2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is only available in one trim level: the GLA 250. The standard feature list is extensive with additions like power-adjustable front seats, MB-Tex Upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless with push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, HD radio, manual tilt/telescoping steering column, amber ambient interior lighting, and more. Active safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more are also available as standard. Mercedes also offers a lot of optional packages which include features like heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, a surround-view camera system, and more.

Optional Packages

Multimedia package ($2,300) - Includes smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, DVD player, and DVD coding. Premium package ($1,900) - Includes blind-spot monitoring, satellite radio, and heated front seats. Driver assistance package ($1,500) - Includes more advanced features like lane-keep assist and active distance assist. Parking assistance package ($1,400) - includes automatic parking assist, surround-view parking camera, folding side mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Harman Kardon premium audio system ($850) Premium leather upholstery ($1650)

Which trim should you buy?

Since there is only one trim level on offer, you only have a choice between the regular front-wheel-drive model and the 4Matic which gets an all-wheel-drive system. You do get plenty of standard features but we suggest that you opt for the multimedia and premium packages for a better experience.

Thanks to the small capacity turbocharged engine, efficiency figures are impressive for a compact crossover. The GLA 250 returns 24 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, which is best-in-class. Despite the smaller 14.8-gallon fuel tank, the GLA still manages a range of 500 miles on the highway. Opting for the 4Matic model will cut the figures down to 22 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and a combined 25 MPG. 

Although all SUVs in the segment get a similar powertrain setup, there are some glaring differences in efficiency figures. For starters, the GLA-Class and BMW X1 offer the highest figures, followed by the XC40. The Audi Q3 takes the last spot, but that may be because of its standard all-wheel-drive system and heavy curb weight.

Despite being on sale since 2013, the interiors still look modern and stylish with the typical Mercedes-Benz design. However, the quality of materials used and the overall fit and finish levels don't match siblings’ cabin standards. The front seats provide plenty of support with power adjustability and a comfortable driving position. You also get plenty of features as standard including dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, day-night rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and three 12V power outlets. 

However, features like a power-adjustable steering column are missed at this price point. Things take a turn for the worse when we consider the rear seats. With minimal legroom and headroom on offer, the GLA-Class is strictly a two-seater for longer journeys. But smaller kids can squeeze in comfortably. The Cargo area is also disappointingly small at 15.4 cubic feet, which is barely enough to accommodate your weekend luggage. But, fold down the cramped rear seats in a 40-60 pattern and the capacity expands to a usable 43.6 cubic feet.

The front row of the GLA 250 is spacious enough but the same can’t be said about the rear row where it has the stingiest legroom. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 remains the most practical option followed by the Audi Q3, both in terms of passenger and cargo space. The Volvo XC40 has the least roomy front row while the second-row space is not as disappointing as what’s offered in the GLA Class. Its trunk is also slightly bigger than the GLA Class. Some notable interior features include:

• MB-Tex upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable front seats with optional heating
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Manual tilt and telescopic steering column
• Optional auto-dimming rearview mirror

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class gets plenty of standard features including an 8-inch touchscreen display, 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and HD radio. However, it still misses out on some essentials. For easier access, a rotary knob along with some shortcut buttons are also included. The COMAND interface is easy to navigate with well-laid-out menus and quick responses. 

But, even for basic features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, you'll have to pay extra for the multimedia package. Other options include a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, built-in navigation, satellite radio, and voice control. Sound quality is impressive with the base system even while streaming through Bluetooth. Some notable infotainment features include:

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Premium 450-Watt Harman Kardon audio system (Optional)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (Optional)
• HD radio
• Built-in navigation and voice commands (Optional)

Despite the crossover design elements like flared wheel arches, cladding, and higher ground clearance, the GLA-Class looks more like a jacked-up hatchback than a crossover. That being said, the overall proportions are a lot more pleasing than its rivals. Several design elements are shared with the CLA Sedan it's based on including the sleek headlights and the two-slat grille with a massive three-pointed star logo in the middle. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels also gel well with the overall design, and bigger 19-inch AMG multispoke and 19-inch twin 5- spokes are available as an option. 

However, the bigger wheels might make the already firm ride a lot more uncomfortable. Overall, the design still looks modern despite its age, and the new model planned for launch next year is expected to improve on all fronts. Furthermore, rain-sensing wipers, power heated side mirrors, rear-window wiper, automatic light-sensing headlights, and front fog lights are some standard exterior features. 

Being compact crossovers, all four models have city-friendly dimensions. But, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a size smaller than the others, and it gets the longest wheelbase. The Audi Q3 is the biggest of the bunch, followed by the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. Some notable exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Optional LED headlights
• Dual outlet exhausts
• Silver roof rails
• Power liftgate
• Optional Panoramic roof

Unfortunately, just like most modern luxury offerings, the GLA-Class hasn't been through any safety tests by the NHTSA and IIHS agencies. But, it does offer plenty of standard safety features including automatic emergency braking, active brake assist, cruise control, attention assist, hill-start assist, and anti theft alarm system. Opting for driver assistance and other packages also include a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic parking assist. Some standard safety features include:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Attention assist
• Cruise control
• Rearview camera

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs Audi Q3

With a more powerful drivetrain and enjoyable dynamics, the Audi Q3 is more engaging to drive than the GLA-Class with a smoother powertrain overall. The Audi also gets standard all-wheel-drive for a similar price but doesn't have the FWD option. Interior space in the Q3 is much better compared to the GLA Class. Meanwhile, both SUVs offer a polenta of luxury, as is expected with a high-end German brand. But, the Q3 is the better pick of the two, thanks to the excellent overall package with a bigger trunk and fuel tank.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs BMW X1

The BMW X1 offers better ride quality than the GLA-Class, while still being good fun-to-drive. Furthermore, the X1 also feels more premium throughout from interior quality to a more spacious cabin with better cargo space. Overall, the X1 manages to trump the GLA-Class in all factors that count, making it the better pick.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs Volvo XC40

One of the more recent entries into Volvo’s lineup, the XC40 focuses on safety and luxury. But, there are several shortcomings when compared to the latest GLA-Class. Starting with the performance on offer, the GLA-Class is easily the fastest of the two and offers better ride quality. The GLA-Class also manages to feel more premium than the XC40, which is an important factor for customers looking to enter the luxury segment with these entry-level luxury crossovers. Despite the higher costs, the GLA-Class is a more competent crossover compared to the XC40.

Being the smallest SUV in Mercedes' lineup, the GLA-Class gets most of it right. From its handsome design to unique additions like launch control, it seems to offer more value than its rivals. However, it is starting to show its age among modern competitors. Paying extra for basic features like smartphone integration and satellite radio are also questionable at this price point. The GLA-Class is also limited in terms of practicality and comfort and doesn't feel as premium as a typical Mercedes-Benz offering. Since the new model expected to launch next year will likely improve on all fronts, it's a good idea to give newer options like the Audi Q3 or BMW X1 a chance.