AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING8.0/10
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Safety7.0/10
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PRACTICALITY7.0/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7.0/10
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FEATURES7.0/10
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POWER8.0/10
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COMFORT8.0/10
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DRIVING FEEL8.0/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8.0/10
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VALUE8.0/10
Not to lean into the stereotype too much, but Germany sure does love sausages.
It even became a sort of unofficial slogan of carmakers there, back when sedans still ruled the road: ein wurst, drei grosse — one sausage, three lengths. Small, medium, or executive-sized transportation was available with more or less the same filling in each. And so it is now with Mercedes-Benz’s crossover lineup, with the GLA-Class being the smallest of the range, but imbued with the same flavour as the GLC-Class or GLE-Class. That makes the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class the wurst, but in a good way.
Styling 8/10
The GLA-Class gets a facelift for the 2024 model year, with updated headlights and a new rear treatment. It's evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but does do the job of making it resemble its bigger stablemates more closely. Compared to the GLB-Class, which is very closely priced, this crossover offers a slightly more polished and sleek shape at the expense of some cabin and cargo room. The GLB-Class is a funky little thing, almost Mercedes’s take on a Subaru Forester, but having the GLA-Class be urbane and consistent with the style of its bigger siblings makes sense as it is the introduction to the brand’s crossover lineup.
Power 8/10
Peak output from the GLA 250’s turbocharged 2.0L engine is unremarkable, but the available torque does add some zip. As is common throughout Mercedes's lineup, the engine gets some very mild hybridization with a 13-hp 48-volt electric motor. Said motor produces 111 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to give the GLA-Class a little more off-the-line scoot in daily driving. It's perfectly adequate, but if more is required there’s always the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35.
Driving Feel 8/10
Despite being the littlest crossover in the Mercedes showroom, the GLA-Class can claim to be worthy of the badge on its nose for a well-sorted blend of ride and handling. Unlike the CLA-Class sedan, which launched as the entry-level Mercedes 10 years ago, this one drives like a proper Mercedes: composed yet quick.
It doesn't have the heft of the company's golden age luxury executive sedans, but that's not the point. The GLA 250 is quick enough to be entertaining on a backroad, has suspension tuned for a little more compliance when the surface below isn't perfectly smooth, and displays very few faults. The combination of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and early available torque makes it snappy when called upon, but really it's just best as an unflappable all-rounder.
Features 7/10
Considering it's the company's entry-level crossover, Mercedes hasn't skimped too much on the standard features. Heated four-way power seats and a heated steering wheel are niceties no Canadian Mercedes buyer would want to do without, the parking assists are handy for squeezing into those smaller urban spaces, and there's no extra charge for a panoramic roof. Options can drive up the price significantly, but they seem reasonably bundled together. This tester's AMG appearance package cost $2,000, which seems worth the upgrade.
User-Friendliness 7/10
Mercedes's infotainment is one of the slickest-looking on the market, but there's a slight learning curve to figuring out the menus. Happily, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and that's how most people will interact with the system. Voice controls work fine, but the touchscreen is the most intuitive way to navigate through the various features and functions. The thumb controls on the steering wheel are what take the most getting used to.
Practicality 7/10
As noted in the specs, the GLA 250's trunk is a little on the small side at just 435 L. By comparison, the chunkier GLB-Class gets 750 L of space, thanks in part to its 100-mm (3.9-in) longer wheelbase.
However, the split-folding 40/20/40 rear seats add in a level of flexibility for cargo, and when those seats are folded there's no sill to get in the way. As basically just a tall hatchback, the GLA-Class might be a tight squeeze for those who regularly carry plenty of people or things, but it makes the most of a compact layout.
Comfort 8/10
Ride quality hasn't been sacrificed much to give the GLA 250 well-planted handling. Even the optional 19-inch AMG wheels on this tester haven't spoiled the experience, though those living in areas with extremely rough roads are probably best leaving that option box unticked.
Overall, the GLA is a little firmer than its larger stablemates in an effort to give it a more youthful feel. It still does a good job of keeping comfort a priority, and makes for a good highway companion.
Fuel Economy 8/10
The official combined fuel economy figure of 8.6 L/100 km only represents a slight improvement over the previous year. However, observed consumption was pretty close to spec, which is decent for a small crossover with a turbocharged engine. Note that premium fuel is recommended.
Safety 7/10
The GLA-Class loses a few points here for some of its driver assists being optional extras. Adaptive high-beam control and collision mitigation are nice standard features to have, but lane departure warning and adaptive cruise are extras. Further, the fact that rear side airbags are an optional extra seems an omission, even if the GLA-Class is aimed at younger buyers who may not be carrying rear passengers often.
Value 8/10
At $51,000 to start and easily optioned to more than $60,000, the GLA 250 is asking a premium for that badge up front. However, it's priced right in line with compact rivals from BMW, Audi, and Lexus. The long list of standard features means it should be relatively easy to keep a lease payment in a reasonable range, and Mercedes does allow for some personalization. Further, the slick looking interior and refreshed exterior don't look entry level at all.
The Verdict
Not the most cargo-oriented choice in the segment, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is nonetheless a well-polished effort. Leaving the performance halo to the AMG models has let the engineers tune the 250 to be comfort-oriented which works best in most real-world settings. It looks good inside and out, with those big, high-resolution screens giving a fresh and modern look. It's a small Mercedes, but it still feels like a real Mercedes.
| Engine Displacement | 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I4 |
| Peak Horsepower | 221 hp |
| Peak Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 9.7/7.3/8.6 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 435 L |
| Model Tested | 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic |
| Base Price | $51,000 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $3,995 |
| Price as Tested | $62,380 |
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Optional Equipment
Optional Equipment: $7,385 – AMG Line, $2,000; Exclusive Trim w/ Navigation $1,750; Burmester Premium Audio, $1,100; Premium paint, $780; Adaptive cruise control, $780
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