Mercedes GLA hybrid running costs
The Mercedes GLA 250 e makes a lot of sense for company-car users; private buyers will have to be a bit more careful with the options list, however
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service interval | 2020/21 company-car tax cost (20%/40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-41 | 3yrs / unlimited miles | 1yr / 12,000 miles (est) | From £799 / £1,598 |
As is so often the case with plug-in hybrids, the GLA makes the most sense for company-car drivers thanks to its low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating of just 10%, which equates to reasonable monthly payments. Private buyers who spend most of their time around town will benefit from lower fuel costs compared to a petrol or diesel car, but there's no denying the difference in up-front cost.
So while the Mercedes is a no-brainer for company-car users, as a private buyer It's worth making a rough estimate of your annual mileage before buying a plug-in hybrid, especially if overall running costs are a concern. Still, we'll always recommend one over most petrol or diesel cars if you're more concerned about environmental impact.
Mercedes GLA hybrid insurance group
The GLA hybrid falls into insurance groups 40 and 41 depending on exact specification, which is pretty high for a small SUV. Insurers tend to ask more when covering cars with electric motors, batteries and other pieces of high-tech equipment – these tend to be more expensive to fix when something goes wrong, and cars fitted with them tend to be more expensive.
Warranty
The Mercedes GLA 250 e is covered by a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. For context, BMW’s cover is identical, while Audi and Volvo each offer three-year warranties capped at 60,000 miles. Mercedes covers the car's battery for 62,000 miles or six years, which is a little on the low side compared to some brands.
Servicing
Exact servicing information isn't available yet, but Mercedes offers free roadside assistance and its ServiceCare system, which allows you to budget by spreading the cost out monthly or making a single annual payment.
Road tax
Go for the entry-level car with no options and you'll only pay £140 road tax per year, but if your GLA breaches the £40,000 threshold – something that's inevitable as you step up through the option packs – that payment will jump up to £465 per annum in years two to six of ownership.
