2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35

Price Range: $56,450 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Keith Buglewicz | Edmunds

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV Exterior. European Model Shown.

+24

The Mercedes AMG GLA 35's performance left us feeling cold. The powertrain crackles and burbles in a familiar way, but a poorly configured transmission ruins all of the fun you could potentially be having. Handling is better, but overall this AMG product doesn't deliver enough to match its price tag.Read full review

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24 mpg

Combined MPG

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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 Review

byAlex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.}

rating written byBrian Wong^{Senior Reviews Editor
Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.}

Pros

GLA 250's smooth ride and comfortable seats
Features one of today's best, most advanced infotainment systems
Mercedes badge at an affordable price

Cons

Most of the GLA's advanced safety features are optional
Too much road noise for a luxury SUV
Cargo capacity is small compared to the Mercedes GLB
AMG GLA 35 is pricey and lacks real driving excitement

What's new

Refreshed front and rear styling
New 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrains
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration is now standard
Extra-spicy AMG GLA 45 model discontinued
Part of the second GLA generation introduced for 2021

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the smallest SUV in the German automaker's lineup, slotting beneath the slightly larger GLB and well below the compact GLC. But in spite of its size, the GLA manages to deliver Mercedes levels of comfort and refinement. For 2024, the GLA receives a subtle refresh, which brings with it a 48-volt mild hybrid upgrade to the subcompact SUV's existing powertrains, a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and several other changes. Sadly, the 382-horsepower AMG GLA 45 is no more.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$192/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Engines and mpg

Both the GLA 250 and AMG GLA 35 receive mild hybrid electrification. That system uses a belt-driven starter-generator to quickly restart the engine from a stop and temporarily boost output by up to 13 horsepower under certain conditions. Additionally, the setup can shut off the engine when the vehicle is in motion, allowing it to coast until the gas pedal is pressed again. This functionality should give it a slight bump in efficiency, though EPA numbers have yet to be released.

Competitors to consider

The GLA competes with other subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40. It's also likely to be cross-shopped against the larger GLB, which shares the same platform but offers more space. The GLA has a lower starting price and gets slightly better fuel economy. Which one is the better buy? Read on for our Expert Rating to help you decide.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the AMG GLA 35 drive? For a vehicle with an AMG badge, the GLA 35 is a bit of a letdown. You get decent power out of the turbocharged four-cylinder — at the Edmunds track, our AMG GLA 35 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a reasonably quick 5.2 seconds — but the transmission spoils the fun. The gearing is all wrong. On a canyon road or a track, you'll constantly be hunting to find the engine's powerband. And even if you have the transmission in manual mode it won't hold gears to redline, which is maddening. The brakes are quite good; it takes just 107 feet to stop from 60 mph (versus 138 feet in the non-AMG GLA).

The steering wheel pleasingly adds weight in the more aggressive drive modes, but there isn't much feedback to speak of and you feel disconnected from the road at times. Around turns, the GLA 35 feels agile to start. But the harder you drive, the less convincing the whole setup is. Even with the adaptive suspension in its firmest setting, there's too much confidence-sapping body roll.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the AMG GLA 35? The AMG GLA 35 crashes hard over broken pavement even while in its normal suspension setting mode. It's a stiff-riding SUV, and it gets even stiffer when equipped with 21-inch wheels that have skinny tire sidewalls. The cabin is noisier than expected from a Mercedes.

The seats are clearly designed for performance. There are sturdy bolsters to hold you in place, but they could also be a bit pinchy for those with wider frames. Once you settle into them, they're more comfortable than they seem initially and provide good support. The back seats are not as good, with a strange angle to the backrest and firm cushions without much bolstering so you slide around in turns.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The ride height and sensibly sized doors make it easy to get in and out of the AMG GLA even in very tight spots. The wide adjustment range for the driver's seat allows you to select a more upright or reclined position with no compromise.

The primary controls are logically placed and easy to read. You control many of the secondary features with the infotainment screen, which doesn't take long to get acquainted with. But the steering wheel controls that are supposed to be redundant are difficult to use, especially for setting up the digital instrument cluster. It's covered in way too many touch-sensitive buttons that don't provide good feedback. The cabin itself is surprisingly spacious and airy considering the GLA's sleek profile. There's plenty of adult-size space in the rear too, even if the seats aren't great. Visibility out of the front and to the sides and rear is clear, which helps with safety and parking.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $8,021 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $8,021 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLA 35 trim.}

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The GLA gets high marks for its infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Mercedes' MBUX system is one of the easiest systems to use, with multiple control methods (touchscreen, trackpad, voice control and steering wheel thumb controllers). Voice commands are accurate but sometimes take a moment to process.

