2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews 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 zzdcar, 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.

　　

What's new

AMG GLA 45 comes with 20-inch wheels standardPart 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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$168/mo  for GLA-Class GLA 250

　　GLA-Class GLA 250

　　GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $33,950 MSRPGLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $35,950 MSRPAMG GLA 45 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $53,350 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　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.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.1 / 10

　　

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

8.0

　　The 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.

　　

Acceleration

8.0

　　The GLA made the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.8 seconds, which is much quicker than an Audi Q3 and about equal to slightly larger luxury SUVs. The 208-hp turbo four-cylinder feels energetic, but acceleration around town is hampered by the sluggish throttle and transmission.

　　

Braking

8.5

　　The SUV came to a stop from 60 mph in 105 feet, which is excellent even for a vehicle with summer tires. After repeated stops, distances stayed short, but pedal response diminished.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　The GLA's steering is nicely weighted whether driving around town or being pushed on a mountain road. It errs on the lighter side, but it's precise and linear with sharp turn-in. You can feel the road through the steering wheel.

　　

Handling

9.0

　　The GLA doesn't handle like an SUV. It feels more like a nimble hatchback, thanks to well-managed body lean, plenty of tire grip and a well-tuned stability control system. There's less tugging on the steering wheel in the all-wheel-drive GLA 45.

　　

Drivability

5.0

　　Severe gas pedal lag in the default E mode along with a slow-to-engage seven-speed transmission equals a car that is frustrating to drive at low speeds. Selecting S or manual mode is slightly better, but these are reasons to avoid this car.

　　

Off-road

8.0

　　Eight inches of ground clearance is more than most small SUVs or hatchbacks have. All-wheel drive includes hill descent control, an off-road transmission mode and special COMAND displays (wheel angle and compass). AWD sends up to 50 percent of torque to rear wheels.

　　

Comfort

6.5

　　The 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.

　　

Seat comfort

7.5

　　The GLA's seats offer nice side bolstering and, despite being quite cushy, provide good long-distance support. Mercedes' MB-Tex faux leather looks and feels like the real thing and breathes decently. The driver's seat could use more thigh support.

　　

Ride comfort

5.0

　　The GLA is flat-out unpleasant in a city filled with potholes, expansion joints and uneven concrete pavement. Low speeds are not its friend, but as speeds rise, the highway ride is well-damped and comfortable over distances.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　There's some elevated wind noise around the large side mirrors. The GLA certainly isn't the usual Mercedes vault, but it nevertheless has the sort of serenity expected of a luxury-branded car.

　　

Interior

6.5

　　Though 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.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　The GLA's interior is deceptively simple and remarkably easy to use, with a large infotainment screen, clear gauges, and an easy knob- and button-based climate control system. The gear-selector stalk is a love-it-or-hate-it item.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　If you struggle with the climb up into an SUV's higher seat, the GLA's lower stance may appeal to you. The lower height means loading kids in the back is similar to loading them in a car.

　　

Roominess

5.5

　　The back seat has minimal legroom compared to an SUV's, and the optional panoramic sunroof significantly hinders headroom. The rear seat doesn't recline or slide. Tall occupants up front may feel as if their heads are up against the ceiling.

　　

Visibility

5.5

　　If you're looking for that tall, commanding view indicative of an SUV, look elsewhere. The GLA's seating position is low, the windshield pillars are aggressively raked, and the rear quarter view is compromised. Good thing a rearview camera comes standard.

　　

Quality

6.5

　　Everything you touch — stalks, switches and steering wheel — comes from Mercedes' high-quality parts bin. Yet the trim pieces are harder and more plastic-feeling than in other Mercedes models and similarly priced SUVs.

　　

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.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　Voice-controlled navigation comes in the optional Multimedia package. There's also an optional Garmin Map Pilot SD card-based system. A six-speaker sound system is standard; a 12-speaker Harman Kardon upgrade is optional.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as part of the optional Multimedia package.

　　

Driver aids

　　The most common driver aids are offered but they're tied up in different option bundles. A rearview camera and automatic emergency braking are standard, but blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise and parking assist come in separate packages.

　　

Voice control

　　Navigation with voice control comes with the Multimedia package, which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms for voice commands.

　　

Which GLA-Class does zzdcar 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.

　　The GLA 250 starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (208 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque), a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Key standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, power-adjustable driver's seat, three performance driving modes, imitation-leather upholstery, and a 60/40-split folding rear seatback with a center pass-through.

　　Tech features include an 8-inch central display with a dial-and-button control array, 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 hotspot and concierge services) are available on a subscription basis.

　　The all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic model adds some all-weather and light off-road capability with hill descent control and an off-road status monitor that analyzes steering angle, tilt angle and grade percentage.

　　Several option packages are available for the GLA 250. The Premium package bundles blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, and hands-free liftgate open and close. The Multimedia package includes a navigation system, voice controls, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and real-time satellite traffic and weather information.

　　Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are available in the Driver Assistance package, and a new Parking Assistance package adds a surround-view camera and a self-parking system.

　　The AMG Line Exterior package offers a high-performance look with 19-inch AMG wheels, AMG body styling and a black headliner. The Night package further enhances this look with black wheels, trim and side mirror caps.

　　Stand-alone options include several package items — blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated front seats, for example — as well as upgrades that include a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, leather upholstery, ambient cabin lighting and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

　　The AMG GLA 45 comes with all-wheel drive and the GLA 250's standard features, but with significantly more power (375 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque) from the same engine. It's further distinguished with 19-inch wheels, a sport exhaust, sport-tuned suspension and steering, upgraded brakes, LED headlights, and a power passenger seat. The GLA 45's options largely mirror those of the GLA 250, but there are a couple of exclusive additions.

　　The AMG Dynamic Plus package includes adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential, a Race driving mode and a higher top speed. The AMG Aerodynamics package offers a gloss-black rear spoiler and body kit. A handful of other packages offer aesthetic enhancements inside and out.

　　

2019 GLA-Class Highlights

Type: AMG GLA 45SUVSUV

　　Trim: GLA 250GLA 250 4MATICAMG GLA 45GLA 250

　　

Base MSRP	$33,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$168/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles