MERCEDES BENZ GLA (X156) 2013-2017 Photos, engines & full specs

If back in the days Mercedes was focused on producing large executive saloons, the German carmaker made a step forward and joined the compact premium car market with its GLA.

Launched in 2013, the then-new compact crossover shared its platform with the Mercedes A Class.

Aesthetically, the GLA borrowed its design cues from other Mercedes vehicles in the lineup, including the CLA 4-door coupe.

Inside, the cabin’s design was familiar, with many elements taken from its siblings, such as the air vents, the gauges and many others. The steering-wheel-mounted gear knob offered even more interior space.

With great attention paid to details, the cabin was fitted with premium materials that looked very well put together in a classy manner.

Customers could choose between multiple powertrains available, from small diesel units to a powerful gasoline powerplant that developed 211 hp.

Even in the base version, the GLA was well equipped with standard 18-inch alloys, a stop-start system to lower the fuel consumption, air-conditioning, adaptive brake assist and even a collision prevention assist system.

Other numerous safety systems were available with the Lane Tracking package that included Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, as well as an Active Parking Assist system that allowed parallel parking.

The GLA scored really well when it came to the cargo area, offering 45% more trunk space than the A class and generally more than other vehicles in its class.