Are you seeking Mercedes-Benz luxury, safety, and technology in an SUV that is not too expensive or massive? The 2024 GLA-Class is the perfect fit. Its exterior is small enough to easily maneuver through traffic-jammed city streets, yet its rear seat can comfortably fit two adults. Cargo space isn’t as generous as in the boxy GLB. However, we think the GLA should work for most needs.
The GLA 250 uses a 221-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine running power to the front wheels. For those who need more traction, the GLA 250 4Matic adds all-wheel drive (AWD) to the mix.
Looking for something with a bit more zip? Consider the AMG GLA 35. It features a 302-hp turbocharged engine, standard AWD, and sports car-like ride and handling courtesy of in-house tuner AMG.
The GLA competes with small luxury SUVs like the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and Audi Q3. Those seeking a hybrid option might look to the Lexus UX Hybrid.
What’s New:
For 2024, Mercedes-Benz gives the GLA SUV line a freshened look with new front and rear styling, LED headlights and taillights, and wheel designs. There’s more standard equipment, too, with equipment from last year’s Mirror Package, Parking Assist Package, and Keyless Go now standard.
Other enhancements include auto high-beam control, dual 10.25-inch infotainment and instrument cluster screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new mild-hybrid system that helps with fuel economy and performance. The optional Burmester audio system now features Dolby Atmos tech.
The AMG GLA 35 gets similar upgrades. Although not official, the GLA 45’s return for 2024 seems unlikely.
Our Recommendation:
We like the GLA 250 4Matic for its additional traction potential. Toss in the Winter Package for its heated seats and windshield washer system, and you’re ready to take on winter’s worst in style.
However, if you’re a performance fan, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is a genuine thrill.
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and include the $1,150 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). Prices are current at the time of publishing.
GLA 250
Starts at $43,000 | See listings
- 221 hp
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power liftgate
- Parking Assist
- Dual 10.25-inch displays
- 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar
- Memory for driver’s seat and mirrors
- Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- 64-color ambient lighting
- See more
GLA 35
Starts at $57,600 | See listings
- 302-hp AMG engine
- 4Matic AWD
- AMG sport suspension
- AMG brakes
- AMG-tuned transmission
- AMG sport seats
- Burmester audio
- See more
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: $43,000
The GLA 250 is the most affordable GLA-Class SUV. It’s powered by a 221-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine running power to the front wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Plunk down another $2,000, and you can upgrade to the GLA 250 4Matic. The 4Matic model comes with all-wheel drive but is otherwise identical to the GLA 250.
Dynamic Select modes regulate throttle input, shift points, and steering feel via three settings: Eco, Comfort, and Sport.
Right out of the box, the GLA 250 impresses with its ample serving of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding heated side mirrors with driver’s auto-dimming and passenger tilt-down-in-reverse feature.
The SmartKey and Keyless Go systems use a proximity key fob to let the vehicle know you are its rightful owner, granting access by touching the door handles and allowing the engine to start with a press of a button. It also operates the power liftgate.
You can start the GLA 250 remotely using the “Mercedes me” app, which comes with a one-year trial subscription. The app can lock or unlock the doors, find where you parked, and even help locate a stolen vehicle.
The GLA 250 brandishes LEDs for headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights. It also features a rear wiper that activates when shifting the transmission in reverse.
A peek inside reveals convincing MB-Tex faux leather upholstery in your choice of black or beige. When ordering one of the AMG Line packages, buyers can choose between two-tone gray/black, black with microfiber inserts and red stitching, brown with microfiber inserts and gray stitching, or red and black leather. Leather upholstery is available in a choice of colors.
Standard equipment includes 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support and 3-position memory, with adjustable cushion length for better thigh support. A 40/20/40-split, folding-and-reclining rear seat makes it possible to carry long items and still fit two people.
Power windows and door locks come standard, as does a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. A 64-color ambient lighting system lets you choose the color for the air vents, door and dash light strips, and footwells.
The standard Parking Assist system can automatically steer your GLA into a parallel or perpendicular parking space and reverse the process when you’re ready to leave.
The GLA 250 features a robust multimedia infotainment system viewed through a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Users can operate it in one of three ways: a touchpad controller, steering wheel controls, or touch the screen directly.
Part of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) program includes voice control with natural language capability. Say something like “I’m hot,” and MBUX can adjust the cabin temperature accordingly. The system can even learn new phrases over time.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow seamless smartphone integration, giving you access to music apps, navigation, and messages. Also included are a premium audio system, HD Radio, and Bluetooth streaming. SiriusXM satellite radio is optional.
The GLA 250’s cabin includes five backlit USB-C ports, four for charging, and one data port.