Disappointingly, the GLA is pretty light on standard advanced driver assist features. Only forward collision mitigation and a blind-spot warning are included unless you spring for some costly option packages. That's a little surprising these days when a Kia or Toyota comes with a full suite of driver aids.

Storage

7/10

How’s the storage? Cargo capacity behind the rear seats matches the standard GLA model's 15.4 cubic feet. This amount of space is more in line with what we expect from a midsize sedan, but that space can usually fit a set of golf clubs — the AMG GLA cannot. The low liftover height does make loading heavy objects easier.

Inside, there are moderately sized bins and pockets for your things. The cupholders feature some nifty spring-loaded tabs to better secure smaller beverages or personal items. A rubberized tray serves as a wireless charging pad and does a good job of holding your phone. Got small children? A rear-facing infant seat should fit without affecting front passenger space. The car seat tether and anchor points are easy to find too.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How economical is the AMG GLA 35? The AMG GLA 35 gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined driving. That's 3 mpg worse than the non-AMG GLA 250 4Matic but on par for a performance-oriented crossover SUV. We were able to match the EPA's estimate in our real-world testing.

Value

6.5/10

Is the AMG GLA 35 a good value? The AMG GLA builds off of the GLA, which is a good starting point for an entry-level luxury vehicle. Though there are still some plastic switches and trim pieces, there's also enough leather and metal around to differentiate it from non-luxury vehicles. The problems begin, though, when looking at the AMG's options list and how quickly add-ons drive up the price tag. For the price, our test vehicle didn't offer nearly enough performance, utility or desirability.

Wildcard

7/10

The AMG GLA 35 doesn't offer much in terms of personality or driving pleasure. It offers some handling chops, but the transmission is a constant wet blanket. The SUV always ends up feeling like it's not quite in the right gear for a given situation and that neuters the powertrain. The GLA 35 without the AMG Aerodynamics package looks too tame, but adding on all of the AMG hardware and the big spoiler makes it look too cartoon-y.

Which GLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?

One of the most attractive aspects of the GLA is its relatively affordable price, so unless you need more than 300 horsepower, we say go for the GLA 250. The base model packs a turbocharged four-cylinder with adequate thrust. It also comes standard with handy tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports and a 10.25-inch touchscreen running the easy-to-use MBUX infotainment system. We recommend getting the Driver Assistance package for advanced driving aids like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. If you live in a colder climate, consider adding 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

34 reviews

5(73%)

4(5%)

3(7%)

2(3%)

1(12%)

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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class videos

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, but since the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier…

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Features & Specs

Type:

AMG GLA 35

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$56,450
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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$43,000starting MSRP

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Safety

Our experts’ favorite GLA-Class safety features:

Mercedes-Benz emergency call service: Automatic collision notification system with an SOS emergency call button. Service is active for as long as you own the GLA.
Pre-Safe Sound: Standard feature that emits a special noise during a collision to protect your hearing during the impact.
Active Emergency Stop Assist: When using adaptive cruise control and lane centering systems, this feature detects an unresponsive driver and brings the GLA to a safe stop.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 GLA-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GLA-Class has 19.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Learn more

What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class:

Refreshed front and rear styling
New 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrains
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration is now standard
Extra-spicy AMG GLA 45 model discontinued
Part of the second GLA generation introduced for 2021

Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GLA-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GLA-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 GLA-Class and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 GLA-Class is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $56,450.

Other versions include:

AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $56,450

Learn more

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the next question is, which GLA-Class model is right for you? GLA-Class variants include AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM). For a full list of GLA-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35

Pricing

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds spotlight: Engines and mpg

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $8,021 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $8,021 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLA 35 trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which GLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Helpful shopping links

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class videos

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Features & Specs

Compare the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Safety

Our experts’ favorite GLA-Class safety features:

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class First Impressions

What is the GLA?

Edmunds says

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?

What's new in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class reliable?

Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?

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Save as much as $8,021 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $8,021 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG GLA 35 trim.}