2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
July 2015
Jim Prueter
All new for 2015, the Mercedes-Benz GLA enters a growing segment of small luxury sport utility vehicles like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Lincoln MKC.
The GLA seats five and comes with standard front-wheel drive. Two trim levels are available: GLA250, with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, 208-horsepower 4-cylinder engine; and GLA45 AMG, with a powerful, 355-horsepower engine. Both engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive 4Matic is available as a $2,000 upgrade.
I tested a very well-equipped GLA250 4Matic listed at $48,605. Despite that price, I thought the interior, while well put together, didn’t look particularly luxurious. However, the seats and surroundings are comfortable. Most of the controls were easy to use, but the buttons and knobs, like climate control and fan speed setting, are especially small.
The GLA can be noisy, but acceleration was sufficient, handling and body lean were controlled, and braking was quick and confident.
As expected in a Mercedes-Benz, a long list of standard safety features are included, with optional advanced safety features such as blind-spot, lane-keeping, and active-parking assist. The GLA has not been crash tested as of this writing.
Overall, I found the GLA to be relatively affordable, and more sport than luxury, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s distinctive-looking, class-competitive, and like most Mercedes-Benz, well-built with quality materials.
The GLA seats five and comes with standard front-wheel drive. Two trim levels are available: GLA250, with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, 208-horsepower 4-cylinder engine; and GLA45 AMG, with a powerful, 355-horsepower engine. Both engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive 4Matic is available as a $2,000 upgrade.
I tested a very well-equipped GLA250 4Matic listed at $48,605. Despite that price, I thought the interior, while well put together, didn’t look particularly luxurious. However, the seats and surroundings are comfortable. Most of the controls were easy to use, but the buttons and knobs, like climate control and fan speed setting, are especially small.
The GLA can be noisy, but acceleration was sufficient, handling and body lean were controlled, and braking was quick and confident.
As expected in a Mercedes-Benz, a long list of standard safety features are included, with optional advanced safety features such as blind-spot, lane-keeping, and active-parking assist. The GLA has not been crash tested as of this writing.
Overall, I found the GLA to be relatively affordable, and more sport than luxury, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s distinctive-looking, class-competitive, and like most Mercedes-Benz, well-built with quality materials.
JIM PRUETER, an automotive writer based in Phoenix, has provided reviews and advice about cars for more than 20 years.
Details
Fuel Economy
- 14 MPG City
- 32 MPG Highway
The Good
- Relatively low cost
- Attractive styling
- Agile and easy to drive
The Bad
- Desirable equipment is optional
- Minimal rear seat room
- Firm, noisy ride
Vehicle Type:
Crossover
Base Price:
$31,300
As Tested:
$48,605