In 2015, Mercedes-Benz introduced an all-new luxury compact crossover in the GLA-Class. It rides quite sportingly on the capable chassis found in the CLA sedan and draws its power from either a 208-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder or, in the GLA45, a tuned version of the same 2.0L 4-cylinder that makes 375 horsepower. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and power is delivered to all four wheels. Three driving modes include Sport, Manual and ECO, which can shut off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restart it automatically. Mercedes claims the GLA250 can scoot to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. The GLA45 can make 60 mph in an astonishing 4.8 seconds.
Both GLA models use the latest generation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the variable-torque system monitors each corner of the vehicle, sending up to 50 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels. The system also adapts to varying off-road conditions with an Off-Road mode.
The GLA250 comes well equipped with 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a choice of MB-Tex interior surfaces as well as ambient interior lighting, HD radio with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, a 14-way power driver seat with memory, split-folding rear seats and a power liftgate.
Several stand-alone options allow buyers to fully customize the GLA, including a panorama roof, bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights, heated front seats, a harman/kardon sound system, rearview camera, Parktronic parking assist and blindspot assist. Meanwhile a Sport Package adds special exterior body styling, 19-inch AMG wheels and perforated front brakes with painted calipers. The Interior Package adds leather upholstery, sport seats and remote window opening/closing, while the Premium Package provides dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, the harman/kardon stereo and more. Finally, the Multimedia Package adds a rearview camera, advanced voice control, an 80GB hard-drive navigation system and in-dash SD card reader.
The GLA45 AMG is all about performance and its features and accessories all speak to that, including AMG sport suspension and sport exhaust. It also features available AMG performance seats and steering wheel, red-painted rear calipers, an aerodynamic package and rear deck lid spoiler.
Available Technology And Safety Features
Athletic Handling
Superb Power In AMG Guise
The Mercedes-Benz GLA carries over into 2017 mostly unchanged, though several small improvements have been made. These improvements include a slightly redesigned dash cluster, a better screen and the availability of both Apple carplay and Android Auto. The GLA45 AMG also gets a DINAMICA package, which features nicer materials throughout the interior of the car.
Mercedes-Benz enters the increasingly crowded luxury compact crossover segment with the GLA-Class. Its sedan underpinnings and small stature make it a nimble performer, with favorable comparison against competition from BMW and Audi. The high-performance GLA45 AMG takes things to a different level, however and nothing from any manufacturer can rival it.