On the driver safety and assist front, the GLA 250 has forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a blind-spot monitor. Also included is a driver attention monitor, a rearview monitor, and Crosswind Assist, which uses selective braking to help keep the vehicle centered when encountering strong winds.
Exit Warning Assist warns exiting occupants of approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians. If an airbag or seatbelt tensioner deploys, the GLA can call the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Service with your GPS coordinates and vehicle information. You can also push the SOS button should you need further assistance.
The GLA 250 offers several optional upgrade packages. Some of our favorites include two AMG Line packages that add AMG-style wheels, steering wheel, exterior trim, and sport seats.
The Exclusive Trim package ($1,500) adds navigation with augmented video, which overlays turn arrows, street names, and addresses over a real-time video image captured by a front-facing camera. Also included are illuminated door sills and an advanced sound system with 10 speakers and a 225-watt amp.
The Pinnacle Trim package ($5,150) adds adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, a surround-view monitor, a panoramic roof, and the MBUX Assistant with gesture control.
The Winter Package ($450) brings a heated steering wheel and heated windshield washers.
The Driver Assistance Package ($1,750) adds Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist with Active Steering Assist, evasive steering assist, route-based speed adaptation, and Pre-Safe Plus and Sound systems that prepare the cabin for an inevitable collision.
Active Blind Spot Assist can steer the vehicle away from a potential collision, while Active Lane Change Assist can automatically change lanes when signaling while using the adaptive cruise control. Active Speed Limit Assist can automatically match your speed to the posted limit, but only when using the adaptive cruise control.
Standalone options include a 12-speaker 590-watt Burmester audio system, heated front seats, an adjustable second-row seat, a panoramic sunroof, rear-seat side airbags, and adaptive cruise control.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 monthly payment starts at $811. See 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 includes:
8-way power front seats – The GLA 250’s front seats feature 8-way adjustment, 4-way power lumbar support, and 3-position memory. The driver’s seat memory also includes the mirror position.
Power liftgate – The GLA 250’s power liftgate automatically opens via a button on the driver’s interior door panel, the key fob, or the liftgate release.
10.25-inch digital displays – These large, bright digital screens take up nearly the entire dash. They display vehicle information, infotainment options, navigation, and climate settings.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35: $57,600
The AMG GLA 35 is the performance variant crafted by Mercedes-Benz’s in-house tuner AMG. It builds off the GLA 250 4Matic, with performance upgrades to its AWD system, transmission, suspension, electric-assist power steering, and brakes.
The AMG treatment starts under the hood. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets several improvements, giving it a total output of 302 hp. Combined with the 4Matic AWD system, this engine can rocket the GLA 35 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. That’s more than a second quicker than the GLA 250.
The AMG Dynamic Select system offers four modes: Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+. A fifth setting for Individual lets the driver create a personalized setting.
AMG Ride Control sport suspension features stiffer springs and 3-stage adaptive dampers for improved cornering, while the brakes get vented and drilled 13.8-inch front rotors with 4-piston calipers.
A sport exhaust completes the performance upgrades.
The GLA 35 rides on 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and features exclusive AMG exterior styling elements such as the front air dam, flared side sills, wide grille, and four round chrome tailpipes.
The interior gets several upgrades: thick-bolstered sport front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and carbon structure accents. An AMG Performance steering wheel includes the AMG Drive Unit, which consists of two control pads, permitting faster access to features such as shift modes, AMG Ride Control damping, and AMG Dynamic Select settings.
Options specifically tailored by AMG include multicontour performance front seats with power side bolsters and unique leather upholstery.
The available AMG head-up display (part of the Pinnacle Trim for $4,000) features a bar graph tachometer, an upshift light, and a lap timer. In that same vein, a dashcam lets you record action in front of the car and save it to a USB flash drive.
The AMG Track Pace option ($250) lets you display track data in the 10.25-inch display, showing top speed, acceleration, and lap times.
Buyers can also choose between 20- and 21-inch AMG wheels and three AMG-specific styling packages: AMG Night Package ($750), Night Package Plus ($1,150), and Aerodynamic Package ($1,550).
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 monthly payment starts at $1,087. See 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 includes:
AMG-tuned engine – Thanks to an increase in turbo boost and several engine components upgrades, the GLA 35 can eke out a respectable 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from just 2.0 liters of displacement.
Available AMG Performance seats – The AMG Performance seats feature one-piece head restraints and power-adjustable side and seat-bottom bolsters, providing various degrees of seat-hugging grip.
Burmester audio – The 12-speaker Burmester audio upgrade is a must-have for music lovers. It may be the only thing more pleasing to the ear than the GLA 35’s sport exhaust note.
