MERC'S E-GAME(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 110

For Mercedes GLA customers, EQ Power means the addition of the plug-in hybrid technology that features in this clever GLA 250 e variant. Thanks to a slightly bigger 11.5kWh battery, this improved version can now travel up to 43 WLTP-rated miles on a single charge that can be completed from 10-100% in just an hour and 45 minutes from a 7.4kW AC charging station. And the 1.33-litre petrol engine with its improved 78bhp electric motor produce a sprightly 218hp total output, yet a super-low 31g/km CO2 reading. In short, this is a car that's eco-conscious as well as fashion-conscious. If you can afford it, this Mercedes is easy to like.

Background word count: 127

The Mercedes EQ Power brand covers almost every kind of electrification, from mild hybrids and full-EVs in the company's larger models to the space-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain that fits into this maker's more compact cars. It's that latter PHEV tech we're looking at here, specifically as applied to the Stuttgart manufacturer's smallest SUV, the GLA. The model in question, the GLA 250 e, has recently been improved with a slightly larger PHEV battery and a fractionally faster electric motor - and shares the same plug-in powertrain as the A-Class A 250 e model, a set-up that right now just happens to set the segment standard. But can it justify a significant price premium over the conventional petrol and diesel versions of this GLA? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience word count: 263

A few small changes have been made to the updated version of this GLA 250 e Plug-in model. The output of the electric motor has been raised by 5bhp to 78bhp. And the PHEV battery is slightly bigger than before, rated at 11.5kWh, as a result of which EV driving range has increased from 37 to 43 miles. Obviously, you won't get anywhere near that figure if you regularly approach the quoted all-electric top speed of 87mph. As before, the 150hp 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine combines with the electric motor to generate a surprisingly high level of total output - 218hp and 450Nm of torque. So, not surprisingly, performance is sprightly, 62mph dispatched in just 7.1s en route to 136mph. You have to have front wheel drive and an 8-speed 8G-DCT dual clutch auto transmission. The car has a pleasing preference for battery-powered motoring and there's an extra 'Electric' DYNAMIC SELECT drive mode for use if once you get going, you want to prevent the combustion engine cutting in. In theory, you can stay in battery drive all the way up to 87mph. Alternatively, an 'Electric in City' option allows you to save battery charge for urban driving you might want to do later in your trip. Either way, you can maximise battery range with careful use of these steering wheel paddleshifters, there not to switch gear ratios but to vary levels of brake energy recuperation - though it's easier just to pull hard on either one, this then selecting a radar-based 'D AUTO' recuperation programme which basically does it all for you.