Latest news with #LexusUX
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's EV Bet in Europe Seems to Be Paying Off, Even for PHEVs
During the first six months of 2025 the Toyota brand sold 591,115 vehicles on the continent, 491,197 of which were electrified. The automaker has not focused heavily on EVs, catering to a greater variety of buyers in various countries in the geopolitical bloc, not all of whom are interested exclusively in electrification. Still, BEV sales by Toyota and Lexus grew 42% year-on-year in the January-June period, while PHEVs grew 186% for the two brands. Toyota's modern EV era in the US began with the bZ4X (hastily facelifted and recently renamed simply bZ), but its reticence toward electric models might also extend to other important markets, including Europe. The automaker recently kept its second best-selling car brand crown, behind only Volkswagen, with all-time record sales of 591,115 vehicles, 491,197 of which were electrified. Electrified does not mean all-electric, of course, but BEV sales by Toyota and Lexus grew an impressive 42% in the January-June period between 2024 and 2025. That's a serious gain of which any European automaker would be envious. The Toyota brand alone saw a gain of 46% year-on-year among solely BEVs, amounting to 27,773 vehicles. The familiar bZ4X accounted for the lion's share of that with 18,724 unit sold, while the rest were electric versions of its Proace van. So the midsize crossover is still considered the safest play on the other side of the Atlantic as well. The Lexus UX electric, on the other hand, saw 953 units find buyers in the first six months of the year, while the Lexus RZ saw far more fans with sales of 2,521 units. But the Tidal Wave Is Coming "Despite various headwinds in the market, we are encouraged that consumer demand remains solid for the Toyota and Lexus range of electrified vehicles," said Till Conrad, Executive Vice President-Sales, Toyota Motor Europe. "It's testament to our product power offering a broad lineup of zero and low-emission electrified product." Toyota's results from the first six months would seem like steady progress, at least at first blush. The automaker, among other European brands, is about to face a tidal wave of affordable EVs from China, including from brands like MG, BYD, Nio, Xpeng, and Leapmotor. Yes, it's that same MG that was purchased by SAIC back in 2006 during MG-Rover's collapse. And now it's back after a series of mostly forgettable commuter cars with an affordable electric roadster—something you may recall Tesla promised about a decade ago. Whether Europe is ready for an electric roadster—from Tesla or MG—is another matter. As in the US, Toyota and Lexus are still staking much of their strategy on hybrids of all types, rather than going all-in on electric models. And for now, this slow but steady approach seems to be paying off in Europe. And by that we mean the entirety of the EU member states and not the stereotypical EV-friendly Scandinavians and residents of the low countries. Lexus Lineup 100% Electrified "Lexus has a 100% electrified sales mix in West Europe and 95% across the entire region. Key performers are the compact Lexus LBX Hybrid and Lexus NX (available in plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants)," the automaker notes. Toyota's top seller in Europe during the first six months of the year was the Yaris Cross, with 103,580 units—definitely not an EV. And its second best seller was the Yaris, with 90,549 units. Among electrified but not electric cars, Toyota's top seller was the Yaris Cross Hybrid, with 103,574 units finding homes in the first six months of the year. The Yaris Hybrid wasn't far behind, finding 90,074 buyers. Overall, the automaker appears to have correctly judged the demand for EVs in the middle of the decade, ignoring a period early in the pandemic that saw a rush for EVs and panicked predictions of the quick demise of everything else, including diesels. The same appears to have held true for the Toyota brand, with the division focusing on