“Too many amenities are offered as options. Many should be standard equipment with this brand. As a result don''t have many options that I would enjoy. German brands are noted for this ploy to get the overall price up over the ""advertised"" price. Really a deception, especially for a prestigious brand like Mercedes.”
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA is an all-new model and the first GLA sold in the U.S. Its debut lineup ranges from the everyday GLA 250 to the much quicker 355-hp GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC.
About the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
1st gen (X156), first U.S. model year
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLA as a small luxury SUV for buyers who want city-friendly size, a sporty driving feel, and useful cargo space without stepping into a larger crossover. The marketing leans more toward athletic design, quick turbo power, and upscale touches than toward maximum room. What sets it apart from many rivals is that it feels more like a raised hatchback with Mercedes styling and safety features than a purely utility-focused small SUV.
Mercedes-Benz positions the GLA 250 as a small luxury SUV with sporty responses and useful everyday features, including memory seats and a power liftgate. The GLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and light-trail driving modes, while the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC brings a handcrafted 355-hp engine, performance suspension, and launch control.
What changed, by category
Structural
The GLA debuts as Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV and a new entry point to the brand’s U.S. SUV range.
Powertrain
The GLA 250 uses a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC uses a handcrafted 355-hp version. Every model has a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Safety
Radar-based forward collision warning with automatic braking and a driver-drowsiness monitor are standard across the lineup.
Tech
Every GLA has a power liftgate and power front seats with three-position memory. The GLA 250 also has a 5.8-inch central display, HD Radio, and Bluetooth audio streaming.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | Auto, 7Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 32 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | 208 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.9 in | 33.9 in | |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2015 the first year of the Mercedes-Benz GLA in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2015 model year marks the GLA’s U.S. debut as Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV.
Which versions of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA were offered?
The 2015 lineup consists of the front-wheel-drive GLA 250, the all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4MATIC, and the performance-focused GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC.
Does every 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA have all-wheel drive?
No. The standard GLA 250 has front-wheel drive. The GLA 250 4MATIC and GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC have all-wheel drive.
What engines are in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The 2015 GLA 250 models use a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC has a handcrafted 355-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and every version uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What safety features are standard on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Every 2015 GLA has radar-based forward collision warning with automatic braking and a driver-drowsiness monitor. These systems were standard across the debut lineup.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
4.2
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
(464 reviews)
“I have enjoyed driving the GAL 250, I am waiting for winter to come so I can see how the 4matic will work.”
“I love my GLA 250. I do have to say I noticed that I hear a lot of wind noise though. If that was fixed It would be the only brand of vehicle I would ever consider again.”