It seems like almost everything rolling into dealer showrooms these days is called an SUV. When it comes to the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the reality is it’s a luxury hatchback. But that isn’t a bad thing, especially when you’re talking about the Mercedes-AMG GLA35.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 (European model shown)
With the increasing popularity of “subcompact” SUVs, it’s time to clear the air. These are not really SUVs at all. They are hatchback cars with a little more ground clearance than a passenger car.
Automaker marketing teams want to call every vehicle an SUV right now because SUVs are popular and sell better. Plus, a hatchback carries a connotation of an economy car, which the Mercedes-Benz GLA certainly is not.
The Mercedes GLA is a luxury hatchback, and when it’s been upgraded by Mercedes’ AMG performance division, it’s a performance-luxury hatchback that’s worthy of the three-pointed star on the grille.
AMG. That’s German for muscle
The GLA35 delivers plenty of power: 302 hp and 295 ln-ft, to be precise.
Every automaker is doing amazing engine work right now, and Mercedes-AMG is no exception.
The Germans are wringing 302 horsepower out of a basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. And that power is not only available in a narrow band up high in the rev range – it’s got a broad power band with 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is also helped out by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides a little extra power while the twin-scroll turbo spools up. The factory says it will hit 60 in 5.2 seconds.
It wasn’t too long ago that this kind of engine performance was limited to high-output V8 engines, but the GLA will still return 22 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway and 24 combined, according to the EPA. And that’s while pinning you into the driver’s seat.
The 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, making this performance hot rod perfect for a cold winter.
Hey, Mercedes
The GLA instrument panel is a no-nonsense affair.
Inside, the GLA35 completes the Mercedes-AMG luxury-performance package. The two-tone seats cradle the driver and passenger, while the D-shaped sport steering wheel feels great in your hands.
Mercedes also provides a wide format touchscreen for driver information and infotainment, but the best part is, you can ignore the touchpad on the console.
Mercedes has really advanced the voice control system, and you’ll get in the habit of just telling the GLA what you want. Seat heaters? Navigation instructions? Your most recent e-mail? Any of that can be accessed by saying “Hey Mercedes” and asking for it.
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Driving Impressions
On the road, the GLA feels fantastic.
The automaker has a multi-link rear suspension that they’re replicating across their entire product line and it keeps the back of the GLA well-planted, while a double-wishbone front setup yields precise, responsive steering.
Being an AMG, the GLA35 also comes with huge brakes and massive calipers that make the GLA a credible track day car as well as a reliable performer in any weather.
Pricing and availability
The AMG GLA35 starts at $58,050 according to MBUSA.com today. With options, our test vehicle jumped to $64,400.
Even the basic Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a great little car, however, and you can get into that trim for about $43,000. That just means you can choose the price point that matches what’s in your bank account.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 is now in U.S. showrooms. And with cars like this, it’s past time to stop being afraid of driving a hatchback.
Thanks for saying this. Every time we see an Ioniq 5 we say, “not an SUV.” It us also true of this Mercedes. We had one in England last summer (an A200). It was a great car.