affordable bread-and-butter models, with plenty of hybrid tech on board. "Toyota's overall electrified sales mix is now at 76%, with volume increasing +6% year-on-year," the automaker noted. The more important metric: PHEVs saw an even more impressive surge, gaining 272% year-on-year in sales strictly within the Toyota brand and amounting to 42,200 vehicles. For all the talk of gains by EVs, it's actually the PHEVs that have surged the most over the past year. So there is still plenty of interest in hybrids of all sorts in Europe, despite predictions early in the decade that everything what wasn't battery-electric by 2025 would be hopelessly outdated. Should Toyota offer a wider variety of small electric cars in the US? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Motoring expert says used car is 'UK's most reliable' and passes 'most MOTs'
The Suzuki Ignis was the most reliable car in the UK according to new research - but there's a catch for anyone looking to purchase the model A car expert has revealed that one of the most dependable motors in the UK is, ironically, no longer available to buy new. Earlier this year, a team of motoring experts carried out a study to identify the most reliable cars on UK roads. They looked at which cars had the highest MOT pass rates. The more passes, the more reliable the car was deemed to be, while vehicles with lower pass rates were theoretically less reliable, reports the Express. Speaking to ReachPlc, tyre content manager Nyo Logan, said that a one popular small car had outperformed vehicles from other more premium brands. In research conducted by Blackcircles, Nyo discovered that the Suzuki Ignis—a small city car with an SUV-like design—had proven itself to be statistically the most reliable car in the UK. While this may be good news for those seeking a car that could have fewer mechanical problems over its lifespan, there's one problem, the Ignis is now no longer on sale. Despite Suzuki halting production of the Ignis in the UK this year, Nyo insists it remains a savvy purchase on the second-hand market. He explained: "Despite Suzuki discontinuing their Ignis model production in the UK this year, the compact crossover SUV has become a popular choice for those buyers looking for a subcompact model. "The crossover design means that this small car is city and commuter-friendly, whilst also providing SUV capabilities such as four-wheel drive. "Our test results are in, and this is a car you can trust! The research shows that more than nine in ten models passed their MOT on average in the UK in 2024/2025." Although new Ignis models are off the table, the runners-up, Lexus UX and Porsche Macan SUVs, are still in production. The Suzuki boasted an impressive MOT pass rate of 94.64 percent, with the Lexus and Porsche trailing closely at 94.20 percent and 93.41 percent respectively. Nyo commented further on the top performers. He said: "The top three is made up of SUV's and the Lexus UX and the Porsche Macan follow in second and third on our podium. "There were 5,583 MOT tests carried out on Lexus UX vehicles, and 5,259 tests passed, whilst 3,453 tests were passed for the Porsche Macan out of 3,697 tests completed." This MOT data emerges amid growing concerns that future pass rates could decline, not due to vehicle quality but owing to the worsening condition of the roads they travel on. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the expense incurred due to pothole-related car damage had soared to a staggering £1.7bn. Such detriment could potentially lead to an MOT failure later down the line. Commenting on this issue, Kwik Fit's Dan Joyce issued a stark warning. He said: "It's concerning to see that the downward trend of the last two years has gone into reverse in the latest figures. "Anything which adds unnecessary costs to motorists is especially unwelcome in the current economic climate but even the financial burden is outweighed by the risk to safety. "The main components which bear the bulk of the damage - tyres and wheels, suspension and steering - are interlinked."
