The AMG Line and Night packages make the GLA look fairly imply.
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Just as Mercedes’ new CLA-Class is a big enchancment over its predecessor, so too is that this GLA-Class SUV. Starting at $37,280 together with $1,050 for vacation spot, the GLA250 is a wonderful entry level into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and eventually has the model and tech to essentially stand out within the subcompact SUV class.

LikeExcellent powertrainPlenty of driver-assistance techTop-notch MBUX infotainment

Don’t LikeSmaller cargo space than competitorsGets very costly with choices

Stylish and powerfulDespite being roughly the identical dimension, visually, the brand new GLA actually works. It’s acquired a 1.1-inch longer wheelbase however is shorter in total size than earlier than, although it is almost 4 inches taller and only a smidge wider, too. The sculpted hood provides the GLA250 an aura of power and I just like the LED operating gentle signature. My tester has the $2,240 AMG Line look package deal and the $400 Night Package, giving the SUV a unique grille, gloss-black exterior trim and barely extra aggressive styling. Those choices usually get you 19-inch wheels, however this GLA250 takes issues up a notch with bigger 20s, a $1,050 possibility.The GLA250’s turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 pushes out 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and whereas front-wheel drive is customary, all-wheel drive is non-obligatory. These numbers are aggressive throughout the class — the GLA250 is as highly effective as an Audi Q3 or BMW X1, and it tops the Volvo XC40’s base T4 powertrain.

Mercedes’ eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is a pleasure, particularly within the SUV’s Sport mode, the place it holds gears longer to wring out all of the engine’s energy. There are paddle shifters, however the transmission works high quality by itself. The steering is just a little gentle for my tastes, even in Sport, however it’s correct and fast to reply.In Comfort mode, the GLA delivers a properly composed journey. My solely criticism is that the two.0-liter I4 sounds form of tough, although the graceful, simple supply of energy makes up for that. The non-obligatory Burmester sound system simply drowns out the engine, too.

All-wheel-drive GLAs get an Off-Road mode, not that this factor actually begs to be taken off the crushed path, particularly with 20-inch wheels. The Off-Road setting alters the parameters for the engine, all-wheel-drive system and anti-lock brakes, permitting the GLA to higher deal with soiled terrain. The GLA additionally comes with hill-descent management, which is form of like a downhill cruise management, holding the GLA anyplace between 1 and 11 mph on steep grades.

The GLA’s gasoline economic system is fairly first rate, with the EPA estimating 25 miles per gallon metropolis, 34 mpg freeway and 28 mpg mixed for front-wheel-drive fashions. Adding AWD reduces these numbers to 24, 33 and 27, respectively.An enormous quantity of techMercedes-Benz has actually upped its tech recreation over the previous few years and the GLA definitely does not skimp on the great things. A pair of 7-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment are customary, however my tester will increase these to 10.2-inch shows. The upgraded screens are a part of the $1,750 Premium Package and completely value it.MBUX is the most effective.
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MBUX software program is the star right here, and it may be managed by thumbpads on the steering wheel, a touchpad on the middle console or just by touching the display screen. You also can get up the system by saying, “Hey, Mercedes,” at which level the voice command permits you to do absolutely anything. I can simply say, “I’m cold,” and MBUX responds, “I’m increasing the temperature to 74 degrees.” Thanks, woman!The $1,295 Multimedia Package provides augmented actuality navigation overlays that may show data like addresses and directional arrows onto a picture captured by the forward-facing digital camera. I’ve used this tech earlier than and sit up for it each time — it is a uncommon occasion the place I do not simply plug in my cellphone and depend on Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto, if that is your bag).The tech hits carry on coming with plenty of driver-assistance programs. The solely bummer is the great things is a part of a $1,700 Driver Assistance Package, although it is nicely definitely worth the value. The adaptive cruise management brings the automobile to a easy cease and the automobile makes use of GPS to decelerate for curves within the freeway, toll cubicles and the like. The steering help does job at holding the GLA centered in its lane alongside the freeway, and lane-departure warning is there in case you begin to veer off to the aspect.The cabin is not fairly as flashy because the A- or CLA-Class.
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But whereas the tech roster is wealthy, the remainder of the GLA feels just a little downmarket. The supplies are all of first rate high quality, thoughts you, however the design is simply form of bland, with not loads of consideration to element. Thankfully the seats are comfy and there is numerous storage. I really like the thick, flat-bottomed steering wheel and Mercedes’ dual-color ambient lighting by no means ceases to impress.The GLA’s bigger dimensions means there’s much more area inside, even for second-row passengers. There are 4.5 extra inches of rear legroom in comparison with the outgoing mannequin, and there is extra headroom for entrance seat passengers as nicely. Even with the panoramic sunroof my 5-foot, 9-inch body has loads of area. My pandemic-tall hair does not even come near touching the headliner. Where the GLA suffers barely is with cargo area, which is smaller than different vehicles within the class. There’s solely 15.4 cubic toes of area behind the second row, whereas a BMW X1 has simply over 27 cubes and the Audi Q3 will get almost 24. Fold these seats down and the GLA will get a bit extra aggressive with 50.5 cubic toes. Again, that is lower than the X1, however the seats-down spec surpasses that of the Q3.It definitely appears lots higher than the outdated GLA.
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Raising the entry-level barThe 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 might begin at $37,280, however issues can get fairly loopy if you happen to aren’t cautious with the choices. All-wheel drive prices $2,000 and my tester has a loopy quantity of bells and whistles, bringing the ultimate value to $55,585 together with vacation spot. That’s some huge cash for this entry-level GLA, so you would be sensible to go simple with the add-ons.Even so, the upper value actually feels value it contemplating how a lot nicer the GLA is than earlier than. The driver-assistance tech is actually fairly good, the powertrain is peppy and the cabin is comfortable. Those who need just a little extra oomph would possibly need to wait till the tip of the 12 months for the AMG variations, however because it stands, the GLA250 is a wonderful starter SUV for folk trying to get some luxurious of their lives.