2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35

　　

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 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.

　　Buyers seeking a starter Mercedes will find plenty to like in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA. For one thing, it starts at less than $40,000. Second, it's an SUV — sort of. The GLA is based on the A-Class sedan but stands a little taller with fake skid plates, gray body cladding and optional all-wheel drive. It has a higher ride height and larger cargo area than the sedan, but similar coupe-like style with its tapering roofline. If you push your budget a little farther, you can add Mercedes' advanced gauge cluster display, larger central touchscreen and a premium sound system.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (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

　　$188/mo  for GLA-Class AMG GLA 35

　　GLA-Class AMG GLA 35

　　AMG GLA 35 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $49,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　So is it an SUV or just a high-riding hatchback version of the A-Class? It doesn't matter. It delivers traditional Benz goodness — soft, compliant ride, excellent interior fit and finish, advanced in-car and infotainment tech — in a stylish compact package at a reasonable price. If this diminutive Benz doesn't push your buttons, there are several alternatives including the more cargo-friendly Audi Q3, more romping BMX X2 or the stylish Jaguar E-Pace. The Lexus UX and Volvo XC40 are also worthy options. Among these rivals, only the BMW offers a performance-tuned variant that can match the AMG-tuned versions of the GLA. If the GLA sounds like a good fit, be sure to read our Expert Rating below.

　　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 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.

　　

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 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below