2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

The GLA250 comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, foglights, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 14-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar), a 10-way manual passenger seat with a fold-flat feature, driver memory settings, a driver information display, selectable driving modes, MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks (with a cargo pass-through). Electronics features include a 7-inch central display with a console-mounted control knob, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, an SD card reader and two USB ports. Certain features of Mercedes' Mbrace telematics system (including a Wi-Fi hot spot and concierge services) are available on a subscription basis.

For the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, hill descent control and an off-road status monitor for the 7-inch display (including steering angle, tilt angle and grade percentage) add sport-activity credentials.

The Premium package features a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio. The Multimedia package adds a larger 8-inch screen, a navigation system, voice controls and smartphone integration via Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The Sport package adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and more aggressive-looking exterior styling. Available only with the Sport package, the Night package adds black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents. The Interior package features leather seating, front sport seats, upgraded ambient interior lighting and MB-Tex dash trim. The Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Lastly, the Convenience package adds auto-dimming mirrors and a garage door opener.

Standalone options include a few of the packaged items above plus xenon headlights and LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors combined with an automated parking system and a 14-way power passenger seat with memory.

The high-performance AMG GLA 45 comes standard with all-wheel drive and includes the GLA250's standard features plus a more powerful engine, sport exhaust, unique 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering and upgraded brakes. Also standard are xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, the power passenger seat, MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery, and styling tweaks that include a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches and quad tailpipes.

Options largely mirror those of the GLA250 but also include 20-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats, an upgraded steering wheel, a large rear spoiler and a performance exhaust. The GLA 45 can be ordered with any of the above packages, except for Sport or Night. The GLA 45's unique Dynamic Plus package adds adaptive suspension dampers, a limited-slip front differential, a Race driving mode and a higher top speed. A carbon-fiber exterior trim package, Aerodynamics package and AMG Dinamica package add performance and aesthetic appeal.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque matched to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission (with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles). In Edmunds track testing, the GLA250 4Matic outdid Mercedes' estimated 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds by hitting the milestone in 6.8 seconds, a good showing for this segment.

The AMG GLA 45 pumps out an outstanding 375 hp and 350 lb-ft from the same 2.0-liter engine. A quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission sends power to all four wheels. The AMG GLA 45 also features a three-mode stability control system that allows drivers to tailor the level of intervention and offers available launch control. Mercedes says the GLA 45 can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

Both the GLA250 and the AMG GLA 45 feature an automatic stop-start function that, if engaged, turns off the engine when the car stops to save fuel. Fuel economy figures are quite good: the front-wheel-drive GLA250 achieves 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway), while the GLA250 4Matic earns 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). The high-octane AMG GLA 45 isn’t much worse at  25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).