2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review





+138
Used GLA-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz GLA-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class types
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sporty handling and performance from base model
- stunning performance from AMG version
- premium interior materials
- ample safety features.
Cons
- Overly firm ride quality
- abundance of road and wind noise
- slow responses from the automatic transmission
- less cargo capacity than most rivals.
What’s new
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class compact crossover is an all-new model.
Edmunds says
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class mixes hatchback and small crossover attributes to give you a sporting drive, a well-trimmed cabin and an elevated ride height. But its firm ride and limited practicality should give you pause.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$167/mo for GLA-Class GLA 250
GLA-Class GLA 250
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Is the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a compact crossover SUV or a high-riding four-door compact hatchback? Although officially known as the former, we won't correct you if you use the latter description as well, since the GLA certainly looks the part. However, as Americans typically see hatchbacks as down-market vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is marketing the GLA to compete in the growing small-crossover SUV segment in which models from Audi, BMW and Infiniti also belong.
These vehicles are actually smaller (and typically less expensive) than established crossovers like Mercedes' own GLK-Class. Yet the GLA has a proper upscale vibe with swoopy styling, a high-quality cabin and energetic performance. Measuring about 4.5 inches shorter in length and about 8 inches lower in height than the GLK, the GLA is obviously better suited to the tighter parking spots and garages of big cities.
As the GLA shares its basic platform and running gear with the CLA sedan, it similarly offers 208 horsepower in standard form and 355 spirited horses in fiery AMG form. The all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic and GLA 45 AMG arrive first, with the front-wheel-drive GLA250 to follow in early 2015. The GLA also mirrors the junior sedan inside as well, with three vents sitting atop the center console, just below a freestanding navigation display.
Unfortunately, the GLA also picks up many of the CLA's bad habits, including an overly firm ride, an unrefined transmission that stumbles in traffic and a noticeable amount of road and wind noise. The cargo area is also on the small side, with just 43 cubic feet of space available with the rear seats folded down. If you're looking to get an SUV for its practicality, the GLA is not the best choice.
Truth be told, though, none of the GLA's competitors, including the 2015 Audi Q3, 2015 BMW X1, 2015 Infiniti QX50 and slightly bigger 2015 Lexus NX 200t, are practicality champs. And among this group, the GLA will provide the elevated seating position, premium interior and premium ownership experience that you're likely looking for. The wild AMG version is also a standout. But the GLA's comfort and refinement issues mean that a long test-drive in a variety of driving conditions is paramount.
Performance & mpg
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 208 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque matched to a seven-speed automated manual transmission (with shift paddles). Initially, just the all-wheel-drive (4Matic) version will be available, with the front-drive version to follow. Mercedes says the all-wheel-drive GLA will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Both the GLA250 and the GLA 45 AMG feature an automatic stop-start function that, if engaged, turns off the engine when the car stops to save fuel.
The powerhouse GLA 45 AMG coaxes a very impressive 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from the same 2.0-liter engine. A quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission sends the power to all four wheels. The GLA 45 AMG also features a three-mode stability-control system (that allows drivers to tailor the level of intervention) and launch control. Mercedes says the GLA 45 can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the GLA-Class is quite good: GLA250 4Matic earns 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) while the GLA 45 AMG's economy comes in at 25 mpg combined (23/29).
Safety
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, a driver knee airbag, front seat side thorax airbags, front seat side pelvic airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Standard technology safety features include Collision Prevention Assist, which uses radar to identify potential collision situations and intervenes with braking as necessary, and Attention Assist, which monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness and inattention. Mercedes' mbrace telematics system is also standard and includes automatic collision notification, an emergency response button, stolen-vehicle locator, remote car alarm notification to your phone and remote door lock/unlock.
Rear seat side airbags are optional. Other safety-oriented options include a rearview camera, parking sensors bundled with an automated parking system and the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot warning systems.
Driving
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic's on-road character more closely resembles that of a conventional hatchback than a typical go-anywhere SUV. On the open road, the GLA250 delivers convincing agility, with electric power assist steering that is engagingly direct, if a little vague on center. And despite the added ride height, there is excellent body control with only a limited amount of lean on more challenging roads. The GLA's relatively tight turning circle of 36 feet proves well-suited to the cut and thrust of urban driving.
Unfortunately, the GLA suffers from an overly firm and occasionally harsh ride quality, especially when you opt for bigger wheel sizes. The automated manual transmission is also frustrating, as it is slow to engage a gear when starting from a stop and causes stuttering motions when stuck in traffic.