Auto Blog
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lexus Launches Killer UX Hybrid Lease Deal for June
Lexus UX Hybrid Lease Offer for June 2025 The Lexus UX Hybrid may not be the first luxury SUV on your mind, but if you're looking for a fuel-efficient little car with some utility, this lease deal could be a good incentive to go to your nearest dealer. The Lexus UX Hybrid has a lease deal for $349 per month for 36 months, with $3,999 due at signing. The offer includes a mileage limit of 10,000 miles per year and the lease cash offer. Lexus is also sweetening the deal by offering $1,500 of lease cash with a qualifying lease on select styles, including the 2025 UX 300h, UX 300h AWD, and UX 300h F Sport Design. The lease cash is applied as a capitalized cost (down payment) reduction. 2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling — Source: Gabriel Ionica The Lexus UX is a unique choice for a luxury SUV The 2025 Lexus UX Hybrid is the smallest SUV offering in the automaker's lineup. In reality, it's a little more hatchback-sized than a true SUV, but Lexus refers to it as an SUV for its added ride height and optional all-wheel-drive architecture. The UX competes with other small SUVs, including the Volvo XC40, BMW X1, and the Mini Countryman. Those entries are a little larger than the UX, but if you live in a dense urban sprawl or don't need the type of room and capability a larger SUV can provide, this little Lexus could be what you need. The Lexus UX Hybrid is offered in four different trim levels (base, Premium, Sport Design, and Sport Handling), with each trim offering a little more in-cabin technology than the last. The higher F Sport trim levels are equipped with an adaptive suspension, sportier seats with more bolstering, and some F Sport-themed exterior enhancements to give the car a sportier look. However, despite which trim level you choose, the UX is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 196 horsepower while achieving up to 43 mpg in combined driving situations. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling — Source: Gabriel Ionica The lease offer in question is for the UX 300h base model, which carries an MSRP of $39,615, including the destination charge, but the taxes, titles, license, and doc fees are extra and will vary depending on your region. Prefer a $0 down deal? If you would like to minimize the upfront costs when leasing a Lexus UX Hybrid, we have estimated a payment with $0 down. By dividing the $3,999 due at signing over the 36-month term (approximately $111), the estimated payment equates to around $460 every month. *This $0 down figure is an estimation. Official $0 down lease offers from Lexus may differ based on their specific calculations, credit approval, and potential money factor adjustments. Always obtain an official quote directly from Lexus. 2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling — Source: Gabriel Ionica Final thoughts Lease offers can vary based on location and specific vehicle configuration (trim level, options, etc.) and are subject to credit approval. The advertised payments typically exclude taxes, title, registration, and other potential fees. To take advantage of this lease offer or get an official quote tailored to your buying needs (including an official $0 down quote), visit the official Lexus website here. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
7NEWS
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA review
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has formed the entry point to the German luxury carmaker's SUV lineup for years now. A formidable rival to the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mini Countryman, and Volvo XC40, among others, this small premium SUV has been on sale in Australia in second-generation guise since 2020. Now it has received a worthwhile mid-life facelift. On the outside there is a 'modernised' headlight and tail-light signature, as well as a redesigned front bumper and grille. Inside, there is a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons and sliders, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, illuminated USB ports, and an additional USB-C port. Under the bonnet, the mid-spec 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic on test here, as well as the hotter AMG GLA35 4Matic, now get 48V mild-hybrid assistance, comprising a belt-driven starter-generator that's capable of providing an additional 10kW for brief periods. Is this small luxury SUV from the three-pointed star still the benchmark in its segment? Read along to find out. How much does the Mercedes-Benz GLA cost? On test here is the mid-range GLA250 4Matic, priced from a cool $80,500 plus on-road costs. