2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Mercedes quality and prestige at a more affordable price
- Confident and enjoyable driving manners
- Choice of engines, including two potent AMG performance variants
- Ample tech and safety features
- Pricing starts at $36,400 (plus $1,050 destination) | Price yours
- On sale soon | See Mercedes-Benz GLA models for sale near you
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA is proof that even the smallest and least-expensive SUV in the German luxury automaker’s stable is, well, still a Mercedes-Benz. And by that we mean it has the features, driving manners, safety, and technology that buyers – even buyers on a more limited budget – expect from a Mercedes. Despite a growing cadre of competitors in the subcompact luxury SUV realm, the GLA retains its Best Buy crown for a second year straight.
A Big Deal Among Small Luxury SUVs
The Mercedes-Benz GLA resides in the subcompact segment of SUVs, and slides in beneath the GLB and GLC in Mercedes’ lineup. Its tidy proportions make it shine in the city. Small dimensions translate to great maneuverability and ease of parking. If the end of your daily commute involves hunting for a parking space or squeezing into a tight garage, rest assured that these tasks will be a lot easier in a GLA.
But the GLA’s small size doesn’t mean less enjoyable driving manners. In fact, this is just one example of where the GLA punches above its weight. Even on long highway treks, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a comfortable and capable performer. Mercedes’ baby SUV has the maturity of its bigger siblings, feeling planted, quiet, and comfortable on the road.
Two Potent Engines
In base GLA 250 form, the standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine’s 221 horses are up to the task of quickly getting the GLA up freeway onramps and to highway speeds. For those counting, 0-60 mph arrives in a fleet 6.8 seconds. Opt for 4Matic – Mercedes’ term for all-wheel drive – and you not only get the assurance of added traction on slippery roads, but quicker acceleration. With this model, the jaunt to 60 mph is two-tenths of a second quicker.
For those who seek something spicier, the GLA is available in hot and hotter forms if you opt for one of the AMG performance models. We really like the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 for its balance of power and performance at a still attainable price. It packs 302 horsepower and is a blast to drive. It can scoot to 60 mph in a mere 5.1 seconds and has various driving modes that make this an automotive chameleon. For those seeking the ultimate GLA thrill ride, there’s the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, which packs 382 horses under the hood and the ability to hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds – that’s sports-car fast.
Handsome Design
Performance isn’t the only way the GLA mimics its larger and more expensive siblings. The GLA is a real looker inside and out. Thanks to a full redesign that occurred just last year, the GLA is among the freshest in its class.
Its new tailored suit brought bolder and more handsome looks. On the outside, the GLA looks more like an SUV and less like merely a raised hatchback. Step inside, and prepare to be impressed. It’s an artful blend of technology and premium amenities. The former includes both a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch multimedia display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, natch. Both of those can be upgraded to 10.25-inch screens for a real wow factor. In a world where we are becoming accustomed to speaking to our devices and having them do things at our command, the GLA has you covered with its standard MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Interface. Just say: “Hey, Mercedes” and voice your instruction.
Standard luxury amenities include dual-zone climate control, power liftgate, power front seats, and keyless start. And as with other Mercedes models, the list of options is long and tempting, ranging from a truly ear-pleasing Burmester audio system to augmented-reality navigation, larger wheels, hands-free liftgate, a surround-view monitor, and parking-assistance feature.
Advanced Safety Systems, Too
The 2022 Mercedes GLA comes loaded with safety features that range from blind-spot monitoring and crosswind assist to a driver attention monitor and automatic emergency braking. More systems are optional and recommended. They include a lot of functions with the word “active” in them, meaning the Mercedes can take proactive measures if needed. The more advanced functions range from helping keep the vehicle in its lane to an evasive steering assist feature that can help you avoid a crash with, say, a pedestrian that wanders into the road.
Add it all up, and you get a luxury SUV from one of the most prestigious brands in the business, all at a price that doesn’t need to break the bank.
Photo Tour: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA
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