Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247) — complete buyer's guide
The complete reference for the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247, 2020–present): platform, dimensions, every engine, the 2023 facelift, known issues and a used-buyer checklist.
Production and platform
Produced from late 2019 / early 2020 onward. Second generation of the GLA. Compact crossover SUV based on the MFA2 platform (related to the A-Class W177, CLA C118, and GLB X247). Front-wheel drive standard; 4MATIC all-wheel drive available on most versions. Facelift introduced in 2023. Related models include AMG GLA 35, 45, and 45 S, plus the electric EQA (separate body). Primary assembly in Rastatt, Germany. Still in production as of late 2026.
Driving experience
Comfortable, easy and closer to a hatchback than an SUV to drive. The GLA rides smoothly, stays quiet at speed, and steers lightly and precisely with little feedback. The 2.0-litre M260 petrol is smooth and pulls strongly from low revs; the OM654 diesel is the one for high mileage, nearly inaudible on the motorway; the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. There is little here for keen drivers — the GLA puts comfort, quietness and the tech-heavy cabin ahead of any sporting pretension.
Engines
Petrol (M282 / M260 / M139)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 180 / GLA 200 | 1.3 L · 4-cyl (M282) | 136–163 hp100–120 kW | 200–270 Nm | 8.7–9.6 s |
| GLA 250 / GLA 250 4MATIC | 2.0 L · 4-cyl (M260) | 224 hp165 kW | 350 Nm | 6.7–6.9 s |
| AMG GLA 35 4MATIC | 2.0 L · 4-cyl (M260) | 306 hp225 kW | 400 Nm | 5.1–5.2 s |
| AMG GLA 45 / 45 S 4MATIC+ | 2.0 L · 4-cyl (M139) | 387–421 hp285–310 kW | 480–500 Nm | 4.3–4.4 s |
Diesel (OM654)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 180 d / GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d 4MATIC | 2.0 L · 4-cyl (OM654) | 116–190 hp85–140 kW | 280–400 Nm | 7.3–10.8 s |
Plug-in hybrid (e)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 250 e | 1.3 L · 4-cyl (M282) + e-motor | 218 hp160 kW | 450 Nm | 7.1 s |
Transmissions
7G-DCT or 8G-DCT dual-clutch automatic. All engines transverse. Mild hybrid (48-volt) on many later petrol versions. Euro 6d compliance standard.
Dimensions and practicality
Length approximately 4,410–4,436 mm. Width around 1,834–1,849 mm. Height around 1,590–1,616 mm. Wheelbase 2,729 mm. Boot volume approximately 435 litres (seats up on most petrol versions), expanding to roughly 1,385–1,430 litres with seats folded. Diesel and plug-in hybrid versions slightly reduced (around 385–425 litres). Fuel tank capacity typically 43–51 litres. Compared with the previous X156: higher stance, improved rear space, and slightly larger boot. Practicality is adequate for a compact premium crossover but not class-leading in load volume.
Facelift (2023)
Introduced in 2023. Main changes: revised exterior styling (grille, lighting, bumpers); updated interior and MBUX software; engine refinements and more mild-hybrid options; equipment and driver-assistance updates; continued plug-in hybrid availability.
Differences from the previous generation (X156)
Higher ground clearance and more SUV-like proportions. Improved rear headroom and shoulder room. Updated engines (M282 / M260 petrol, OM654 diesel). More advanced electronics and driver aids. Overall more refined and modern than the X156.
Known issues and weak points
Petrol (M260 / M282 / M139)
- M260 (2.0-litre): exhaust valve seat and guide wear reported on some 2019–2022 examples (misfires, rough running). Extended cylinder-head warranty available on affected engines (verify by VIN). Timing chain tensioner rattle possible on cold start.
- M282 (1.3-litre): generally more robust; carbon buildup possible on direct-injection versions at higher mileage.
- M139 (AMG): standard high-performance maintenance requirements.
- 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical issues possible on later cars.
Diesel (OM654)
- Rocker arm and camshaft lobe wear possible on some early examples.
- Electric coolant pump recalls on certain production periods (verify by VIN).
