A Complete Guide To The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The A-Class of the subcompact crossover Mercedes-Benz SUV segment, the GLA, is here with a few slight updates and the same tried and true turbo 4-cylinder that owners know and love. The GLA came onto the scene in late 2013 as an unibody subcompact crossover SUV. Currently, the GLA shares the same platform with the A-Class itself, the GLB, and the European B-Class. This plucky little sport utility vehicle was made in mind for the European market, but because US consumers actually can’t get enough SUVs, they’ve made it a mainstay stateside.

The 2024 model year has seen some slight tweaks and new touches that will help entice more buyers and sway them away from the uber-popular Lexus NX. With a few more drive modes like the off-road mode and updated driver assistance features, the GLA-Class is sure to be a winner in this segment. If you’re looking to lease or buy the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, then this article is for you. We’re going to cover everything GLA so that you’re completely confident when you walk into your local Mercedes-Benz dealership. From JD Power reliability ratings to EPA gas mileage, we’ll help you decide which one is best for you.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. HotCars sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about how our rating system works.

What’s New For 2024?

The 2024 model benefits from some slight upgrades and updates. Generally speaking, it’s the same in terms of styling, but the LED headlamps have received the GLE notched daytime running light treatment, which is great, as they’re higher powered than the units they replace. On the inside, there are a few upholstery updates as well as a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system with the latest MBUX, as well as a similar sized gauge cluster.

2024 Highlights

• Standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
• Upgraded driver assistance package.
• Upgraded LED headlights.
• Different styles of front grille and steering wheels.

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

This year adds a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the 2.0-Liter inline 4-cylinder engine. It doesn’t add much in the way of a power boost, however. In both the front-wheel drive and 4Matic all-wheel drive systems, the 4-cylinder outputs 221 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. The 250 mild-hybrid gets up to 60 in 6.8 seconds.

Attached to the engine will be Mercedes’ 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission no matter which drivetrain you choose. Speaking of the drivetrain, this subcompact is going to come with either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, drive train, which is common for this segment.

In speaking to the suspension on the GLA, it’ll come with a strut front suspension and a rear multi-link suspension. Both with coil springs. Surprisingly, the GLA also comes with some other mechanical features like hill start assist and a limited slip differential. Pretty impressive for a tiny Benz.

Performance Specifications

Off-Road Capability

There’s not a ton of information regarding the GLA’s off-road dimensions, i.e. approach angle, ground clearance etc. However, the 4Matic is going to come equipped with an off-road mode, ensuring that you will be able to make it through certain tough terrain. It’s not designed for serious abuse on the trails, but should be perfectly adequate in adverse conditions.

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

• 10.25 inch dual information displays.
• “Hey Mercedes” is integrated into the MBUX.
• Panorama roof.
• Heads up display.
• Driver and passenger memory seating.

Mercedes-Benz has really given the GLA the proper Mercedes treatment with this 2024 model. As mentioned previously, new for 2024 will be a standard dual screen informational screen with 20.5 inches of total screen, giving you the most immersive experience you can get in such a small package. Some other impressively standard features include: a wireless phone charging pad, wireless CarPlay, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, etc.

The Pinnacle trim gives you some goodies like a heads-up display, “Active LED Headlamps,” and a panoramic sunroof. The Exclusive trim makes the advanced audio sound system available, while the Burmester premium sound system is a separate $970 option. Additionally, a separate option is the $500 heated seats. Just as surprising, for a Mercedes, is the lack of a ventilated seat option. It’s still pretty well-equipped on the standard model, regardless.

Technology

While it might not have the ridiculous 55-inch hyper screen, the dual screen does the job for this subcompact SUV. Some additional technology in the GLA that hasn’t already been mentioned is the keyless go option, handsfree lift gate, and the “Hey Mercedes” functionality with natural language recognition. Additionally, you can control every aspect of the infotainment system with the steering wheel’s new touch control buttons. These act like a literal remote control for said infotainment system as well as the gauge cluster.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

Regarding safety, the GLA comes equipped with seven airbags, including side curtain as well as knee curtain airbags. Unfortunately, NHTSA, IIHS nor NCAP have done any crash safety tests on any recent GLA models. JD Power gave the 2024 GLA class a reliability rating of 78 out of 100. Meanwhile, CarEdge states that cost of maintenance on a GLA Class will set you back about $13,781 for the first ten years of ownership.

Driver Assistance Features

The GLA, unfortunately, won’t be driving itself on the highway. However, it does come with a bevy of driver assistance features that you’ll find useful in day-to-day traffic. From stop and go adaptive cruise control, to emergency braking, including bike and pedestrian assist. If you get the pinnacle package, you will be able to access the augmented reality navigation utilizing the cameras from the 360 surround view system.

