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Thread: Mercedes AMG GLA 45?

  1. #1
    Master
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    Mercedes AMG GLA 45?

    Still looking for my next car and wondering if anybody owns, or has owned, a Merc AMG GLA 45, and if so what they're like to live with day to day? Will be a 2018 reg so not the new version. I've been looking at BMW X5's, X3's and the 335d Touring but always loved the look of the AMG GLA (inside and out). This would be used for the work run, motorway travel (mainly to airports with a couple of large suitcases, two teenage daughters in the back and Mrs in the front) ferrying the dog about on A roads and general day to day shorter journeys. Not too fussed regarding MPG, which I'm guessing you can't be with this engine, but would like it if it could stay in the 30mpg bracket 😁

    Anybody had any real word experience with one?

    Cheers.

  2. #2
    Master RossC's Avatar
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    Can't help with the GLA, but you'd be hard pushed to beat a 335d as an outstanding all rounder. The 6cyl diesels from BMW sound surprisingly good from the cabin, but won't match the petrol sound from the Merc exhaust of course. But other than that, I can see no downside to the F31 X-Drive - the best part of 700NM of torque has to be driven to be believed... real world weapon, with the dog in the back

  3. #3
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    I've driven one and it's dominated by the engine - really really fast and with a great gearbox. Good handling too with a better ride than you'd expect. Engine noise is really Marmite - it's a 4 cylinder so the underlying note is dull and the pops/bangs are frankly embarrassing.

    There's no way I could live with one as a day-to-day car though - there's not a great deal of rear space, the boot's not especially dog-friendly (depends on the size of your dog, obviously) and I managed about 25mpg over the course of a weekend so you're filling up frequently as it's only got a small tank. I think I got 250 miles before refuelling, which is a bit rubbish. Looks are subjective, but I hate the in-yer-face-ness of it though I accept others just love it.

    Up to you - for when you really want to blast around it's awesome, but I'd suggest that for the other 99% of the time the 335d you mention would be a better car. And the exhaust .... no, I just could not live with that.

  4. #4
    Master RossC's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RossC View Post
    Can't help with the GLA, but you'd be hard pushed to beat a 335d as an outstanding all rounder. The 6cyl diesels from BMW sound surprisingly good from the cabin, but won't match the petrol sound from the Merc exhaust of course. But other than that, I can see no downside to the F31 X-Drive - the best part of 700NM of torque has to be driven to be believed... real world weapon, with the dog in the back
    Thinking about it, you might want to explore the 335d GT. It's not as good looking as the F31, but for that simple reason, they are a better value buy. Since you're asking about a GLA I'm guessing you don't mind a slightly awkward looking alternative...

    The GT is bigger than the Touring, more rear legroom, bigger boot (not as tall) but a hatchback, so the whole rear glass lifts with the tail - surprisingly big by comparison. You'll probably find a better spec 335d GT (or newer with lower mileage) for less money

  5. #5
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    Thanks all. I do keep going back to the 335d touring as it does seem to be the best all rounder. After the comments, and sleeping on it, I don't think the GLA is the way forward. 335d is back to the top of the list but still happy to listen to other suggestions 👍

  6. #6
    Craftsman jonasy's Avatar
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    Post keeps deleted thanks to all ads.

    I can recommend the 3 series GT, extremely happy with our 2017 320d GT drive although it's the economy engine. Almost regret not finding a six pot diesel although they are very rare here in Sweden.

    I think the styling is better than the rest of the f31 series, I particularly never warmed to the front of the other versions. Note the flip side of all the extra legroom and boot space is additional weight o will lack the edge in handling. 20mm taller ride height doesn't help either (maybe different with sport suspension). Definitely more a GT, as the name implies.

  7. #7
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    Thanks, just worried about the boot in the GT for my rather large (35kg) Lab.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Toddy View Post
    Thanks, just worried about the boot in the GT for my rather large (35kg) Lab.
    That's quite a workout everytime you wanted to insert them in the GT :-)

    I think the Touring is the way I'd go in your position but I'd probably be looking at 330d (G20) / 530d (G30), more of those about and about all the car you'd ever need IMO.

    The GLA would be a laugh but not much space and way less refined.

  9. #9
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    Thanks, luckily my Lab is very athletic and can jump into any boot, would hate to have to pick him up every time😁

    I'll take a look at the 330d and the 530d, keep going back to the X5 as well which is where all this started!

  10. #10
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Your retriever will age and all those jumps will take their toll. Do him and yourself a favour and get him a ramp that fits in the boot but saves him a jump.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  11. #11
    Master beechcustom's Avatar
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    GLA 45 is bonkers fast, not that practical and I'd imagine quite tiresome as a daily driver unless you want all the drama all the time.

    The 330d (or higher) Touring is a good shout but for christ sake make sure it has adaptive suspension. Mine had permanent M Sport suspension on low profile tyres and the ride was ridiculously harsh. I wouldn't have been able to live with it long term.