- AdBlue / NOx sensor faults and DPF clogging more common on short-trip use.
- EGR issues possible.
Transmission (7G-DCT / 8G-DCT)
- Low-speed judder or delayed engagement possible if fluid is neglected. Fluid service recommended earlier than official intervals. Generally durable with maintenance.
- 4MATIC differential noise or wear reported on some higher-mileage examples (fluid changes help).
Other
- MBUX screen freezes or software glitches (mostly resolved by updates).
- 12-volt battery drain issues reported on some cars left standing.
- Reversing camera or electric tailgate faults possible.
- Suspension bush wear under higher loads.
- Multiple recalls (cylinder head, coolant pump, airbags, software, eCall). Always verify full VIN status.
What a buyer should check
- Full service history, including DCT fluid changes and any AdBlue/DPF interventions.
- VIN-specific recall and service campaign status (M260 cylinder head, OM654 coolant pump, airbags, software).
- Cold-start engine noise and any misfires or ticking (M260 valve seats or OM654 rocker arms).
- Transmission behaviour from cold and in low-speed traffic (smooth engagement).
- For diesels: AdBlue system function, DPF regeneration history, and smoke on hard acceleration.
- 48-volt system warnings or start behaviour on mild-hybrid models.
- Full electronic function, including MBUX screens, reversing camera, and driver aids.
- 4MATIC differential noise during low-speed tight turns (if equipped).
- Signs of oil leaks or cooling system issues.
Running costs
Indicative costs for the Mercedes-Benz GLA H247 in normal Belgian/EU use (approximate 2026 figures). Actual figures vary by region, driving style and service location.
Fuel consumption
- GLA 180 / 200 (M282 1.3): typically 5.5–7.5 L/100 km.
- GLA 250 (M260 2.0): typically 6.5–9.0 L/100 km.
- GLA 200 d / 220 d (OM654): typically 4.5–6.0 L/100 km; AdBlue consumption low.
- GLA 250 e PHEV: highly dependent on charging; can be very low if mostly electric, or similar to petrol if not charged.
Maintenance
Mercedes service is premium-priced. Oil service typically €150–300. Dual-clutch gearbox fluid service every ~60,000 km is recommended. Tyres and brakes add up. AdBlue consumption on the diesel is low. Independent Mercedes specialists keep bills more reasonable than dealers.
Road tax / registration (Belgium)
Highly region-dependent (Flanders more CO₂-oriented; Wallonia/Brussels influenced by power/CV and mass). The 1.3- and 2.0-litre engines sit in moderate brackets. Expect roughly €200–800+/year depending on engine, exact CO₂, region and any ongoing reforms. One-off BIV/TMC on first Belgian registration is also engine- and age-sensitive.
Insurance and LEZ
Compact premium SUV; AMG variants rate higher. Annual premium heavily dependent on age, history, location and cover level. Full comprehensive is expensive on higher-value examples. LEZ: all engines fully Euro 6d compliant and unrestricted in Belgian/EU low-emission zones.
Belgian/EU market notes
The GLA H247 is a common compact premium crossover in the Belgian used market, competing with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The GLA 200 and GLA 200 d were frequent choices for mixed private and company use due to manageable size, fuel economy, and tax treatment. Plug-in hybrid models (GLA 250 e) gained traction for company-car advantages with usable electric range. Road tax and registration tax vary by region, power, and CO2. Car-Pass documentation is required for Belgian sales. Many examples show moderate company-fleet mileage with full service histories. Facelift cars (2023 onward) generally benefit from refined engines and software. Early production (2020–2022) requires closer scrutiny of specific M260 cylinder-head campaigns. Front-wheel-drive versions avoid the highest 4MATIC differential risks.
Summary
This generation offers modern technology and a raised driving position for a compact premium crossover, provided the known cost items (M260 valve seat wear on early 2.0 petrols, OM654 AdBlue/DPF and specific recalls, DCT fluid service, and full VIN recall status) are verified. Facelift examples are generally more stable. The GLA 200 d with full service history remains a common and practical used choice in the Belgian market.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
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