2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Review and Test Drive
Big in driver engagement and helpful tech, the 2024 GLA belies its subcompact crossover designation.
Thom Blackett
Reflecting on the vehicles I'd piloted since our last meeting over pancakes and bacon, I replied, "Several stand out for different reasons, but something special? Not recently."
Days later, my perspective changed after I'd logged nearly 400 miles in the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. This subcompact SUV made a big impression.
The 2024 GLA is Mercedes' take on the small entry-level luxury SUV. The crossover has five-occupant seating, two engine choices, and an attractive base price. Competing with the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, Lexus UX, and Volvo XC40, the GLA returns for 2024 with updated styling, a new hybrid system, and additional safety and technology features.
Thom Blackett
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes in GLA 250 specification with front-wheel drive or the company's 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. A performance-oriented AMG GLA 35 4Matic is also available, but Mercedes has discontinued the more powerful AMG GLA 45. Base prices range from $43,000 to about $58,000, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from its Rastatt, Germany, assembly plant to your local dealership.
For this GLA review, I test-drove the AMG GLA 35 in New England. The manufacturer's suggested retail price of the test vehicle came to $64,725, including the $1,150 destination charge. Mercedes provided the vehicle for this GLA review.
Thom Blackett
The 2024 GLA Sports an Intuitive Design
The GLA's design is unassuming, from its silhouette to the shape of its restyled taillights. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the opposite extreme could yield a vehicle that, while visually distinct, may be polarizing. My test car benefitted from a bold front end accentuated by a conspicuous Mercedes emblem, optional Starling Blue Metallic paint, 20-inch matte black wheels, and an AMG Night Package that dressed much of the exterior trim in black.
Inside was an attractive mixture of suedelike microfiber panels and synthetic leather. Designers complemented these materials with perforated leather on the flat-bottom steering wheel, low-gloss wood and aluminum accents, and soft-touch materials. The build quality was excellent.
The layout of the primary controls deserves equal praise. While some automakers seem intent on adding complexity, the GLA makes modern technology user friendly. Frankly, I smile whenever I can manage the automatic climate control system without consulting the owner's manual.
Thom Blackett
The GLA's Comfort Exceeds Expectations
Despite its subcompact footprint, this crossover provides ample room for the average adult. The front row consists of heated power seats with a kinetics setting that combats fatigue as you drive. The seat cushions are wide and firm without being stiff, and the seat bottoms deliver plenty of thigh support for me, though there is a manual extension should long-legged people need it.
Those front seats sit high and, coupled with the AMG GLA 35's tall body, give drivers a relatively commanding view of the road. Factor in the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the result is an inviting place to rack up some miles.
With the driver's seat adjusted for me, I had plenty of rear-seat foot and leg room, thanks in part to the curved front seatbacks. Spacious for two and unpleasantly cozy for three, this second row is comfortable, but I was disappointed by the lack of a recline function and standard center armrest.
Thom Blackett
Competitive Utility for Its Segment
Mercedes has not announced cargo volume for the GLA 35, but the GLA 250 offers up to 50.5 cubic-feet of space when the split-folding rear seat is set flat. That measurement aligns with the GLA's competitors.
Thanks to a low cargo floor, loading the AMG GLA 35 is a cinch. A spare tire kit is one of a few items stored below the trunk floor, so you won't find extra room for your stuff there. However, Mercedes includes a couple of cubbies and fits the passenger compartment with practical door pockets, seatback nets, and multiple storage provisions on the center console.
Thom Blackett
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience Offers Relief
Technology such as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) can be intimidating for some people. Thankfully, Mercedes hasn't complicated the 10.3-inch touchscreen with layers of confusing menus, instead using a limited number of intuitive icons.
I'm admittedly slow on the technology uptake, yet MBUX allowed me to effortlessly connect wireless Apple CarPlay, access the navigation screen, and swipe to find my favorite satellite radio station. You can adjust the stereo volume by scrolling a ridged dial on the center console. My test car included a fantastic 590-watt Burmester audio system, so I rarely turned down the sound.
A voice recognition system is standard. Tap a button on the steering wheel, say "Hey, Mercedes" to get started, and then speak a command. The system responds to natural speech, meaning you don't need to memorize specific terms or phrases. Until you experience a frustrating language barrier with an infotainment system, you won't know how much of a relief that is. In my sometimes mumbly tone, I requested and quickly received details on the nearest hospital and directions to my local coffee shop. MBUX even turned off my heated seat.
Thom Blackett
Navigate With Extra Confidence in the GLA
In addition to the infotainment system, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 comes with a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Display options range from the classic speedometer and tachometer combination to a sporty alternative that displays horsepower and torque use in real time. However, it was the augmented video for navigation feature that most caught my attention.
It can be easy to misjudge directions when relying solely on a navigation display, especially in an unfamiliar area or heavy traffic. The augmented video feature adds forward-facing video to the navigation system's route guidance, providing a live feed in addition to the map, with roads and turns highlighted. The technology superimposes street names and arrows on the feed, effectively labeling and directing you to the exact spot where you need to turn.
