2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35

How does the GLA-Class drive? The GLA 250, which is the model we tested, should be more than enough for the vast majority of drivers. Power is appropriate for the vehicle size, and it gets up to speed with ease. Our front-wheel-drive test vehicle needed 6.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is an average time for an extra-small luxury SUV.

The engine and transmission are mostly smooth, though you'll notice some engine vibration from the automatic engine stop-start system when it first fires up. The transmission can also be a little slow to engage when you mash the gas for a quick burst of speed.

Around turns, the GLA is stable and secure. Less impressive were the numbers during our panic-braking test, where the GLA 250 needed a long 138 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's longer than the braking distances of some full-size trucks we've tested. We suspect that's due to a lack of grip from the economy-biased tires rather than the brakes themselves. On the flip side, we found the brakes very smooth during everyday driving.

How comfortable is the GLA-Class? In close to base form, the GLA delivers a good amount of overall comfort. The MB-Tex synthetic leather breathes well on hot days, and the seats provide plenty of support and cushioning for longer drives. Short and tall drivers should find the front seats to their liking thanks to the generous adjustment range and extendable thigh supports. Multi-contour seats with heating and ventilation are available as options.

The ride quality is pretty good too, with no harshness over road imperfections. Undulations can cause some moderate jostling, but the suspension strikes a good balance of handling and comfort. On the downside, road noise is noticeable and sometimes intrusive on coarse road surfaces. The engine sounds labored under hard acceleration, but it is otherwise well muffled.

How’s the interior? The ride height and sensibly sized doors make it easy to get in and out of the GLA even in very tight spots. The wide adjustment ranges 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. The cabin is surprisingly spacious and airy considering the GLA's sleek profile. There's plenty of adult-size space in the rear too. Visibility out of the front and to the sides and rear is clear, which helps with safety and parking.

How’s the storage? Cargo capacity behind the rear seats is only 15.4 cubic feet, which is more in line with what we expect from a midsize sedan. It's accommodating but small compared to the cargo areas in some key rival SUVs. 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.

Is the GLA-Class a good value? The GLA's starting price is reasonable but doesn't include some features you'll probably want. Be prudent with your picks and your GLA should come in under $40K. The GLA is built just as solidly as any Mercedes-Benz, though there is more hard plastic inside. The good thing is those pieces are convincingly grained and aren't placed where we'd typically come in contact with them.

Warranty coverage is a fairly standard with four years/50,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper as well as the powertrain. Roadside assistance is covered for four years/50,000 miles, but Mercedes doesn't give you any complimentary maintenance like some other automakers do.

In many ways, the GLA looks and drives like a fun-size version of Mercedes' bigger GLC SUV, and that's a good thing. If you don't need the extra seating from the GLB or the extra space of a GLC, the GLA delivers a lot of luxury and tech for the money. While it's not particularly exciting to drive, it does what it needs to in regards to comfort and refinement.