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What is the Mercedes-Benz GLA like on the inside? Despite its more compact dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz GLA feels very much like any other model from the German luxury brand. The door handles require a similar amount of force to open, and the doors make a familiar thwack sound when closed. Once you're in there are rather comfortable sport seats that feature plenty of electric adjustment and manually extendable thigh support. This means people of all different sizes and statures will be able to find their desired seating position easily. As standard, the GLA gets microfibre upholstery with Artico artificial leather on the seat bolsters. While real leather is available as an option, I prefer this because it doesn't make you feel as sweaty on hotter days. Both front seats are heated, which was appreciated as it's starting to get a little cooler here in Melbourne. On the highest setting, these seats got hot really quickly, which is yet another benefit of the microfibre upholstery. Ahead of the driver is an AMG Line steering wheel, which feels chunky and is wrapped in soft Nappa leather. Annoyingly, it has touch-sensitive buttons and sliders for adjusting things like the sound system volume and cruise control, among other things, and they aren't nearly as intuitive as proper physical buttons. Another disappointing aspect of these buttons is the fact they are covered in glossy piano black panels which attract fingerprints and look grubby quickly. While there are dedicated buttons for picking up and hanging up phone calls, there's also no proper way to change the track that's playing, which resulted in me having to use the touchscreen instead. Bizarre… Behind the steering wheel is the same dual 10.25-inch screen setup that this car has featured for years now. It just has a refreshed look with the mid-life update. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster looks crisp and high-resolution. It has a number of different layouts to choose from, and you can customise them to show different information. The Germans still know how to do a good instrument cluster. Moving across, the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen still looks good, but compared to some rivals it's starting to look a little small. The screen is very responsive to touch inputs and the user interface is dead easy to navigate. Compared to the pre-update model, the GLA range now gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The window for smartphone mirroring also now takes up the entirety of the display, which looks much better. Looking around the cabin, you can tell this car has received some tweaks over the years. The most notable is the removal of the touchpad on the centre console. Instead, there's now an awkward storage space that isn't big enough for a plus-sized phone. I appreciate all the physical switchgear for the climate controls as they feel premium and are much more intuitive than having to use the touchscreen. It is somewhat annoying, however, that you need to look at the touchscreen to see what temperature you're setting the system to. While the majority of the finishes in this car look and feel premium to interact with, there's an overload of glossy piano black around the cabin. It's especially frustrating around the circular air vents because it attracts dust quickly. There are a lot of darker finishes up front, though there is interior ambient lighting in certain areas, which makes the car feel a bit more special at night. There's also a panoramic glass sunroof as standard, which has a panel that tilts and slides to offer more air flow. Moving to the second row, it's clear there's more emphasis put on the seats up front. It's not a terrible space to be, it just doesn't feel as special. At a leggy 182cm, I had enough leg, head, shoulder and toe room behind by own driving position. Two adults will fit fine in the second row, though pushing it to three would make things squishy. The person in the middle seat also has to contend with the sizeable transmission hump. Second-row amenities include air vents, USB-C ports, as well as a fold-down armrest with retractable cupholders. It's pretty standard. Around the back, there's a power tailgate that has a hands-free function, which comes in handy if you've got your hands full of stuff. With the tailgate open, there's a decent amount of boot space, though it won't blow you away. Disappointingly, there's no spare wheel here. As standard, the car comes with run-flat tyres, though you can opt for a tyre repair kit as a no-cost option. This isn't ideal for those who frequently travel in the country. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine gains 48V mild-hybrid assistance with the mid-life facelift. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How does the Mercedes-Benz GLA drive? Starting up the GLA250 4Matic, the turbo-petrol engine deliver a rowdy rev flare, which is more noticeable in the cabin than outside the car. Tat's because this car pumps fake engine sound into the cabin. To set off, you use the column-mounted gear selector, which feels premium and sleek. It's handy because you can quickly flick from drive to reverse, especially in parking scenarios or when doing a three-point turn. When the engine is still warming up, the first two gears rev out to around 3000rpm, which feels like way too much. This creates a jarring feeling inside the cabin, as the engine doesn't sound the best at these revs. Once the engine has warmed up a little, or you start travelling a bit faster, the car then opts for higher gears and will keep the revs down to minimise fuel consumption. This feels a lot more natural and calm. While the 2.0-litre turbo four in this car is far from new, it is now augmented with mild-hybrid assistance, which allows for more seamless and longer engine idle stop/start interaction. When in Eco mode, the car can also coast with the engine switched off to save fuel. As part of this 48V system, there's a belt-driven motor generator that is used to start the engine, but