A BETTER KIND OF GLA (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedesgla250e_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 101

For customers of the H247-era MK2 Mercedes GLA, the promise of the brand's 'EQ Power' tech meant the addition of the Plug-in Hybrid technology that featured in this clever GLA 250 e variant. It can travel commuting distances on a single charge that can be completed from 10-100% in just an hour and 45 minutes from a 7.4kW garage wallbox. And the 1.33-litre petrol engine and 75kW electric motor produce a sprightly output, yet a super-low CO2 reading. In short, this is a car that's eco-conscious as well as fashion-conscious. If you can afford it, this Mercedes is easy to like.

Modelsword count: 5

5dr SUV (1.3 PHEV petrol)

Historyword count: 140

Back in 2020, the Mercedes EQ Power brand was covering almost every kind of electrification, from mild hybrids and full-EVs in the company's larger models to the space-efficient Plug-in Hybrid powertrain that fitted into this maker's more compact cars. It's that latter PHEV tech we're looking at here, specifically as applied to the H247-era version of the Stuttgart manufacturer's smallest SUV, the GLA. The GLA 250 e shared the same PHEV powertrain as was used in A-Class, B-Class and CLA 250 e models of this era, a set-up that in many ways set the segment standard of its time. In Spring 2023, the MK2 GLA was improved with a smarter front and rear look, an updated MBUX infotainment system and more power and range for this Plug-in Hybrid version. The GLA 250e PHEV was discontinued at the end of 2023.

What You Getword count: 455

Visual differentiators as to this variant's plug-in status are limited to subtle 'EQ Power' labelling on the front wings and the '250 e' badging at the back. Otherwise, unless you happened to notice the extra EV charging flap on the driver's side, you'd think this was any other H247-era GLA. Inside, you're greeted with an 'EQ'-branded start-up screen in the instrument cluster. Plus there's an additional EQ menu for the centre-dash infotainment monitor with 'Charging Options', 'Consumption', 'Energy Flow', 'Vehicle' and 'Engine' sections. Otherwise though, the cabin's pretty much exactly as it would be on any mainstream conventionally-engined MK2 GLA. Which means it really does feel very premium inside, with man-made leather-stitched seats, a glossy black piano black-coated centre console that flows up into the dash and curious tubular silver door grab handles. Plus of course, as usual with a modern compact Mercedes, there's a hi-tech cabin screenfest on show. On a GLA 250 e, the touchscreen media display in the centre of the dash will always be of the largest 10.25-inch size, but depending on spec, this instrument cluster monitor will either be 7-inches or 10.25-inches.This whole MBUX twin-screen set-up can be activated by prodding on the monitors, by various neat touchpads or by the provided 'Hey Mercedes' voice-activated functionality. In the back, the PHEV system brought no discernible compromises in the accommodation provided for passengers. That's because, cleverly, the fuel tank was integrated into a space around the axle installation, creating additional room beneath the rear bench for the high-voltage battery. It all meant that, as with an ordinary MK2 GLA, leg room's reasonable by class standards. Someone well over six foot tall could sit behind a similarly-sized front passenger and still have leg space. Plus there's plenty of room to slide your feet below the base of the chair in front. Where the Plug-in tech usually does compromise things a little is when it comes to trunk space - but Mercedes designers worked hard to ensure that battery boot intrusion was minimal. For this model, they created a special exhaust system layout which ends in a centrally positioned outlet under the vehicle floor, with the rear silencer housed in the transmission tunnel. Which all sounds promising, but when the standard 'EASY PACK' powered tailgate rises, you're still faced with a 50-litre reduction over the boot capacity of a conventional MK2 GLA - there's 385-litres of capacity on offer. Overall, most customers should be able to live with what's available here: something like a folded baby buggy should easily fit and there's a 40:20:40-split-folding seat back that when flattened, can free up as much as 1,010-litres of space up to window level - or up to 1,385-litres if you load to the roof.

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