2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Overview
In the fashion world, high style often comes at the cost of comfort or practicality and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is one of many stylish rides that confirm that principle. We know this because the company’s GLB250 is essentially the same SUV underneath its boxier wardrobe. The GLB’s more sensible shape provides room for a lot more cargo and it even can fit an optional third row of seats. But if you ask us, the GLA250’s sloping roofline and more hatchback-esque look are far sexier. A 221-hp turbocharged four-cylinder delivers adequate power, the handling is engaging enough for most buyers, and the cabin is appropriately fancy, sporting upscale materials and nicely-integrated tech features. You want big driving thrills in this tautly rendered body? Check out the 382-hp GLA45, which we review separately.
What’s New for 2023?
None of Mercedes’s mini crossovers—including the GLA-class—receive any changes for the 2023 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While no one who buys a GLA250 is likely to explore the trails, opting for the 4Matic model adds more than just all-wheel drive. Mercedes is making the Off-Road Engineering package standard on that model, which provides an off-road driving mode that decreases throttle response and power delivery. Some drivers may find it useful in certain situations, such as plowing through heavy snow. In our view, the Premium package is a must as it adds the larger 10.3-inch digital gauge display and 10.3-inch infotainment screen, which are combined in one continuous panel and lend a tech-forward appearance to the GLA’s cabin.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 GLA-class is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front or all four wheels and makes 221 horsepower; it’s paired up with an eight-speed automatic. At our test track, an all-wheel drive GLA250 4Matic managed a 60-mph time of 6.3 seconds—adequate but far from fast compared to many EV SUVs. That result is actually slower than the last-generation model, which managed a 5.7-second result in the same test. While the GLA250 is not intended as a sporting SUV, its handling is composed and its suspension is compliant enough over rough stretches of road to avoid being uncouth.
More on the GLA-Class SUV
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the GLA250 will deliver 24 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive GLA250 4Matic’s fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg city. We haven’t had a chance to test the new GLA250 on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, but when we do we will update this story with the results. For more information about the GLA-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
One of the chief complaints about the previous-generation GLA-class was its cramped interior. Mercedes has rectified that with the new generation model. Rear-seat passengers are treated to almost five inches of additional legroom, as well as increased space for shoulders and elbows. This will help the GLA-class compete more directly with key rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40. Interior materials look upscale, and the layout of controls and climate-control vents is similar to what we see on the GLB-class, with a column-mounted shifter, center-console-mounted infotainment controller, and circular vents along the dashboard. Cargo capacity is increased compared with the old model and the rear seats fold flat; the cargo floor is now flush with that of the sill, which should make sliding bulkier items in and out of the trunk easier. In our testing, the GLA250 fit six of our carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, one more than what we fit in the last generation model.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system—for better or worse—is standard across the GLA-class range. Base models come with two 7.0-inch displays, one for the driver’s gauge display and one for the infotainment system. Dual 10.3-inch displays are optional. This same setup has been rolled out throughout the Mercedes lineup to mixed reviews from our editors. The system can be manipulated either via the touchscreen, using voice commands, or by utilizing the touchpad controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display, and a Burmester premium audio system are all optional.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Automated emergency braking is standard across the range, but more advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist will require adding the optional Driver Assistance package. 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 with pedestrian detection Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes offers a basic warranty package, with coverage stretching four years or 50,000 miles. The Lexus NX offers longer warranty terms while others, while other rivals such as the BMW and the Volvo offer lengthy contracts for complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$49,310 (base price: $39,280)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1991 cm3
Power
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Tires: Continental ProContact GX SSR, 235/50R-19 99H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.4 in
Length: 173.6 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 63.4 in
Cargo volume: 15 ft3
Curb weight: 3689 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.3 sec
100 mph: 17.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.0 sec
1/4 mile: 14.8 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 27/24/33 mpg
More Features and Specs
