The 2024 GLA is a small SUV with luxury features, though many will cost extra. Shop it against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
It can get expensive, but the 2024 GLA-Class justifies its hefty price with its suave styling and sublime performance. This small SUV is a 6.4 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
This year, the GLA range sees tweaked styling front and rear with new LED headlights pointing the way forward. Inside, it gains a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring. Additionally, the lineup goes all-hybrid thanks to a 48-volt starter-generator that adds 13 hp for smoother starts and should result in real-world fuel savings, too.
Even with its revised styling, the GLA sticks with its voluptuous small crossover SUV shape. The revised front grille and headlights lend a class-up appearance outside that finally matches its cabin. Dual 10.3-inch displays under a single pane of glass tie it in closely with the rest of the Benz lineup. Chintzy plastics aren’t too hard to find, but that’s the price to pay for three-pointed-star tech in a (relatively) inexpensive package.
The 2.0-liter turbo-4 sticks with its 221-hp rating, but the new starter-generator’s extra dozen or so ponies should help it get going smoother and with less fuel consumption. The 8-speed automatic sticks around, with power going either to the front or, optionally, all four corners.
Nice ride quality and good steering heft make the GLA a pleasant companion on a curvy road, too.
Those looking to turn up the wick considerably will want to consider the AMG GLA 35 AMG. The 35 tosses in a 302-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4. Last year’s 382-hp GLA 45 AMG is gone for 2024. The AMG GLA models exhibit an impressive balance between ride comfort, sharp handling, and thrilling acceleration.
The EPA has yet to rate the latest GLAs, but it’s safe to say they won’t stray too far from last year’s maximum of 28 mpg combined for the GLA 250 with front-wheel drive.
Bite-size outside, the GLA is similarly cramped inside for anyone not up front. The small cargo bay expands from 15 to a fairly decent 50 cubic feet with row two flopped down, though.
All models come with basic crash-avoidance tech. Mercedes-Benz tends to be stingy about any sort of driver-assistance features, though, so plan on adding a few packages before unlocking adaptive cruise control.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class cost?
Mercedes has yet to price the 2024 GLA range. Figure nearly $40,000 to start, plus another $2,000 or so to send power to all four wheels. AMG models can easily reach $60,000 with extras such as real leather and uprated audio.
Where is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class made?
In Germany.