This is a shame, since the GLA250 and its turbocharged four-cylinder nevertheless possess a solid amount of low- and midrange grunt. This gives it a satisfying user-friendly power delivery, as it feels energetic when accelerating away from traffic lights and pulling out to pass laggards on highways. The GLA 45 AMG, of course, is an entirely different animal, providing a degree of performance and handling potential that only the Porsche Macan can match. It has a similar ride quality to the GLA250, but as it's a sport-tuned model, that attribute is easier to accept.
Interior
As with the CLA with which it shares many cabin components, the GLA's interior looks and feels like that of a traditional Mercedes. Big analog gauges, a clean center stack design and tight fit and finish impart the same premium feel shared across the Mercedes lineup. The lone exception is the optional navigation system's display, which looks like an aftermarket addition given its location -- separate and perched high on the dash. On the upside, the screen is easy to read. Although it takes a little getting used to, the column-mounted gear selector quickly becomes second nature and also frees up valuable, easily accessed storage space on the console. Dressing things up is a variety of cabin accents, which include walnut, ash, aluminum and (GLA 45 only) carbon fiber.
An elevated driving position provides excellent forward visibility, but the shallow angle of the tailgate and thick roof pillars impede the view out back. Although there is a lot to like about the forward compartment of the cabin, the rear quarters are not quite as accommodating, as space is lacking compared with larger compact luxury crossovers like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes' own GLK. There's enough headroom for adult passengers, but the seat cushions are on the short and low side.
Cargo space behind the GLA's rear seats measures 17.2 cubic feet -- about 3 cubes less than the Range Rover Evoque but a bit more than you'll find in an Audi Q3. Fold the rear seats down and you have 43.6 cubic feet available, which is less than most rivals and indicative of a compact hatchback. The standard power liftgate is nice, but unfortunately the liftover is set quite high, making it a chore to load heavy luggage.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class models
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is available in GLA250, GLA250 4Matic and GLA 45 AMG trim levels.
The GLA250 comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, foglamps, roof rails, a power liftgate, automatic wipers, cruise control, 10-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar), driver memory settings, MBTex premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat (with pass-through). Electronics features include a 5.8-inch central display, the COMAND interface, mbrace2 telematics/smartphone integration, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB audio input. Hill-descent control and an off-road transmission mode further burnish its sport-activity credentials.
The available Premium package features auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a compass, heated seats and a Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio and an iPod interface. The Multimedia package adds a navigation system, a larger 7-inch central display, voice controls, a rearview camera and a 10GB music server. The Sport package adds 19-inch wheels, a more aggressive-looking front fascia and side sills and upgraded brakes. The Interior package features leather seating, front sport seats, a black headliner and MBTex dash trim. Lastly, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot warning.
Stand-alone option highlights include bi-xenon headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, an illuminated grille emblem, parking sensors combined with an automated parking system, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, wood interior trim, a lower-cost navigation system (integrated into the standard 5.8-inch display), an iPod/media player interface, satellite radio and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
A limited number (750) of the GLA250 will be available with the "Edition 1" package, which includes white paint, a two-tone brown leather/cloth interior, bi-xenon headlamps, gloss black 19-inch wheels and body trim, a panoramic sunroof, blind spot assist, the illuminated grille emblem, aluminum interior accents, and the Premium, Multimedia and Interior packages.
The high-performance GLA 45 AMG includes the GLA250's standard features and adds a more powerful engine, unique 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, upgraded brakes, bi-xenon headlights and styling tweaks that include a more aggressive front fascia and lower body metallic accents. Options essentially mirror those of the GLA250, but also include Recaro seats, an upgraded steering wheel with suedelike trim, a performance exhaust, a large rear spoiler and an Aerodynamics package that adds a variety of other exterior styling flourishes. There are also the Driver's package (20-inch wheels, firmer suspension, red brake calipers) and a number of body styling packages featuring unique colors and trim. Other options echo those of the GLA250.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
5 star(49%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
A delightful car
kukaduro, 05/19/2015
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I have been driving the GLA250 for about a half year. Absolutely no problems. It was parked outside in last year's Boston extreme winter and drove in the snow and ice like a champion. The car is a delight to drive. Fast with average 26 mpg (90% city, 30-31 mpg on highway at brisk speeds). I find the GLA a beautiful design and I received many compliment for it (often from Europeans who … value the practical hatchbacks more than US drivers).
What I don't enjoy is the wind noise on the highway, the very little leg room in the back and the low roof line at the front (I am 6'2")....but all those are compensated well by overall joy driving this car. I tested the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Nothing changed after a year and a half. The car goes to a Mercedes dealer's service once a year. In between only gas and windshield washer tanks need fill up. Not even the tires needed air since I bought the car.
