Mercedes’ most affordable crossover, the GLA-Class, has been on sale for several years, blending sporty aesthetics with a nice interior and a playful driving experience. The automaker offers a rowdy AMG-tuned variant, but all models can bring a smile to their driver’s face.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The 2024 GLA got a series of updates, including a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system for all models. Two 10.25-inch displays are now standard, and the crossover’s exterior got a refresh for the model year. Finally, Mercedes discontinued the range-topping AMG GLA 45 model, leaving the AMG GLA 35 as the sportiest model in the lineup.
Design
The GLA carries a familiar Mercedes grille and shares some basic styling elements with the CLA-Class coupe. Its compact dimensions and beefy curves make it look muscular and powerful, even in the non-AMG variants, and buyers have a range of wheel choices with their purchase.
Powertrain
Mercedes offers two powertrain choices for the 2024 GLA. The base GLA 250 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), but 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is also available. The AMG GLA 35 also comes with a turbo-four, but output has been cranked up to 302 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AMG vairant features standard AWD.
Both engines are competent and offer enough power in most situations, but the GLA 35 has a significant power gain, giving it the ability to reach 60 mph from a standstill in five seconds.
Interior
The five-seat GLA comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, but more expensive configurations get the real thing. Heated and ventilated front seats, sport seats, and a heated steering wheel are available as well. The front seats offer good space and plenty of headroom, and the GLA’s back seat is more accommodating than its exterior dimensions would lead one to believe. Opting for the available sport seats brings a considerably tighter fit in the front.
Technology
A 10.25-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster are newly standard for 2024, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard features include over-the-air updates, voice commands, HD radio, SiriusXM radio, and more. Mercedes offers a Burmester sound system, an augmented reality navigation system, and a mid-range 10-speaker stereo.
Safety
The 2024 GLA hasn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet. Even so, Mercedes equips a decent list of standard features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitoring, automatic high beams, parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, a parallel parking assistance system, and safe exit alert. Available tech includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, front cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, and more.
Pricing
Pricing for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 starts at $43,000 and ranges to $53,600. The AMG GLA 35 ranges from $57,600 to $61,600, depending on the configuration, and Mercedes offers several upgrade options.