2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review
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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class types
- SUV
- AMG GLA 45
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- One of the most entertaining crossovers in the class
- Returns respectable mileage considering its performance
- High clearance and optional all-wheel drive lend some all-weather capability
- Long list of available tech and safety features on the AMG GLA 45
Cons
- Firm ride quality can grow tiresome on rough roads
- Automatic transmission operates sluggishly in stop-and-go situations
- Not much legroom, headroom or cargo room
- Road and wind noise could be better tamped down
What's new
- AMG GLA 45 comes with 20-inch wheels standard
- Part of the first GLA generation introduced for 2015
A budget Benz? That hasn't worked out well for the luxury automaker in the past (see: C 230 Kompressor). But the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA is different. Based on a platform used to build small cars for Europe, the GLA combines performance and Mercedes luxury at the price of an average family sedan.
The GLA 250 starts with a 208-horsepower four-cylinder engine and adds standard features such as a power liftgate, a folding seatback with a center pass-through, and three performance modes that optimize engine and transmission settings for different conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard and an available all-wheel-drive model (GLA 250 4Matic) adds some off-road-specific functions.
Infotainment includes an 8-inch display and Bluetooth, with the option of adding navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot (the latter through a subscription service). You'll also need to check the options boxes if you want driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Most Benzes lean toward stately power and control, but the GLA is one of the more fun and raucous models in the Mercedes lineup. This is especially true of the AMG GLA 45 top trim, which offers 375 hp, standard all-wheel drive and performance on another level compared to its rivals.
But a new "budget Benz" isn't without compromise. The GLA rides rougher than a traditional Mercedes, and there's a general dearth of headroom, legroom and cargo space. The GLA 250's transmission also isn't very smooth and responds slowly to requests for more power. A high price relative to the GLA's competitors doesn't help either. Similar BMW and Audi models, while not much roomier, offer more refinement for the same price or less.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.1 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 6.5 |
| Interior | 6.5 |
Driving
8.0The GLA 250 uniquely blends straight-line performance and sharp handling with an elevated ground clearance for rutted roads or the occasional field you might drive through. It's like a powerful Subaru XV Crosstrek. Unfortunately, the throttle and transmission don't respond as quickly as we'd like.
Comfort
6.5The GLA's suspension, wheels and tires send far more impact harshness into the cabin during around-town driving than we've come to expect from luxury cars. The poor ride quality is a big reason why the GLA fails to earn a higher rating.
Interior
6.5Though we appreciate Mercedes' intuitive COMAND electronics interface, the GLA's interior is otherwise compromised functionally. Space and visibility are the same as in a compact hatchback, but you're paying a price that's closer to that of a luxury compact SUV.
Utility
It might look like an active lifestyle car or play one on TV, but you can't pack a lot of activity into the GLA. The tidy cargo space can accommodate a couple pieces of luggage or outdoor gear, and with all-wheel drive you could wheel to a remote camping site but pack wisely.
Technology
There's a decent bit of tech even at the base level, including an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, and a five-year trial of Mbrace Connect telematics services, which includes an optional Wi-Fi hotspot. Satellite radio, navigation and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are options.
Which GLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Assuming you're not seeking a subcompact crossover for bonkers performance — in which case, go directly to the AMG GLA 45 — the GLA 250 is the only remaining choice. If you live where it's wet, get it with all-wheel drive. The GLA 250 4Matic and AMG GLA 45 both come with a generous set of features, but we'd still add the Premium package for satellite radio, heated seats and blind-spot monitoring. If we were commuting long enough distances, we'd also add the Multimedia package, which offers voice-controlled navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the Driver Assistance package, which bundles adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class models
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA is offered in three trim levels: GLA 250, GLA 250 4Matic and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 comes with a 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a decent features list that includes power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, Bluetooth and a 7-inch central display. The GLA 250 4Matic version adds all-wheel drive and hill descent control. The AMG GLA 45 shares the same basic feature set but with a more powerful engine and other high-performance upgrades.