  12. #12
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    First thing to do is to get rid of low profile RF tyres as they give a ridiculously hard ride but also because they limit greatly your choices especially for all seasons.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Toddy View Post
    Thanks, luckily my Lab is very athletic and can jump into any boot, would hate to have to pick him up every time😁

    I'll take a look at the 330d and the 530d, keep going back to the X5 as well which is where all this started!
    I was in a similar position, and swapped an X5 for an F31 335D. I will be going back to an X5. The X5 is better for me the kids and the dog.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Captaincook View Post
    I was in a similar position, and swapped an X5 for an F31 335D. I will be going back to an X5. The X5 is better for me the kids and the dog.
    Are you going back to the X5 due to the space over the 335d or are there other reasons? I'm torn between the 2 and wanting to keep this next car for quite a few years (5 at least) so really want to make the right decision (I know it's different for everyone though).

    Cheers.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Toddy View Post
    Are you going back to the X5 due to the space over the 335d or are there other reasons? I'm torn between the 2 and wanting to keep this next car for quite a few years (5 at least) so really want to make the right decision (I know it's different for everyone though).

    Cheers.
    For me it is the space, I am just under 6ft and like my seat a little further back than others. When choosing, my kids pick to sit behind the wife in the 3 series rather than me. The X5 no concerns here. When driving, my arm shares the centre arm rest with my son and adjusting the idrive results in my arm bumping his in the 3 series, I never had this issue in the X5. Trivial for some I know, but my last X5 I kept for 5 years. The 3 series I'm ready for it to go after a year :)

    I personally don't see the benefit of the extra boot space in the touring (excluding the dog use), I never load higher than the rear seats (unless necessary) as I personally dont like/agree with that approach, so the X5 was a lot more usable. I don't want to say the 335d is too fast, but the same power and drive in the X5 was right for me.

  16. #16
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Isn't the X5 a bit thirstier?
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  17. #17
    Master RossC's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Toddy View Post
    ...keep going back to the X5 as well which is where all this started!
    I have so much useless info and experience from over the years with the numerous SUVs and BMWs that I've owned, it's probably more suited to a PM, but I'll try and be succinct...

    If you're looking at a 335d, then X5 40d is the same engine/power/torque/etc, but in a heavier car, so you can expect it to be thirstier, slower (but far from slow), and chew through the more expensive tyres and consumables at a faster rate. The tyres, bushes, and suspension air bags of particular note. You must adhere to the BMW approved star* rated tyres on a staggered setup. Do not listen to folk who say that they fitted different tyres and it was fine - the gearbox/transfer box damage is not worth the risk.

    I have owned several X5s... is there a better all rounder as a one car solution? I don't think there is. It's the perfect mix IMO.

    I need an SUV for light off road, winter, and towing, so I'll always own one, as well as a car. Currently have a Merc GLE alongside my F36 435d Gran Coupe X-Drive. I like the Merc, but my next SUV will be another X5, again alongside a 3 or 4 series.
    There are times when I've been driving one of my X5s up the A9 surrounded by snow, or ploughing through storms, and thinking to myself that I wouldn't wish to be in any other vehicle. Handling, power and comfort is quite simply staggering in a large 4x4 setup.

    But, and it's a pretty big but... The speed, handling and driver focused cabin of my 4 series is why I fell in love with BMW dynamics over 30 years ago. Stepping out of the X5, and straight in to the 4 is when you realise just how cumbersome and large the X5 is. It masks it so well, but it's not until you get in to them back to back you realise how the F30 range just shrink around you in a surprisingly compact package that just feels 'right'.

    X5 is an outstanding choice if you really need an SUV, but if you don't need one and the associated additional costs, the benefits of the F30/F31/F34/F36 with the X-Drive is very rewarding for a petrolhead with family/dog duties.

    Perhaps out of budget, but my pal has an X4 M40d which bridges the gap very well.

  18. #18
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    Thanks Captain and Ross for the insightful replies. Gives me something to think about. I really need to test drive them but trying to find a local 335d is proving very difficult. I went to look at a couple.of X5's this morning, I knew they were large but not that large!! I really don't need a car that big as my daughters are mid and late teens so no buggies, car seats etc to worry about. Main thing is dog and boot space for large suitcases for holidays (normally go abroad 4 times a year as well as shorter holidays in this country). Love the idea of the X5 but going to have e to make a decision so probably looking at the 335d now.....unless I go for an X3🤔🤣

  19. #19
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    I was going to say look at the X3 and the %series estates. Mine is a F11 with the smaller engine (2l D) but is a joy to drive, capacious (can't beat the E estate Merc though) and not much bigger than a 3.
    Last edited by Saint-Just; 15th January 2025 at 13:33.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    I was going to say look at the X3 and the %series estates. Mine is a F11 with the smaller engine (2l D) but is a joy to drive, capacious (can't beat the E estate Merc though) and not much bigger than a 3.
    Thanks mate, I'll take a look👍

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