(Here I had a line that claimed that the transmission settings were updated but I was wrong. It was wishful thinking. Sadly.)
I had no technical problems in the first two years.
UPDATE: Two and a half years of driving the GLA250 the car had no problem whatsoever. The single thing I am very unhappy about is the transmission's ECO mode. That is rather bad for a Mercedes. In the city (especially at slow cornering) the downshifting is delayed and abrupt. It shifts from 3 to 2 with a sudden jerk and unpleasant jump in gear2. The other shortcoming is - what many complained about - is the tendency of shifting into gear 7 also in ECO at ~ 35 mph which is annoying. The 2016 model has multiple gear options (e.g. comfort) but Mercedes won't bother to make the 2015 models any better by updating the software. This is such a disappointment in this otherwise great car that I am considering trading it in soon for a different brand.
YEAR THREE UPDATE:
See that for my initial impressions of the GLA250 above. Now the car turned three years old. Still running beautifully. The engine is superb. The transmission as annoying as ever and it was pointed out by a large number of reviewers. MB still does not bother upgrading the shifting properties. That is poor customer support especially because so many of us requested it. I took the car for the third annual service and they told me I need new tires. The car ran only 17500 miles and the Bridgestone Duellers are worn out on the front wheels (not sure whther they rotated them or not). They wanted to sell me that same junk tires again. What more, the Bridgestones come with NO WARRANTY (except defects). No minimum mileage, nothing. This is MB OEM quality and a $40k car. Last time I encountered this kind of tire "warranty" was my parents Russian Lada in the 1970s. If Mercedes thinks that this is their entry level car and people will buy higher class Benzes they ought to make a better impression.
THREE + HALF YEAR UPDATE:
I replaced those low quality Bridgestone tires with non-runflat Continentals. I bought a Mercedes donut spare wheel that I keep it in the trunk. Guess what? The trunk became so small (with the wheel in it) that a Porsche 911 may have more storage space. No technical issues. MB recalled it for an airbag grounding that was done on 30 minutes as promised. Herb Chambers' MB service is great. I can not say the same about Herb Chambers' sales. They can not confirm that I purchased an extended warranty for the car in 2015 and want me to buy that again. I asked them to check the warranty but they did not bother to respond.
The 2019 facelift looks attractive. Since the BMW X2 is a massively ugly version of the double-boring X1 I may stick to the GLA and consider trading mine for the 2019 model. But first I check out the transmission :-)
4.63 out of 5 stars
GLA45 one of the fastest CUV ever, if not the fastest!
rskdsk, 12/01/2014
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0-60 in just 4.2 sec and runs the 1/4 in 12.8 at 109 ... and it is a 4 cylinder! Handles great, sounds even better with the race exhaust.
I looked at the SQ5 and found the outdated shape not thrilling anymore ... Looked at the Porsche Macan but the price with options and the wait time seemed outrageous and then add the maintenance cost and the fact that it rides like a truck ...
I … looked at the new Lexus NX but the lack of power and handling seemed weak at best. Same thing with the Q3. The GLA 250 seemed to be the better deal ... until I tested the GLA45 ... the rest is history.
5 out of 5 stars
Best vehicle I've owned, hands down!
newbenzowner, 05/12/2016
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Pros:
Best drive quality in it's class, sporty and sit up higher
Great visibility
Very safe- standard safety features are fantastic top rated in its class in Europe by far
Eco, Sport, Manual, and Off-road modes are alot of fun (especially sport and manual, lots of pep)
MPG is very respectable
Can get fully loaded for a reasonable price compared to other Mercedes-Benz vehicles that are … fully loaded
Bi-Xenon headlights are fantastic, really sharp daytime running LED strips
Cons:
Lumbar support for front seats is limited to lower and mid back
Back Seats have limited head room
Some of the materials on the interior feel cheaper compared to a c class (which is to be expected)
No option for air conditioned seats
No remote start (may just be my model I bought)
So I was sold on the 2015 c 300, I loved it- the drive quality the refined interior, love at first sight! However, after driving the GLA250 it stole my heart. While the c300 had a more refined ride (smoother) and the acceleration was slightly better, the drive of the GLA250 was equally impressive plus it provides much better visibility and you just feel safer sitting up higher in the vehicle. While the c-class has minor upgrades (automatic headrest, heated windshield washer fluid, a few more soft touch surfaces) the GLA250 felt like a 'younger' car. Being 29 years old the styling of the GLA250 seemed to fit me better- a bit more modern, sleek, and it still has the same s class styles that are great in the c-class. It also feels like the GLA250 just has some more space as well. The mpg is also very impressive and I have had 0 issues with the car thus far.
