battery supports DC charging at up to 320 kW, with Mercedes-Benz quoting a 10 to 80 per cent charging time of approximately 22 minutes under suitable conditions.

The electric range includes specifications such as Sport, Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, Premium and Premium Plus.

Although these vehicles are only beginning their life cycle, they will eventually add another distinct type of GLA to the used market alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models.

Which Mercedes-Benz GLA Model Is Best?

Different versions of the GLA suit very different driving patterns, so choosing an engine should come before deciding on equipment level.

The GLA 180 is a sensible option if your priority is straightforward petrol motoring and most journeys are relatively short. The GLA 200 provides additional performance and is one of the most versatile petrol choices for mixed everyday driving.

The GLA 220 d 4MATIC is the stronger diesel alternative. Its 193 PS output and all-wheel drive make it better suited to buyers wanting quicker acceleration and additional traction.

Drivers with reliable access to charging should consider the GLA 250 e. The plug-in hybrid can cover shorter journeys using electric power while retaining petrol flexibility for longer distances.

Performance buyers have two very different AMG choices. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC provides 306 PS and rapid performance while remaining relatively easy to use as an everyday SUV. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ goes much further, producing 421 PS and introducing substantially more specialised AMG drivetrain and chassis technology.

Equipment level should then be considered separately. Sport specifications offer a more understated appearance, while AMG Line models borrow styling cues from the performance range without receiving AMG engines. Executive, Premium and Premium Plus specifications progressively introduce additional equipment, although the exact features included vary according to vehicle age.

With first-generation, second-generation and now electric GLAs available, checking the exact year, engine, drivetrain and factory specification is particularly important when comparing used examples.

Find a Used Mercedes-Benz GLA at Saxtons

Saxtons currently has used Mercedes-Benz GLA models available across petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, including GLA 200, GLA 200 d and GLA 250 e examples.

Browse the latest used Mercedes-Benz GLA models available at Saxtons to compare engines, mileage, specification and age. With substantial differences between generations and individual trim levels, reviewing each vehicle's full specification, condition and service history can help you choose the GLA that best matches your requirements.