Mercedes GLA SUV (2014-2020) - Practicality & boot space
The Mercedes GLA has a bigger boot than most rivals and 40% more space than an A-Class
The Mercedes GLA provides plenty of interior space, although thanks to small side windows, it doesn’t always feel like it. You can alleviate this by choosing a lighter coloured interior trim, but you may find it shows dirt more readily.
Mercedes GLA interior space & storage
The GLA is easy to get in and out of thanks to its increased ride height and doors that open wide. There’s a decent amount of space for four adults, and there’s an armrest that folds down to provide access to the boot. A 12-volt socket in the back is handy too.
There’s a good, if not brilliant, amount of storage space around the GLA’s interior. There’s the usual array of door pockets and a reasonably-sized glovebox. If you choose an automatic version, the gear selector is located on the steering column, leaving an additional storage box in the centre console.
Space for passengers in the back of the GLA is good – taller adults will only have a problem in cars fitted with the optional panoramic sunroof, which cuts into headroom. But that’s only half the story, as the GLA has narrow side windows, which make it hard for kids to see out. Should you choose sports seats with large integrated headrests, it’s hard for rear passengers to see the road ahead too.
Boot space
The GLA has 481 litres of boot space, which is 40% more than the last Mercedes A-Class on which it’s based and more than the Audi Q3 offers. If you’re looking for more space than that, then consider the Range Rover Evoque or Mazda CX-5.
The shape and size of the GLA’s boot opening make it a very easy car to load up with luggage. Capacity increases to 1,235 litres with the seats folded – a figure than falls short of the Q3, CX-5 and Evoque. Absolute loading space is limited by the rear seats, which don’t quite fold flat.
Towing
The Mercedes GLA makes a reasonable towcar. All models can haul an unbraked trailer of between 700 and 750kg. The petrol GLA 180 can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,200kg, while the GLA 200 has a capacity of 1,400kg and the range-topping GLA 250 4MATIC has an 1,800kg capacity.