I also got an unbelievable deal on my 2015 GLA250 4matic certified pre owned and paid $33,000- includes Bi-xenon headlights, navigation/back-up camera, panoramic moonroof, 19" AMG rims and sport AMG styling, climate control etc original MSRP was almost $44K! I then paid an extra $2750 to take my CPO warranty to the next level:
bumper to bumper up to 50K miles or 5 years, whichever comes first
plus 3 years of unlimited miles bumper to bumper coverage and $0 deductible!
I drive 50K miles per year for work and was told with confidence by MB that as long as the car remains within the warranty period they will always repair the car with no deductible; EVEN IF THE COST OF THE REPAIR EXCEEDS THE VEHICLES VALUE! So I can finish my loan out with 300K miles and have had $30K+ in repairs (not maintenance, that is obviously not covered) and would pay absolutely nothing and they would honor the agreement. Apparently, customers who drive this much are considered a 'bump on the chin' they are willing to take considering how few are able to take full advantage of the warranty. Easily the best warranty in America at the moment.
Very happy and impressed with my 'new' CPO Benz!!!
5 out of 5 stars
its a beauty and quite a great price
Ryan, 08/08/2015
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I got the sea blue and boy does it turn heads. Its my first automatic in years, which is a bit of a bummer because off the starting line it can be less than exciting. The Sport mode changes everything quickly- i love it. Gas mileage on highways is superb, gas mileage through the town is just ok. I really like the car a lot, and I adore it's looks.
I wish the nav didn't misunderstand … every single thing I say- it makes it easy less convenient than just talking to Siri on my iPhone through bluetooth. I wouldn't pay for that next time.
Back seat isn't perfect, but you don't buy a car this size hoping for a giant backseat.
I really find myself paddle shifting more than I expected, and I really like the sunroof and stereo quality. The climate is almost too cold.
Great color. My first Benz and I significantly like it more than my husbands new c250 coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class videos
JAMES RISWICK: Here are 5 Things To Know About the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Mercedes may market it as an SUV, but it's really just a hatchback version of CLA sedan with some additional ground clearance. As such, it doesn't have that elevated SUV seating position. And both backseat and trunk space are negligible. It has the same sluggish throttle response and wonky automatic transmission as the CLA does. It's hard to drive smoothly. It has sharp handling and a tight turning circle, but the ride is overly firm and crashy. There are two versions-- the GLA250 with its 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, and GLA45 AMG with a 355-horsepower version of the same engine. It has more standard safety features than most luxury SUVs. For more information about the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, go to Edmunds.com
5 Things to Know About the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Here are 5 Things to Know about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
2015 GLA-Class Highlights
SUV
GLA 250
Base MSRP | $31,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $167/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
People who viewed this also viewed
2.2 average Rating out of 5 reviews. |
Starting at $39,800 |
4.2 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $38,600 |
2.7 average Rating out of 20 reviews. |
Starting at $47,100 |
Related Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L 2021 Review
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020 Review
- Jeep Gladiator 2021 Review
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 2021 Review
- Jeep Gladiator 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Rolls-royce Cullinan 2023
- BMW X1 2024
- Volvo V90-cross-country 2023
- Mini Countryman 2023
- Alfa-romeo Stelvio 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2019
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2015
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2021
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2016
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2020
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2017
- Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2018
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Volvo XC90 2022
- 2023 3 Series
- 2022 Audi Q8 e-tron
- 2022 Land Rover Range Rover
- 2024 8 Series Gran Coupe
- 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
- 2024 Rivian R1S News
- 2022 Sierra 1500
- 2022 MINI Countryman
Research recent models from same make
- GLB 250
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2024
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2022
- 2023 C-Class
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 2023
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2022 E-Class
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
- Mercedes-Benz EQS 2022
- Mercedes Benz Eqs
Research similar vehicles
- BMW 3X
- Porsche Macan
- Buick Envista
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Jeep Renegade
- Venza Car
- Mitzi Outlander
- Toyota CHR
- Audi Q7 2023
- Acadias
Other models
- Used Ford Econoline-Cargo in Fort Pierce, FL
- Used Subaru WRX in Ozone Park, NY
- Used Cadillac Cts-Wagon in Titusville, FL
- Used Buick Envision in Belleville, IL
- Used GMC Hummer-Ev-Suv in Dolton, IL
- Used Volkswagen Eos in Lake Mary, FL
- Used Nissan Z in Orangeburg, SC
- New Land-Rover Defender for Sale in Hampton, GA
- Used Lexus Es-350 in Morrisville, PA
- Used Toyota Rav4-Ev in Newport, RI