can also provide an additional 10kW of power for brief periods. This helps for faster acceleration, or to generally take load off the engine. Another part of the 48V mild-hybrid system is the regenerative braking system, which helps top up the small 48V battery pack. It's satisfying to know that you're recuperating energy to then use to help performance later on. In practice, the system is seamless and even has an intelligent function by which it'll increase the amount of regenerative braking based on how quickly the car in front of you is travelling. It means you don't have to think that much about it and can instead focus on driving. As a package, this powertrain is a little firecracker. You'll easily be keeping up with traffic from the lights, and with only a subtle flex of your right foot, you'll be accelerating faster than most. At no point was I looking for more power, which makes me feel like the AMG GLA35 is somewhat superfluous, as many performance cars are. This car comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which provides snappy and almost instantaneous gear changes. With the assistance of the 48V motor generator, a lot of the dual-clutch hesitancies are ironed out, making it feel more seamless behind the wheel. However, there were still moments where it was abundantly clear this car has a dual-clutch auto. An example included when I changed from drive to reverse on a hill and started to roll before the gear actually engaged. This wasn't the most confidence-inspiring feeling behind the wheel. While the engine packs a punch, it also has the driving dynamics to match. The steering is wonderfully direct and well-weighted for tossing this small SUV around on city streets. It's rather smile-inducing. Even though all local non-AMG GLAs come with the AMG Line package as standard, they don't actually have sport suspension. Instead, they have a lowered version of the comfort suspension, which is great because this means the car doesn't feel overly stiff all the time. This car soaks up general lumps and bumps that occur with general urban road imperfections without any worries, though harsher singular bumps can send shocks into the cabin. It feels a little brittle if you hit a hard bump with a little too much pace. On the parking front, there are front and rear parking sensors, as well as a surround-view camera which has great quality. There's also a parking assistant, which is handy if you're not the most confident at parallel or perpendicular parking, though it's slow. Out on the open road, this car settles into a perfectly comfortable cruise. The engine revs are kept down low as the transmission prioritises the highest gear possible, though there is a bit of tyre roar at higher speeds. This isn't uncommon with European cars, especially those with run-flat tyres. There's still plenty of punch available if you need to do a quick overtake. The transmission will drop a few gears and the 48V motor generator will help get acceleration happening as soon as possible. You need to keep an eye on your speed because you'll easily creep above the speed limit if you're not paying attention. The steering still feels incredibly direct and well-weighted, which makes this fun to drive in the twisties. Like many crossover SUVs, however, the GLA does get a bit of body roll up when pushed. It's not horrible, but it limits its dynamism compared to a lower-slung hatchback, for example. Like at lower speeds, the suspension feels settled and composed at higher speeds, though harsher bumps can transmit into the cabin. On the safety front, the GLA is now fully loaded. With the mid-life update, it now gets adaptive cruise control as standard. It's an intuitive system which is able to keep a safe distance between the car ahead and not freak out when a car cuts in front of you. The lane-keep assist is fairly relaxed with how it reacts when you get close to the lane markings but, disappointingly, there's no active lane-centring function as standard. You need to opt for the Plus Package to get this, among a range of other features, including a head-up display and adaptive high-beam. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What do you get? On test here is the mid-spec Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic with no option packages. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 equipment highlights: LED headlights with adaptive high-beam Power-adjustable front sports seats Heated front seats Galvanised paddle shifters AMG Line exterior package 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wireless Satellite navigation with live traffic Wireless phone charger Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel Semi-autonomous parking assist Panoramic sunroof Dual-zone climate control Keyless entry and start Power tailgate GLA250 4Matic adds: Off-Road Engineering Package Options The GLA250 4Matic is available with a number of different options, but none were equipped to our tester. Plus Package: $5000 Driving Assistance Package Augmented reality satellite navigation Burmester sound system Illuminated door sills Head-up display Multi-beam LED headlights Adaptive high-beam MBUX Interior Assist Surround lighting with projected logos Other standalone options include: 20-inch AMG multi-spoke black alloy wheels: $1600 Black Lugano leather upholstery: $1700 To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA