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What Our Independent Expert Says About the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 – Find the best Mercedes-Benz GLA deals!

In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 equipped with the following options:

• Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control,lane-keeping assistance, lane-changing assistance, and automatic emergency steering)
• Exclusive trim package
• Night package (high-gloss black painted exterior trim)

Because Mercedes delivered the test vehicle in winter, it wore less aggressive 20-inch wheels and winter tires rather than the 21-inch, summer-tire setup on the sticker. The 20s cost $1,350 versus $2,450 for the 21s, and as you’ll read below, they’re a good choice.

The test vehicle’s price was $65,550, including the $1,550 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Rastatt, Germany, assembly plant to your local dealership.

Mild-Hybrid Tech Smooths Power Delivery but Doesn’t Boost Performance

Photo: Alex Kwanten

The GLA’s most significant mechanical change for 2024 is adding a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It adds a belt-driven starter-generator that Mercedes-Benz says can contribute up to 13 hp in certain situations. Nobody will ever notice 13 hp in the real world, and the GLA 35 isn’t any faster, but the smoothness the system adds is readily apparent.

The GLA 250 4Matic and GLA 35 use versions of the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). In years past, some reviewers have criticized that gearbox and the fuel-saving stop-start feature for being a little herky-jerky off the line, but no longer. The mild-hybrid system enables much more seamless stop-start transitions, and the GLA is appreciably smoother off the line.

Like other mild-hybrid systems, it also allows the SUV to coast or glide to a stop with the engine off, saving fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the 2024 GLA 35 at 24 mpg combined—one mpg less than its 2023 rating. However, in 500+ miles of mixed driving and plenty of indulging the GLA 35’s hooligan tendencies, I saw 25.3 mpg combined, suggesting the EPA is being conservative. That’s good because all GLAs drink premium fuel.

Maximum MBUX: More Tech and AMG-Specific Features

Photo: Alex Kwanten

For the regular GLA 250, the most notable interior updates of 2024 are slightly nicer materials and the standardization of the previously optional 10.25-inch screens. They were already standard on the GLA 35, but it gets a new AMG steering wheel with two tiny round screens right on the wheel itself that control the SUV’s many performance settings. Additionally, the steering wheel looks nicer and feels more ergonomic than before.

Some new AMG-specific pages feature on the center screen for G-forces, real-time horsepower, and other data. There’s also a $250 AMG Track Pace option, which records lap times and other data if you’re serious about taking this thing autocrossing. Since the GLA 35 shares the GLA 250 4Matic’s AWD system, it also gets an off-road menu, but with only 4.6 inches of ground clearance and an ultra-firm suspension, you shouldn’t use it.

The 2024 GLA runs the latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s sophisticated MBUX infotainment system. It looks very familiar, but it now has over-the-air (OTA) update capability. In addition to the steering wheel and touchscreen controls, it features the ever-evolving “Hey, Mercedes” digital assistant, which learns your speech patterns over time. Based on my experience, it’s much better at recognizing human voices and delivering more precise responses than in 2021.

If you don’t like MBUX—and it does have a learning curve for new users—wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard and stay reliably connected. Also standard are five USB-C ports, a wireless device charging pad, surround-view cameras, and the formerly optional active parking assistance package. Navigation still costs extra, but it comes with handy overlays, and those voice-recognition traits mean it understands where you want to go most of the time.

The GLA’s adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance features work well but are still extra-cost options.

It Looks Fast, But Choose Your Wheels Wisely

The styling updates for 2024 drape only the front and rear of the GLA, but they make its soft shape more muscular. The GLA 35 has even further tweaks, and it looks as mean as its raucous Sport-mode exhaust note. The test example had only the Night package, which adds gloss-black-painted trim to the chin spoiler and other exterior bits. A more extensive Night package and an Aerodynamics package with a substantial rear wing are also available.

These aesthetic choices don’t affect how the GLA 35 drives, but the wheels do. The GLA 250 has a firm but smooth ride and capable handling. However, the GLA 35 is lower, leaner, and meaner, with much firmer suspension dampers. Firmer even than the rival BMW X1 M35i. Like the exhaust note, the settings soften in “Comfort” mode, but the right wheels make it easier to live with.

Having sampled the 21-inch AMG wheels on the related CLA and GLB AMG variants, I was happy that the test car came on 20-inchers. While the bigger wheels look great and may offer more grip, they deliver a harsh ride on broken pavement or rough surfaces. The slightly smaller 19- and 20-inch options, where the tire has more sidewall, are much smoother and still look fabulous.

A Hot Hatch or a Crossover?

Whatever wheels you choose, the GLA 35 is eager to play. The drive settings really do change its personality and soundtrack, but it always has urge. According to the automaker, its 302 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque are enough to sprint to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds—a figure that roughly matches my experience. There’s plenty of passing power, and two-lane overtaking is easy.

It does ride firmly, but there’s not much body roll, and the steering feels precise and communicative. It’s possible to induce four-wheel drifts with traction control off, but it’s grippy even in the rain with it on. It doesn’t necessarily feel like a vehicle that track day warriors will choose since it’s taller and heavier than cars like the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 or Honda Civic Type R. Still, it’s plenty of fun while also playing the role of a luxury crossover pretty well.

Up front, there’s room for drivers well over six feet tall, and the back seat is one of the roomiest among luxury SUVs this size. The cargo room behind the rear seats is scant compared to rivals like the X1 or the Audi Q3, but better overall with the seats folded. It’s no more complicated to use for a small family than the GLA 250.

Independent Expert Opinion – Find the best Mercedes-Benz GLA deals!

Photo: Alex Kwanten

The AMG GLA 35 is a delight to drive, feels appropriately luxurious, and doesn’t have many similarly sized direct rivals, but it’s also expensive for what it is. 

Only BMW’s X1 and X2 M35i models and the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works (all with 312 hp) offer this kind of performance in such a petite package. All three have more cargo room and lower starting prices, though BMW and Mini also play the same lengthy options list game. Sport utility vehicles like the V6 Genesis GV70 and the base model Porsche Macan are within reach for the GLA’s price.

Thanks to its price, this pocket rocket has to be a conscious choice, though it is satisfying. If you don’t need the speed, however, the latest updates to the GLA 250 make it more appealing than ever. And you can still dress it up with an AMG-Line package.

Alex Kwanten has worked in automotive media for 15 years and reported on buying, selling, and servicing cars for many outlets, including Automotive News, Forbes, and Hagerty Media. His calling is helping to make car buying less intimidating for ordinary folks, but he also loves telling the stories of the people and cultural forces behind new and classic vehicles. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, he’s owned scores of cars from more than a dozen countries.