• Adaptive cruise control.
• Park assist.
• 360-degree camera
• Lane keep assist

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: N/A

Warranties

For a luxury vehicle brand, Mercedes-Benz offers a fairly extensive full warranty. You receive 48 months and 50,000 miles for the full warranty, powertrain, roadside and corrosion warranty. With regard to the maintenance warranty, you do get full part replacements in the first two years. However, when it comes to actual maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations etc., you will have to purchase a pre-paid plan that can cover you from two to four years, depending on what you choose.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Versus Its Competitors

When you think of luxury, you probably don’t think of subcompacts. In actuality, there is a demand for it in the market and quite a few are available. The Lexus NX is a clear dominator in this sector of the market right now, and so makes a perfect focus for comparison against the GLA. As does the BMW X2, another subcompact with a premium twist, which hails from Germany.

How The BMW X2 Compares To The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class	2024 BMW X2
  Make	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
  Model	GLA Class	X2
  Engine/Motor	Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I-4	2.0-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder
  Horsepower	221 Horsepower	241–312 Horsepower
  Torque	258 Pound-Feet	295 Pound-feet
  Drivetrain	Front or All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
  MSRP	From $43,000	$42,000 – $51,400
  0-60 MPH	6.8 Seconds	5.4–6.5 Seconds

The BMW X2 has been fully redesigned for the 2024 model year. It has a similar starting price as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and a similar 2.0-liter I4 engine. The BMW, however, boasts a marginally higher output, thanks to a better turbocharger system. BMW uses something called a twin-scroll turbo. In layman terms, it helps completely eliminate pesky turbo lag and elicits a faster 0 to 60 time than the Mercedes. The BMW also has a slightly edgier look to it on the exterior, making the Mercedes seem a bit outdated in the looks department even though it recently had a mid-gen refresh.

Speaking of the interior, the Mercedes-Benz GLA class may have the BMW beat in terms of luxury and comfort. Yes, the BMW has one of the coolest interiors in this segment with a floating center console and door pull pieces, a curved display and a light up wireless charging pad. However, the Mercedes-Benz has a much more luxurious cabin with more familiar buttons for the HVAC controls, Bermester premium sound system available, and it’s just a little less edgy than the BMW.

How The Lexus NX Compares To The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

• 	2024 Lexus NX	2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class
  Make	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
  Model	NX	GLA Class
  Engine/Motor	2.5L I4, 2.4L I4 Turbo, Hybrid 2.5L I4, Plug-In Hybrid 2.5L I4	Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I-4
  Horsepower	203 – 304 Horsepower	221 Horsepower
  Torque	167 – 317 Pound-feet	258 Pound-Feet
  Drivetrain	FWD / AWD	Front or All-Wheel Drive
  Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	$40,605 – $61,155	From $43,000

The NX may be considered a subcompact, but it just feels so much bigger on the inside compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class. Surprisingly, however, the GLA has more cargo capacity in total, while the NX lags behind. Our guess is that the more cargo space the less room for occupants. They are similarly spaced out in terms of head and legroom, but the GLA just seems smaller in our opinion.

The Mercedes has the Lexus beat mechanically. The Mercedes does 0 to 60, much faster than any of the NX’s iterations and could be considered a bit sportier than the Lexus. However, the NX has many more powertrain options to choose from. The NX here in the US has a plug-in hybrid version. The Mercedes does have a new PHEV version, but it’s only available in the EU market, unfortunately.

How Much Does A 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Cost?

The GLA comes in three different trim levels for both the front and all-wheel drive. The Premium is the base model, and it comes with a good number of features. Exclusive and Pinnacle are more desirable and include a lot of the features you would want over the Premium. However, the GLA isn’t nearly as customizable as some of it’s larger counterparts. The GLA does come with a few upgraded upholstery options that add value to the vehicle, but it’s nothing like the GLE or the flagship GLS.

Fuel Economy

Undoubtedly, the GLA class shines in the EPA department. The GLA Class gets a combined top EPA rating of 28 MPG with 34 on the highway. There’s not a whole lot of difference between the front or all-wheel drive models either.

GAS

Is It Worth Buying A Mercedes-Benz GLA Class?

For those that desire the full package, it makes sense to opt for the 4Matic Exclusive package, upgraded wheels and a smart full leather interior. It’s also well worth opting for the Burmester sound system as it truly is one of the best on the market. Mercedes makes great powertrains and the turbo 4-cylinder is no exception to the rule. Plus, with the added hybrid system, it’s certain to make you feel that much more eco-conscious next time you turn over your Benz’s engine. However, if in the market for a subcompact SUV, make sure you don’t ignore the Volvo XC60 or the Lexus NX.

The GLA is a great option, especially when loaded full of premium features, but it doesn’t stand clear of other offerings in this sector. Sure, the Volvo is a bit dated, and the NX could be considered busy, but they both offer PHEV powertrains and the NX has one of the best Hybrid systems on the market. It’s well worth considering, but be sure to check out the competition, and consider test drives in any that take your fancy.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, IIHS, NHTSA, CarEdge, Fueleconomy.gov, JD Power