2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA-Class

Overview

The difference between a Mercedes-Benz and a Mercedes-AMG is perfectly illustrated by the fierce and feisty GLA35. While the more pedestrian GLA250 smiles, the AMG GLA35 scowls. It pumps out a healthy 302 horsepower from its AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and its dual-clutch transmission snaps off rapid-fire shifts sending power to all four wheels. It has a notably higher claimed top speed than its Benz counterpart, too. Not surprisingly, all that added performance comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively. Aside from its bigger price tag, we found the AMG GLA-class to be a bit too stiff for daily commutes, and we’re not sure if the added driving chops make it a better choice than comfier competitors such as the Volvo XC40 or BMW X1. But if you’re more concerned with having a relatively roomy ride with an extra kick to it, then the AMG GLA-class might be your steed.

What's New for 2024?

It seems that Mercedes has dropped the raucous, 382-hp AMG GLA45 from the lineup, leaving the GLA35 as the sole offering for the 2024 model year—though the company has yet to make an official announcement about discontinuing the more powerful version. Other changes include refreshed styling for the front and rear, which includes updated LED headlights and taillights, and for the first time, the GLA35’s hood flaunts the AMG crest. Engine output remains the same, but a 48-volt hybrid-assist system has been added to the mix—Mercedes claims that it provides a temporary power boost of 13 horsepower under certain driving conditions and makes start/stop functionality smoother. Inside, the AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG Drive Unit buttons is newly standard. Additionally, the infotainment system has also been updated with the latest software, and the AMG GLA gets Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard. New upholstery and trim options have been made available along with new wheel options.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

For 2024 the AMG GLA-class is offered in a single flavor: the GLA35. Although we would have preferred the GLA45 with its 382-hp turbo-four, the 302-hp GLA35 still makes for a compelling choice and offers lively performance. It’s equipped with a host of standard performance features, including all-wheel drive and a tuned-and-tweaked suspension that pumps the driving excitement way up versus the regular Mercedes-Benz GLA250. We'd pick the mid-range Exclusive trim, which adds niceties such as upgraded LED headlamps, in-dash navigation with an augmented video feature, traffic-sign recognition, illuminated door-sill plates, and more.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The GLA35 is powered by an AMG-massaged turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 302 hp and is now assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system. Combined with the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission, this powertrain in our test car provided swift acceleration and a distinctive sound but lacks smoothness during everyday driving. The GLA35 has responsive handling with little body roll, but its cornering aplomb comes at the expense of ride quality. Even in Comfort mode, the ride is stiff and impacts are harsh, especially with the optional 20-inch wheels. The standard 19-inch wheels may improve this somewhat, but the larger wheels and tires on our test car did achieve an impressive skidpad result of 0.93 g.

0-60 MPH Times

At our test track, the GLA35 got to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This time was achieved using the launch-control function, and it's notable that the 5–60 mph time was a significantly slower 5.8 seconds, meaning it doesn't always feel this quick around town.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates fuel economy for the GLA35 at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. These ratings are similar to rivals such as the BMW X2 M35i and the Mini Cooper Countryman JCW. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the GLA35 achieved 30 mpg. For more information about the GLA35 and GLA45's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The standard GLA-class's interior is relatively roomy for rear-seat riders, and that applies to the GLA35 as well. Interior material quality is impressive for an entry-level AMG, and the interior design closely resembles other Mercedes SUVs with loftier price tags. Sporty-looking front seats, red stitching, red seatbelts, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and carbon-fiber interior trim all give the AMG version of the GLA-class a racier ambiance. Notably, open-pore wood and other trims have become available starting with the 2024 model year. Cargo space is adequate, and the load floor is flush with the sill for easier loading and unloading.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Two giant 10.3-inch infotainment displays dominate the GLA-class's dashboard. One serves as a reconfigurable gauge display and the other handles the infotainment system. The interface features Mercedes-Benz's MBUX software, which offers the "Hey Mercedes" voice control system, but it also can be controlled via the touchscreen or the touchpad mounted on the center console. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, but navigation costs extra.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A suite of advanced driver-assistance features is offered as part of the Driver Assistance package, but automated emergency braking is standard. For more information about the GLA-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Basic warranty coverage of four years or 50,000 miles is included with the purchase of a new GLA-class, but both the BMW and the Mini offer three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $57,600/$72,800
Options: Pinnacle package (head-up display, Parking package with surround-view camera system, active LED headlights, MBUX interior assistant, augmented reality navigation, surround lighting with logo projection, illuminated door sills, traffic sign recognition), $4000; AMG Performance Seat Advanced package (multi-contour AMG performance seats with ventilation), $3250, Driver Assistance package (route-based speed adaptation; adaptive cruise control; evasive steering assist; Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound; active speed limit, blind spot, braking, emergency stop, steering, lane keeping, and lane change assists), $1700; AMG Aerodynamic package (rear spoiler, performance front bumper with larger splitter, performance rear bumper), $1550; red-and-black leather upholstery, $1450; 20-inch AMG wheels in matte black, $1350; AMG Night Package Plus (black exterior trim elements), $1150; Mountain Grey Metallic paint, $750

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in³, 1991 cm³
Power: 302 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Continental Sport Contact 6
255/40ZR-20 101Y MO1

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.4 in
Length: 174.6 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 62.5 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/46 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 51/15 ft³
Curb Weight: 3853 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.7 sec
100 mph: 12.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.4 sec @ 102 mph
130 mph: 26.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 304 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.93 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 19 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 400 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 24/22/28 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

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