The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is proof that even Mercedes isn't immune to temptation. With the market for compact-crossover SUVs exploding, and the thirst for prestige brands growing as well, Mercedes needed an entry in the compact-crossover niche. And that's the GLA.
The "A" in GLA indicates that this is a member of Mercedes' smallest size class. And it hints (accurately) that much of the GLA's engineering is shared with the smallest four-door the company sells in the United States, the CLA. So this crossover is based on a front-drive platform that's closer in structure to, say, a Hyundai Sonata than it is a Mercedes C-, E- or S-Class.
Budget-friendliness may be an odd concept for American Mercedes buyers, but the company has long contended in many smaller vehicle classes for decades in Europe and elsewhere. The GLA still carries hints of Mercedes overengineering even if it doesn't show up on the bottom line of the window sticker. Well, at least before options.
Shaped something like a well-worn Converse Chuck Taylor, the GLA-Class possesses all the familiar Mercedes styling cues, including a giant three-pointed star in the middle of its grille. Unfortunately those floppy-shoe stylings cover a relatively tiny passenger compartment. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are all tightly limited. And cargo room is down there between not-very-much and negligible.
Yes, the standard interior is upholstered in "MB-Tex" which a synthetic leather. Leather is however a zero-dollar option as long as you don't count the required Premium and Interior packages that accompany it and add $4,600 to the bottom line.
There are two distinct GLA-Class models. The one that's advertised with a low, Honda-like starting price is the GLA250 powered by a transversely mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at a modest 208 horsepower that drives the front wheels through an automated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A version of Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is also available.
Well above the GLA250 is the GLA45 AMG that comes from Mercedes in-house tuning shop, AMG. Using the same basic engine, but with the turbo wick turned to "insane," the 2.0-liter four slams out an astonishing 355 hp. It's enough, claims Mercedes, to rocket the all-wheel-drive GLA45 AMG to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. It's louder and ruder than the GLA250, and the suspension can be punishingly stiff, but if having the quickest small crossover around matters, here it is.
Both GLAs handle well and ride pretty firmly. The refinement expected in a Mercedes simply isn't there, but the fuel economy is pretty good. The basic GLA250 is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway). The GLA45 AMG knocks out 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).
Making sense of the compact-crossover market is tough, but you can count on Edmunds to clear things up for you and get you a great deal.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Overview
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is offered in the following submodels: SUV, AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. Available styles include GLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and AMG GLA 45 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). GLA-Class models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 GLA-Class comes with all wheel drive or front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed shiftable automatic. The 2017 GLA-Class comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 GLA-Class featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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What do people think of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 GLA-Class a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 GLA-Class.
Vehicle GLA250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Review Rented a GLA 250 4-matic to drive from West Palm Beach to St. Augustine and back for a wedding. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable and supportive, and the rear cargo area was plenty for two and our gear. Not much room in the rear for passengers - which was irrelevant to us. Performance - acceleration, handling, braking - was exhilarating. Ride was firm but not harsh while cruising. Fuel economy was excellent. Used sport mode around town and economy on the highway, with sport steering setting. Cruises easily at 100 mph with little road noise and full control. The engine stop/start feature was an aggravation, with hesitation, so I disabled it. The transmission was smoother in sport mode than in economy or comfort. There is a custom feature available too. Audio was good but not great, and no equalizer controls. I would opt for the Harmon-Kardon upgrade for $750 (can be ordered separately from various packages). Burnished aluminum on dash was ugly and reflected too much sun. Opt for wood. Electronics were a steep learning curve indeed; but this was a rental with insufficient time to study the manual. Not intuitive. I agree the central screen looks like a cheap add-on. Visibility is limited due to the small windows all around. I normally drive a Ford Focus hatch with manual tranny, so the outstanding performance and solid quality build was impressive. Missed the clutch; but there are paddle shifters. Did not take it offroad; but doubt it would make it over the dune on the Outer Banks. More of a slick-handling sporty AWD hatch with tremendous performance for the price. Cannot even imagine driving the AMG version.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 64 new and 179 used and CPO 2017 GLA-Classs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 27998 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 300 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 GLA-Class available from one of 2632 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Exterior Colors: Night Black, Cirrus White, Mountain Grey Metallic, Polar Silver Metallic, Jupiter Red, Lunar Blue Metallic , designo Mountain Grey Magno, Cocoa Brown Metallic, South Seas Blue Metallic, Universe Blue Metallic, Canyon Beige Metallic, Kryptonite Green Metallic, Northern Lights Violet Metallic, Cosmos Black Metallic
Interior Colors: Black leather, Black MB-Tex leatherette, Beige MB-Tex leatherette, Sahara Beige MB-Tex leatherette, Nut Brown leather, Sahara Beige/Black leather, Ash Grey leather, Ash MB-Tex leatherette, Brown leather, Crystal Grey MB-Tex leatherette, Beige/Black leather, Black leatherette/suede, Brown Leather/Fabric leatherette/cloth
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Automatic Emergency Braking, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Power Driver Seat, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Pre-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, AWD/4WD, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Back-up camera, Heated seats, Remote Start, Upgraded Stereo, Sunroof/Moonroof, Blind Spot Monitoring, Upgraded Headlights, Navigation, Keyless Entry/Start, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Leather Seats
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
