2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　We weren't terribly impressed with the first-generation GLA when Mercedes introduced it for the 2015 model year. It wasn't particularly enjoyable to drive, nor was it very practical. Thankfully, the all-new second-generation 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA addresses all of its predecessor's drawbacks and catapults to a much more favorable zzdcar ranking.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$163/mo  for GLA-Class GLA 250

　　GLA-Class GLA 250

　　GLA 250 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $36,230 MSRPGLA 250 4MATIC 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $38,230 MSRPAMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $47,550 MSRPAMG GLA 45 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $54,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The 2021 GLA offers all of Mercedes' latest technology features. The MBUX infotainment system, with its two available 10.25-inch screens and "Hey, Mercedes" voice assistant, is available along with a full suite of advanced driver aids and active safety features.

　　The cabin is significantly improved over the existing GLA, both in its materials quality and space. If you've sat in an A-Class sedan, you'll be familiar with the smart finishes on elements such as the air vents and the buttons in the center console. There's a lot more headroom than before too, and that's transformational for the driver and front passenger. You sit higher, with a better view through the taller and less severely raked windscreen.

　　Even as an entry-level SUV model, it's much more deserving of the Mercedes-Benz badge than before. Interestingly, Mercedes also has its new GLB SUV. It's similar in concept and price but offers more passenger and cargo space. But the GLB has blockier styling, especially in contrast to the GLA's sleekness. In any case, the new GLA is a solid pick for an extra-small luxury SUV and compares well against the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　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 from 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.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLA-Class? In close to base form, the GLA delivers a good amount of overall comfort. The MB-Tex simulated 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.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　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 allow 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 and take little time to get acquainted with. The cabin is surprisingly spacious and airy considering the GLA's sleek profile. There's plenty of adult-sized space in the rear too. Visibility out of the front as well as to the sides and rear is clear, which helps with safety and parking.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　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 safety features. Only frontal collision mitigation and a blind-spot monitor 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

7.5/10

　　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 does a good job of holding a phone. It also serves as a wireless charging pad if you pick that option. 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.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive GLA 250 at 28 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway). We observed 31.2 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route that includes a fair amount of highway driving, indicating that the EPA's numbers are realistic. Overall, the GLA 250 is a little more fuel-efficient than rivals such as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　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 normally come in contact with them. It's a definite step up from the first-generation GLA.

　　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.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　In many ways, the GLA looks and drives like a fun-sized 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.

　　

Which GLA-Class does zzdcar recommend?

Most drivers should be satisfied with the performance of the base GLA 250. Make sure to get the optional Driver Assistance package that adds some advanced driver safety features such as traffic-adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. The Premium package, with its bigger touchscreen displays, is another recommended pick.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class models

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is an extra-small luxury crossover SUV that comes in four trim levels: GLA 250, all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic, AMG 35 and AMG 45. Feature highlights include:

　　GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic

　　Starts you off with:

　　Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission LED headlights Power liftgate Dual-zone automatic climate control Simulated leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats with driver memory settingsThe GLA also comes with:

　　MBUX infotainment system with twin 7-inch displays Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Sliding and reclining rear seats Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)AMG 35

　　Adds on to the GLA 250 with:

　　Increased power output of 302 hp and 295 lb-ft 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment screens Performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system Sport-tuned adaptive suspensionAMG 45

　　This top-of-the-line sport model receives:

　　Increased power output to 382 hp and 354 lb-ftAvailable packaged options for the GLA 250 include:

　　The Premium package Larger 10.25-inch displays Auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors Hands-free liftgate Keyless entry Multimedia package Navigation system Augmented-reality video overlay for navigation display Traffic sign reader Driver Assistance package Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GLA and the car in front) Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Evasive steering assist (can swerve the GLA automatically to avoid objects ahead) Active speed limit assist (obeys speed limits and slows for curves) Parking Assistance package Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GLA and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention) Other notable stand-alone options include:

　　Adaptive suspension Appearance packages to give it an AMG look Panoramic sunroof Leather upholstery Multi-contour front seats Heated and ventilated front seats Heated steering wheel Interior ambient lighting Burmester premium audio system Wireless charging pad Head-up display

　　

2021 GLA-Class Highlights

Type: AMG GLA 35AMG GLA 45SUVSUV

　　Trim: GLA 250GLA 250 4MATICAMG GLA 35AMG GLA 45GLA 250

　　

Base MSRP	$36,230
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles