Mercedes-Benz GLA
Regarded as the SUV version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the GLA offers comparable levels of luxury and refinement as its sedan sibling with the additional utility of a crossover. It also provides the clout of Mercedes-Benz ownership at a digestible price. Owners praise the GLA for its deluxe interior styling, impressive handling and maneuverability, and long list of available features. On the flip side, some complain about its overall cost of ownership, lack of interior storage, and cramped rear seat.
Regarded as the SUV version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the GLA offers comparable levels of luxury and refinement as its sedan sibling with the additional utility of a crossover. It also provides the clout of Mercedes-Benz ownership at a digestible price. Owners praise the GLA for its deluxe interior styling, impressive handling and maneuverability, and long list of available features. On the flip side, some complain about its overall cost of ownership, lack of interior storage, and cramped rear seat.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Model Lineup
The GLA is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV with available seating for five. It's the smallest sport-ute in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, measuring roughly 10 inches shorter than its compact sibling, the GLC.
The GLA employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which varies in output depending on the trim level. In the entry-level GLA 250, it delivers 208 horsepower in 2020 and earlier models and gets an increase to 221 hp as of the 2021 model year. A high-performance variant, the AMG GLA 45, first appeared in 2015 offering a 355-hp version of the mill; it was upgraded to 375 hp in 2016 and again to 382 ponies in 2021. Slotting between those two is the AMG GLA 35, which debuted in 2021 and offers 302 hp. All versions come standard with a seven- or eight-speed automatic transmission (depending on the year), which routes power to the front wheels in the GLA 250 or to all four in the others, which include Mercedes-Benz's all-wheel drive system, dubbed 4Matic. No hybrid or electric versions are currently available.
When it comes to features, the GLA is well-equipped. A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen became a standard feature in 2016 (replacing a 5.8-inch display) and added optional Apple CarPlay integration the following year. It was upgraded to an 8.0-inch unit in 2018 and got Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard items in 2021. That's also the year forward collision mitigation arrived as a standard safety feature, with blind-spot warning following in 2022 (both were previously offered as options). Most other safety features and driving aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera, are optional on the GLA. Other notable options include heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.3-inch center touchscreen, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a self-parking system.
Popular Trims
Mercedes-Benz GLA Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.3
406 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Gina J. from CA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
I love this car, I wanted a small SUV and got it. It's a pleasure to drive and has ample power even when fully loaded.
Alfred L. from CA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
1) My iPhone only works when the radio is ON. If the radio is off, a phone call doesn't trigger the hands-free feature. I've never had to keep my radio perpetually on (and in the mute mode when I'm not listening to the radio) in order to receive hands-free calls on my Honda Civic (how does one compare a GLA250 to a Civic?) Shouldn't a blue tooth feature be always on in the background, without having to manually switch something on for it to work? 2) So also with the rear view camera: The display (and radio) has to be ON for the rear view camera to work. Shouldn't the display come on automatically when the car is put on REVERSE? Again, the Honda Civic doesn't have an on and off switch for the rearview camera; it comes on automatically when it's in reverse. It just makes so much sense that the REVERSE gear should activate the display for the rearview camera! 3) The display has a "FULL SCREEN" banner that is rather annoying; the default should have been set at full screen without having to push the button on the controller! 4) A potential safety concern: When the sun is directly overhead, the metal part on the steering wheel reflects the sunlight RIGHT INTO MY EYES, like a mirror. I had to shield the glare of the light from my eyes by blocking the sun with one hand (an unsafe way to drive, for sure!) or put a piece of paper on top of the steering wheel to block the sunlight!
Donna C. from FL
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
I love my vehicle but feel that the phone system is not anywhere as good as my Lincoln sync was I wish it had voice command without plugging it in Also acceleration from a stop when turning onto Hwy is tricky, there is a fine line when the torque kicks in that the vehicle becomes hard to control, perhaps because I do not have all wheel drive..not sure Also the Ecoboost is jerky and annoying. Wish there was a way to turn it off permanently unless I choose to use it The joystick for the radio/electronics is in a bad spot, constantly hitting it with arm and changing channels and functions Having said that I really do love this vehicle!!
Joseph M. from ID
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA45 AMG AWD
It is a real fun Car to own and drive, exceeded my expectations.
Carlos A. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
The car is excellent, line, model, etc. But the overall quality of the vehicle is not what I expected for such an important brand
Mark B. from GA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
I'm not in love with the gears being on the steering column. I would prefer a gear shift in the console. The function where the car "shuts off" when stopped is bothersome. I turn it off when I crank up the car. The only other thing that I would improve is the material that the center console is made from. I don't think the appearance of that area lives up to the luxury of the Mercedes brand.
Lieu D. from CA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
Only 2 things I regconized that the engine runs too noise and the wind noise when driving on the freeway.
Jan W. from MA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 AWD
I love just about everything about the GLA. Exceptions - I never use the engine shut-off mode. It restarts just a little too rough for me and I'm not concerned with gas mileage. It might be nice to have the side exterior mirrors fold in, but not a big deal. Otherwise, I absolutely love this car.
Ana B. from FL
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 FWD
I'm very satisfied with my GLA 250 Mercedes
Joe C. from CA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 Mercedes GLA250 AWD
MAGAZINE HOLDER/POCKET BEHIND FRONT SEAT MISSING / NEED EMPTY SPACE NEAR DRIVER SEAT TO PLACE LADY'S HANDBAG OR MAN'S BRIEFCASE