2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250: The Brand's Entry-Level Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: The GLA is a front wheel drive crossover.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $48,620 (Base Model GLA: $37,280)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; an electronic blind spot system; an electronic stability system; traction control; a rear view cameral and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment:18-inch wheels; start-stop engine; an 8-speed automatic transmission; power front seats with driver’s lumbar support; 3-position memory front seats; pseudo leather seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear privacy glass; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a power liftgate; heated power side mirrors; a touchpad controller; keyless entry; a push button ignition starter system; and a MBUX touchscreen and voice activated infotainment center; LED headlights and taillights

Options:  19-inch AMG wheels; sports leather steering wheel; a panoramic sunroof; SiriusXM; heated front seats; 64-color ambient interior lighting; USB adapter cable; a navigation system with augment services; exterior treatment with high gloss grille, exterior mirrors and window trim; AMG perforated front discs and diamond block grille; a keyless entry system; an automatic dimming rearview mirror and side mirrors with power folding feature

Other Trim Levels:

AMG GLA35

AMG GLA45

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine turbo/221-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Towing: N/A

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/34-hwy

What’s New: Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level compact crossover undergoes a major overhaul for the 2021 model year.

Why: 

New model is wider, taller and offers a longer wheelbase, which translates to a larger cabin

Sporty design with the optional AMG enhancements

Mercedes-Benz most affordable crossover/SUV

Smooth shifting dual clutch transmission

Driver assistance features available for a self-driving-like vehicle

A heads up display (HUD) system is available

Comfortable seating

Utility space when rear seats are folded

Feels and drives like a Mercedes-Benz despite its compact size

Easy to navigate and maneuver

AWD available

AMG performance model available

Despite smaller fuel tank, combined fuel economy of 27 is on par with the competition

Is it a crossover or a sporty hatchback?

An ipad-like huge digital instrument cluster and infotainments screen  

But: 

Becomes pricey when adding on options

Why is a three-position front passenger memory seat needed?

Lacked in-vehicle charger

Must buy an adapter to charge Androids

Limited fuel range, only 343 miles according to fueleconomy.gov

Smaller tank than the competition

Verdict:  The second-generation GLA makes a huge splash for the 2021 model year. In every aspect, the hatchback-like GLA improves upon the first-generation model. Despite the GLA only spewing our 221-horsepower, its more than adequate for this compact crossover. The seamless shifting, peppy engine can easily adapt to a variety of driving patterns.

While the GLA is the most economical crossover in the brand’s line up, its still has all of the elements one would expect in the German engineered vehicle. The roomy vehicle, which is available in a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration, can  be outfitted with the latest high tech driver assistance features than can easily place this GLA into a semi-autonomous driving mode.

Also for those seeking a little and style in their compact crossover, Mercedes-Benz offers an AMG version, which offers nearly 400-horsepower. With the additional horsepower, one can expect a healthy price tag too.

The Mercedes-Benz team has designed a great entry for folks who otherwise couldn’t have afforded a vehicle from this brand to not only experience one, but also to possibly to remain loyal to the German luxury brand.

Competition: Audi Q3; Buick Encore; and BMW X1