For example, if you enter a confusing roundabout, the augmented video for navigation feature reduces guesswork, pointing you definitively to the correct exit from the traffic circle.
Thom Blackett
The GLA's Safety Features Are Helpful
The 2024 AMG GLA 35 is well equipped with safety features. My test vehicle came with the optional Driver Assistance Package. Among its many components — all easily accessed through a Settings icon on the center touchscreen — are lane-keeping and lane-centering assist tied to the adaptive cruise control system.
Lane-keeping assist is unobtrusive and only activates when you need it. In those situations, the steering input is decisive in preventing a lane departure. Similarly, the lane-centering tech goes about its business largely unnoticed, only occasionally using a bit more of the travel lane than I'd expected and, in one instance, getting temporarily confused by an on-ramp to my right that created a break in the outside line marker.
Active lane-change assist is another piece of tech built into this safety package. The idea here is to provide steering assistance when passing a vehicle on the highway, but only when using the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering-assist functions. Tap the turn signal, and the GLA will change into your selected lane. However, how it responds depends on the circumstances.
For instance, if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, the system will deny your request and instead issue visual and audible warnings. Similarly, if you attempt to make a pass when a car in the adjacent lane is within the distance you've set for the adaptive cruise control, you'll get no assistance. I also noticed the GLA sometimes swings wide into the passing lane. It stays within the lane markers but uses all the available real estate.
Thom Blackett
An Ideal Blend of Performance and Efficiency
Mercedes equips the 2024 AMG GLA 35 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A new 48-volt hybrid system delivers more punch but, contrary to what you might think, less efficiency. The EPA estimates are 22/28/24 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, slightly lower than 2023's non-hybrid model figures.
The AMG GLA 35's boosted engine mates to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission linked to Mercedes' 4Matic AWD system. Behind the scenes, a sport-tuned independent suspension with multistage dampers firms the ride and controls body motions. Put it all together, and you have a subcompact crossover that Mercedes claims will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
Thom Blackett
Ride Comfort Dips for Dynamic Handling
My first experience driving the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 did not set the stage for a positive experience. Needing to move about 20 feet to a better parking space, I turned the car on, put it into gear, pressed the gas pedal, and experienced a delay before the vehicle started to move. That's one of the less desirable characteristics of a dual-clutch transmission. It became much less noticeable as the miles racked up, even when driving in stop-and-go traffic. It didn't go away, but I grew accustomed to it.
That quirk aside, the AMG GLA 35's powertrain impressed me at every turn. We're not talking about a rocket ship, but blasting away from toll booths was more fun than it should've been, and I was never left wanting more. On a few deserted backroad straightaways, I discovered the AMG GLA 35 was capable of speed and acceleration that I would never tap into outside a closed track. But I gave it the ol' college try.
You have four driving modes at your disposal, though I spent most of my time in Comfort and Sport+. With the latter selected, the exhaust opens up to produce a throaty bark that, to me, is an essential part of driver engagement.
Thom Blackett
Sport+ mode also amps up the steering, suspension, and transmission responsiveness and allows you to tackle corners at speed with considerable confidence. Even on New England's bumpy winter roads, the 2024 AMG GLA 35 remained composed.
In addition to hours spent enthusiastically exploiting Sport+ mode, I traveled about 100 miles in Comfort mode on the highway and city streets. Comfort, which originally struck me as too firm, felt plush by comparison. Still, the GLA might not be your first choice if you're looking for a pillowy setup.
My test car came equipped with winter tires to handle potentially foul weather conditions in New England. These may have affected the AMG GLA 35's ride characteristics.
The AMG GLA 35 averaged an impressive 29 mpg at the conclusion of my evaluation. The one caveat is Mercedes recommends filling the tank with premium gas, so you will pay a few extra dollars at the pump.
Thom Blackett
Good Things Come in Small (and Expensive) Packages
From Audi to Volvo, subcompact crossovers from luxury brands offer practicality, performance, and relatively accessible prices. However, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is among the more expensive choices in that segment.
This performance-tuned version of the 2024 Mercedes GLA deserves recognition for its engaging driving dynamics, quality materials, intuitive and plentiful technology, and comfort. Utility, judged primarily on maximum cargo space, is on par with several rivals, and the potent four-cylinder engine holds its own against similarly powerful alternatives.
If there is a reason to skip the AMG GLA 35, it's related to value or a perceived lack thereof. At nearly $65,000 as tested, this Mercedes could prove to be a hard sell.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Thom BlackettEveryone needs a few things to be passionate about in life. For me, cars are near the top of the list. I’m constantly searching the classifieds for that bargain-priced, one-owner Datsun 240Z barn find. I’m always up for seemingly endless conversations about the cars we wish our parents had kept, the benefits of EVs versus the lure of a thumping V8, or which reliable crossover SUV best suits your family and your dogs. Needless to say, I feel fortunate to spend my work hours analyzing vehicle data, test-driving the latest all-new or updated models, and sharing the knowledge and insights I’ve gained with readers.
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