safe? The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on tests conducted on the related B-Class in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Safe exit warning Traffic sign recognition Surround-view camera 9 airbags (front, side and curtain, plus a driver's knee airbag) Opting for the Plus Package on the GLA200 and GLA250 4Matic adds: Active Distance Assist Steering Assist Active Lane Change Assist Extended route-based speed limit assist To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How much does the Mercedes-Benz GLA cost to run? The Mercedes-Benz GLA is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Mercedes-Benz GLA The Mercedes-Benz GLA has long been a default option for those looking at a small but luxurious SUV. There are now more rivals than ever, but this car still shines through as a benchmark, though it's starting to feel its age. This mid-life update has invigorated the GLA just enough, though there are newer rivals like the BMW X1 that offer more technology and much better value. It's nice there is now wireless smartphone mirroring, as well as different looks inside and out to keep things fresh. Some of the changes hinder the useability, though, including the fiddly touch sliders on the new steering wheel. The storage space where the touchpad used to be also just looks weird. I'm a fan of the new 48V mild-hybrid version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in this GLA250 4Matic. It certainly packs a punch and you likely won't be looking for any more power in your everyday commute. However, it doesn't notably improve fuel consumption. Lastly, let's talk money. The GLA is certainly one expensive small SUV. At $80,500 before on-roads for the GLA250 4Matic on test here, it's considerably more expensive than all of its direct rivals. It's also rather expensive to service, which is a further pain point. If you're willing to buck up the cash for one of these and are a die-hard fan of the three-pointed star, you'll love this car as a package. It certainly doesn't disappoint. If you're more brand-averse, however, it may be worth checking out the competition because there's plenty out there. Interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz GLA? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Pros Zippy performance Fun driving dynamics Comfortable driving position Cons
West Australian
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA review
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has formed the entry point to the German luxury carmaker's SUV lineup for years now. A formidable rival to the likes of the Audi Q3 , BMW X1 , Lexus UX , Mini Countryman , and Volvo XC40 , among others, this small premium SUV has been on sale in Australia in second-generation guise since 2020. Now it has received a worthwhile mid-life facelift. On the outside there is a 'modernised' headlight and tail-light signature, as well as a redesigned front bumper and grille. Inside, there is a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons and sliders, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, illuminated USB ports, and an additional USB-C port. Under the bonnet, the mid-spec 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic on test here, as well as the hotter AMG GLA35 4Matic, now get 48V mild-hybrid assistance, comprising a belt-driven starter-generator that's capable of providing an additional 10kW for brief periods. Is this small luxury SUV from the three-pointed star still the benchmark in its segment? Read along to find out. On test here is the mid-range GLA250 4Matic, priced from a cool $80,500 plus on-road costs. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Despite its more compact dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz GLA feels very much like any other model from the German luxury brand. The door handles require a similar amount of force to open, and the doors make a familiar thwack sound when closed. Once you're in there are rather comfortable sport seats that feature plenty of electric adjustment and manually extendable thigh support. This means people of all different sizes and statures will be able to find their desired seating position easily. As standard, the GLA gets microfibre upholstery with Artico artificial leather on the seat bolsters. While real leather is available as an option, I prefer this because it doesn't make you feel as sweaty on hotter days. Both front seats are heated, which was appreciated as it's starting to get a little cooler here in Melbourne. On the highest setting, these seats got hot really quickly, which is yet another benefit of the microfibre upholstery. Ahead of the driver is an AMG Line steering wheel, which feels chunky and is wrapped in soft Nappa leather. Annoyingly, it has touch-sensitive buttons and sliders for adjusting things like the sound system volume and cruise control, among other things, and they aren't nearly as intuitive as proper physical buttons. Another disappointing aspect of these buttons is the fact they are covered in glossy piano black panels which attract fingerprints and look grubby quickly. While there are dedicated buttons for picking up and hanging up phone calls, there's also no proper way to change the track that's playing, which resulted in me having to use the touchscreen instead. Bizarre… Behind the steering wheel is the same dual 10.25-inch screen setup that this car has featured for years now. It just has a refreshed look with the mid-life update. