2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class review, price and specs

GLA250

$40,000 (estimate)

$42,000 (estimate)

Although no one who buys a GLA250 is likely to explore the trails, opting for the 4Matic model adds more than just all-wheel drive. Mercedes offers the standard Off-Road Engineering package on this model, which provides an off-road driving mode that decreases throttle response and power delivery. Some drivers may find it useful in certain situations, such as snow removal in heavy snow. We’d be inclined to add the optional Burmester surround sound system as well, as we appreciate having a quality audio experience on road trips.

Engine, transmission and performance

The 2024 GLA-Class is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 221 horsepower and assisted by hybrid technology. The turbo-four is also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front or all four wheels. Although we haven’t yet driven a GLA with the new hybrid technology, we expect performance to remain the same. On our test track, a previous model year GLA250 4Matic all-wheel drive managed a 60mph time of 6.3 seconds – adequate but far from fast compared to many EV SUVs. This result is actually slower than the last generation model, which achieved a Result in 5.7 seconds in the same test. Although the GLA250 isn’t designed as a sporty SUV, its handling is quiet and its suspension is soft enough over rough stretches of road to avoid being coarse.

Real-world fuel economy and MPG

The EPA has yet to release estimates for the 2024 GLA class. We expect the numbers to improve given the addition of the hybrid assist system. For reference, the 2023 GLA250 was rated at 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. Fuel economy estimates for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic were 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg city. We didn’t get a chance to test the new GLA250 on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test course, but when we do, we’ll update this story with the results. For more information on GLA-Class fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

Interior, comfort and loading

One of the main complaints about the previous generation GLA-Class was its cramped interior. Mercedes has rectified that with the current generation model. Rear passengers get nearly five inches of extra legroom, as well as increased shoulder and elbow room. This helps the GLA class compete more directly against key rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1And Volvo XC40. Interior materials look premium, and the layout of the climate controls and vents is similar to what we see on the GLB-Class, with a column-mounted shifter, center console-mounted infotainment controller and circular vents along the dashboard. Cargo capacity is adequate and increases with the rear seats folded flat, and the cargo floor sits flush with the sill, which should make it easier to slide larger items in and out of the trunk. In our testing, the GLA250 fit six of our carry-on cases behind the rear seat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2024 GLA comes with two 10.3-inch screens, one for the driver’s gauge display and one for the infotainment system. This is a slightly refined setup that has been rolled out across the Mercedes range to mixed reviews from our editors. The system can be manipulated either via the touchscreen, using voice commands, or by using the touchpad controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard while navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display and a premium Burmester audio system are all optional.

Safety and driving assistance functions

Automated emergency braking and high beam assist are standard across the range, but more advanced driver assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist will require the addition of the optional driver assistance package. For more information on GLA-Class crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane departure warning with lane keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with lane centering feature

Warranty and Service Coverage

Mercedes offers a basic set of warranties, with coverage extending to four years or 50,000 miles. THE Lexus NX offers longer warranty periods while others, while other rivals such as the BMW and the VOLVO offer long-term contracts for free scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

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