The Mercedes-Benz GLA has long been a favourite amongst those looking for a compact crossover with a touch of class. A versatile urban warrior with a hint of off-road capability, the GLA's ground clearance plays a pivotal role in its appeal. For the uninitiated, the ground clearance is simply the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground. In the current model, the ground clearance is an impressive 143 mm, which promises a balance of urban maneuverability and light off-roading capability. Now, let's take a trip down memory lane to see how this ground clearance has evolved over the years.
The GLA's ground clearance has seen some changes over its generations. From 2014 to 2020, spanning the GLA (2014-2017) and the facelifted version (2017-2020), the ground clearance remained at 134 mm. This was adequate for urban adventures but left a bit to be desired in more rugged terrains. Enter the new GLA from 2020 onwards, sporting a ground clearance of 143 mm. This seemingly modest increase has enhanced its ability to tackle bigger potholes and the occasional dirt road. The latest facelift in 2023 retains this 143 mm clearance, continuing to strike that delicate balance between style and function. For the full details and ground clearance for GLA generations, click here.
| Generation year | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| GLA, Model year 2014 (GLA 156) | 134 mm |
| GLA, Model year 2017 (GLA 156 (1. Facelift)) | 134 mm |
| GLA, Model year 2020 (GLA 247) | 143 mm |
| GLA, Model year 2023 (GLA 247 (1. Facelift)) | 143 mm |
| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| GLA | 143 mm |
| GLA AMG | 160 mm |
In the grand Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLA sits comfortably in a mid-ground regarding ground clearance. The lower end is populated by sleek sports cars and sedans like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupé and the A-Class AMG Limousine, both skimming just above the asphalt with a minuscule 81 mm. On the opposite end, we have the towering giants like the G-Wagen, lording over with its 270 mm clearance. The GLA, with its 143 mm, is neither here nor there. It's more elevated compared to something like the GLB at 135 mm but falls short when compared to more elevated options in the lineup, such as the EQB at 154 mm. So while it's definitely not the king of the hill, it's no slouch either.
| Variant name | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| AMG GT Coupé | 81 mm |
| A{class} AMG | 81 mm |
| A{class} AMG Limousine | 81 mm |
| CLA AMG Shooting Brake | 83 mm |
| CLA AMG Coupé | 85 mm |
| E{class} All-Terrain | 85 mm |
| E{class} Limousine | 85 mm |
| E{class} T-Modell | 85 mm |
| AMG SL | 86 mm |
| C{class} Coupé | 88 mm |
| C{class} AMG Cabriolet | 90 mm |
| C{class} AMG Coupé | 90 mm |
| C{class} AMG Limousine | 90 mm |
| C{class} AMG T-Modell | 90 mm |
| A{class} | 91 mm |
| A{class} Limousine | 91 mm |
| C{class} Limousine | 92 mm |
| C{class} T-Modell | 92 mm |
| CLA Coupé | 99 mm |
| CLA Shooting Brake | 99 mm |
| EQE | 102 mm |
| B{class} | 104 mm |
| EQV | 106 mm |
| CLE Coupé | 108 mm |
| AMG GT {4door} Coupé | 116 mm |
| GLB AMG | 122 mm |
| Maybach S{class} Limousine | 130 mm |
| S{class} Limousine | 130 mm |
| EQE SUV | 131 mm |
| EQS | 134 mm |
| GLB | 135 mm |
| C{class} All-Terrain | 137 mm |
| EQS AMG | 139 mm |
| GLA | 143 mm |
| GLC Coupé | 145 mm |
| EQE SUV AMG | 154 mm |
| EQA | 154 mm |
| EQB | 154 mm |
| GLA AMG | 160 mm |
| EQS SUV | 178 mm |
| Maybach EQS SUV | 184 mm |
| GLC | 187 mm |
| GLE AMG Coupé | 188 mm |
| GLE Coupé | 200 mm |
| GLE | 205 mm |
| GLE AMG | 205 mm |
| GLS | 215 mm |
| GLS AMG | 215 mm |
| Maybach GLS | 215 mm |
| G{class} AMG Station-Wagen {long} | 266 mm |
| G{class} Station-Wagen {long} | 270 mm |
When pitted against its rivals, the GLA’s ground clearance of 143 mm holds its own quite well. The Tesla Model 3 rides pretty close to the ground, with its clearance of 140 mm making the GLA slightly more adept at handling rougher terrain. The Ford Edge gets a bit towering with 152 mm, making it more suitable for more adventurous escapades. Then there's the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 160 mm, outclassing the GLA when it comes to scaling bumps. Consider length and wheelbase as well; the GLA’s compactness provides an easier time navigating tight city streets compared to the Ford Edge's 4808 mm length and 2848 mm wheelbase. But if it's sheer ground clearance you’re after, the Volvo XC60 and its staggering 230 mm clearance dwarf the GLA and practically everything else in sight. However, most city drivers would find the GLA more than adequate for their needs, being a balanced compromise between an urban cruiser and an off-road wannabe.
| Car model | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Audi Q8 2018 | 245 mm |
| Volvo XC60 2008 | 230 mm |
| ALPINA XD3 2013 | 212 mm |
| ALPINA XD4 2021 | 204 mm |
| Jaguar E-Pace 2018 | 204 mm |
| Infiniti QX30 2016 | 202 mm |
| Hyundai Tucson 2004 | 195 mm |
| DS Automobiles DS 7 2022 | 190 mm |
| Ford Kuga 2008 | 188 mm |
| Renault Koleos 2008 | 188 mm |
| Hyundai ix55 2009 | 185 mm |
| Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 | 180 mm |
| Dodge Nitro 2007 | 180 mm |
| Skoda Karoq 2017 | 176 mm |
| Volvo EX40 2024 | 175 mm |
| Citroen C-Crosser 2007 | 174 mm |
| Peugeot 4008 2012 | 168 mm |
| VW ID.5 2022 | 163 mm |
| Ford Edge 2016 | 152 mm |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA 2023 | 143 mm |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 | 123 mm |
