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Mercedes-BenzGLA PHEV (2020-)

2020 model + 2024 update tested
Compact/Small SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Available new

£44,630Typical price

Test score

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The GLA is the smallest SUV in Mercedes-Benz’s line-up. It’s available in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form as the GLA 250 e. Launched in 2020 and updated in 2023, it goes up against hybrid versions of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Lexus NX in the premium crossover market. Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e Plug-In Hybrid review to find out how well it stacks up.

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
What’s it great at?
What’s it like to drive?
How reliable are Mercedes-Benz's plug-in hybrid cars?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should know?
Should I buy it?

KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Nov 2024Last checked by Which?
Mar 2022First reviewed by Which?
Jun 2020Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

6 Jun 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectiveness of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performance is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (small SUVs and medium cars)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of two stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. Any car that receives three stars can't be a Best Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Compact/Small SUV
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Available new
New price	£44,630 - £49,815
Fuel type	Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Tested fuel efficiency	67.6 to 70.6mpg
Length	4,410 to 4,412mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,834mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,030mm
Height	1,611 to 1,616mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	11.3 m
On sale date	09 June 2020
Model years tested	2020 model + 2024 update tested
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£19.31

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	250 e AMG Line Premium 8G-DCT
Fuel type	Plug-in-Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	1.3-litre (218hp)
Transmission	8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	35 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel efficiency (mi/kWh)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	19.31p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£47
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Low
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	95
Tested electric-only range (miles)
Official fuel economy: WLTP	217.3 to 256.8
Braked tow load (KG)	1800kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	12 March 2024
Test programme	2017

Engine two
Engine and trim name	250 e Progressive 8G-DCT
Fuel	Plug-in-Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	1.3-litre (218hp)
Transmission	8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	35 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway
Tested fuel economy: combined mpg
Tested fuel efficiency (mi/kWh)
Cost per mile	20.4p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£47
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Low
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	100
Official fuel economy: WLTP	201.8
Official Euro emission level	Euro 6d
Braked tow load (KG)	1800kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	15 December 2021
Car test programme	2017

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