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster looks crisp and high-resolution. It has a number of different layouts to choose from, and you can customise them to show different information. The Germans still know how to do a good instrument cluster. Moving across, the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen still looks good, but compared to some rivals it's starting to look a little small. The screen is very responsive to touch inputs and the user interface is dead easy to navigate. Compared to the pre-update model, the GLA range now gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The window for smartphone mirroring also now takes up the entirety of the display, which looks much better. Looking around the cabin, you can tell this car has received some tweaks over the years. The most notable is the removal of the touchpad on the centre console. Instead, there's now an awkward storage space that isn't big enough for a plus-sized phone. I appreciate all the physical switchgear for the climate controls as they feel premium and are much more intuitive than having to use the touchscreen. It is somewhat annoying, however, that you need to look at the touchscreen to see what temperature you're setting the system to. While the majority of the finishes in this car look and feel premium to interact with, there's an overload of glossy piano black around the cabin. It's especially frustrating around the circular air vents because it attracts dust quickly. There are a lot of darker finishes up front, though there is interior ambient lighting in certain areas, which makes the car feel a bit more special at night. There's also a panoramic glass sunroof as standard, which has a panel that tilts and slides to offer more air flow. Moving to the second row, it's clear there's more emphasis put on the seats up front. It's not a terrible space to be, it just doesn't feel as special. At a leggy 182cm, I had enough leg, head, shoulder and toe room behind by own driving position. Two adults will fit fine in the second row, though pushing it to three would make things squishy. The person in the middle seat also has to contend with the sizeable transmission hump. Second-row amenities include air vents, USB-C ports, as well as a fold-down armrest with retractable cupholders. It's pretty standard. Around the back, there's a power tailgate that has a hands-free function, which comes in handy if you've got your hands full of stuff. With the tailgate open, there's a decent amount of boot space, though it won't blow you away. Disappointingly, there's no spare wheel here. As standard, the car comes with run-flat tyres, though you can opt for a tyre repair kit as a no-cost option. This isn't ideal for those who frequently travel in the country. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine gains 48V mild-hybrid assistance with the mid-life facelift. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Starting up the GLA250 4Matic, the turbo-petrol engine deliver a rowdy rev flare, which is more noticeable in the cabin than outside the car. Tat's because this car pumps fake engine sound into the cabin. To set off, you use the column-mounted gear selector, which feels premium and sleek. It's handy because you can quickly flick from drive to reverse, especially in parking scenarios or when doing a three-point turn. When the engine is still warming up, the first two gears rev out to around 3000rpm, which feels like way too much. This creates a jarring feeling inside the cabin, as the engine doesn't sound the best at these revs. Once the engine has warmed up a little, or you start travelling a bit faster, the car then opts for higher gears and will keep the revs down to minimise fuel consumption. This feels a lot more natural and calm. While the 2.0-litre turbo four in this car is far from new, it is now augmented with mild-hybrid assistance, which allows for more seamless and longer engine idle stop/start interaction. When in Eco mode, the car can also coast with the engine switched off to save fuel. As part of this 48V system, there's a belt-driven motor generator that is used to start the engine, but can also provide an additional 10kW of power for brief periods. This helps for faster acceleration, or to generally take load off the engine. Another part of the 48V mild-hybrid system is the regenerative braking system, which helps top up the small 48V battery pack. It's satisfying to know that you're recuperating energy to then use to help performance later on. In practice, the system is seamless and even has an intelligent function by which it'll increase the amount of regenerative braking based on how quickly the car in front of you is travelling. It means you don't have to think that much about it and can instead focus on driving. As a package, this powertrain is a little firecracker. You'll easily be keeping up with traffic from the lights, and with only a subtle flex of your right foot, you'll be accelerating faster than most. At no point was I looking for more power, which makes me feel like the AMG GLA35 is somewhat superfluous, as many performance cars are. This car comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which provides snappy and almost instantaneous gear changes. With the assistance of the 48V motor generator, a lot of the dual-clutch hesitancies are ironed out, making it feel more seamless behind the wheel. However, there were still moments where it was abundantly clear this car has a dual-clutch auto. An example included when I changed from drive to reverse on a hill and started to roll before the gear actually engaged. This wasn't the most confidence-inspiring feeling behind the wheel. While the engine packs a punch, it also has the driving dynamics to match. The steering is wonderfully direct and well-weighted for tossing this small SUV around on city streets. It's rather smile-inducing. Even though all local non-AMG GLAs come with the AMG Line package as standard, they don't actually have sport suspension. Instead, they have a lowered version of the comfort suspension, which is great because this means the car doesn't feel overly stiff all the time. This car soaks up general lumps and bumps that occur with general urban road imperfections without any worries, though harsher singular bumps can send shocks into the cabin. It feels a little brittle if you hit a hard bump with a little too much pace. On the parking front, there are front and rear parking sensors, as well as a surround-view camera which has great quality. There's also a parking assistant, which is handy if you're not the most confident at parallel or perpendicular parking, though it's slow. Out on the open road, this car settles into a perfectly comfortable cruise. The engine revs are kept down low as the transmission prioritises the highest gear possible, though there is a bit of tyre roar at higher speeds. This isn't uncommon with European cars, especially those with run-flat tyres. There's still plenty of punch available if you need to do a quick overtake. The transmission will drop a few gears and the 48V motor generator will help get acceleration happening as soon as possible. You need to keep an eye on your speed because you'll easily creep above the speed limit if you're not paying attention. The steering still feels incredibly direct and well-weighted, which makes this fun to drive in the twisties. Like many crossover SUVs, however, the GLA does get a bit of body roll up when pushed. It's not horrible, but it limits its dynamism compared to a lower-slung hatchback, for example. Like at lower speeds, the suspension feels settled and composed at higher speeds, though harsher bumps can transmit into the cabin. On the safety front, the GLA is now fully loaded. With the mid-life update, it now gets adaptive cruise control as standard. It's an intuitive system which is able to keep a safe distance between the car ahead and not freak out when a car cuts in front of you. The lane-keep assist is fairly relaxed with how it reacts when you get close to the lane markings but, disappointingly, there's no active lane-centring function as standard. You need to opt for the Plus Package to get this, among a range of other features, including a head-up display and adaptive high-beam. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool On test here is the mid-spec Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic with no option packages. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA200 equipment highlights: GLA250 4Matic adds: The GLA250 4Matic is available with a number of different options, but none were equipped to our tester. Plus Package: $5000 Other standalone options include: To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on tests conducted on the related B-Class in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: Opting for the Plus Package on the GLA200 and GLA250 4Matic adds: To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Mercedes-Benz GLA is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. To see how the Mercedes-Benz GLA lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Mercedes-Benz GLA has long been a default option for those looking at a small but luxurious SUV. There are now more rivals than ever, but this car still shines through as a benchmark, though it's starting to feel its age. This mid-life update has invigorated the GLA just enough, though there are newer rivals like the BMW X1 that offer more technology and much better value. It's nice there is now wireless smartphone mirroring, as well as different looks inside and out to keep things fresh. Some of the changes hinder the useability, though, including the fiddly touch sliders on the new steering wheel. The storage space where the touchpad used to be also just looks weird. I'm a fan of the new 48V mild-hybrid version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in this GLA250 4Matic. It certainly packs a punch and you likely won't be looking for any more power in your everyday commute. However, it doesn't notably improve fuel consumption. Lastly, let's talk money. The GLA is certainly one expensive small SUV. At $80,500 before on-roads for the GLA250 4Matic on test here, it's considerably more expensive than all of its direct rivals. It's also rather expensive to service, which is a further pain point. If you're willing to buck up the cash for one of these and are a die-hard fan of the three-pointed star, you'll love this car as a package. It certainly doesn't disappoint. If you're more brand-averse, however, it may be worth checking out the competition because there's plenty out there. Interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz GLA? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLA
