2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Aiming for the small crossover market, Mercedes-Benz introduces the GLA-Class for the 2015 model year. Smaller, less endowed with standard goodies, and a bit less expensive than more exotic offerings from other luxury manufacturers, the 5-passenger 2015 GLA-Class compact luxury crossover nevertheless has the prestige, the moves, and the pep that made the German automaker famous.
Available in a pair of all-wheel-drive (AWD) trims—the GLA250 4Matic and its up-powered and track-tested GLA45 AMG sibling—this pint-size ute is slated to have a front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) version (the GLA250) join the family in the spring of 2015. Now, although the AWD system isn’t designed for more extreme off-road adventures, standard skid plates and sill guards (not to mention descent control) come standard aboard each AWD trim to allow some medium-duty bushwhacking.
More than a few reviewers complain that with its emphasis on downsizing, this mini-ute offers little rear-seat comfort for larger adults. Cargo space measures a somewhat chintzy 43.6 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.
Despite their perceived lack of practicality, both GLA250 iterations boast a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant that works with the standard 7-speed auto-manual transmission to pound out 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both iterations, by the way, sport steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Additionally, look for the force-fed I4 to feature auto stop/start technology in helping to keep EPA-estimated mileage at 24 mpg city/32 highway in the AWD-equipped (4Matic) trim. Fuel economy figures for the FWD-only GLA250 are as yet unavailable. Oh, and this heady 4-cylinder is also Flex Fuel-capable (FFV).
The flagship GLA45 AMG, a product of M-B’s racing division, tweaks the 2.0-liter turbo I4 to put out 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, again under the management of the upgraded 7-speed auto-manual. With this added power comes a drop in mileage estimates to 23/29. However, a 3-mode stability-control-intervention system is also delivered with this potent performer, while a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds will help any commuter get the work day started hot.
On the outside, look for both versions of the debuting GLA250 to boast—besides a commanding ride and seat height—standard 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and a power liftgate. Inside, expect standard leatherette upholstery, full power accessories, power-adjustable front seats with memory for driver's settings, cruise control, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Manual air conditioning is also standard, as is M-B’s touted mbrace II telematics technology with a 5.8-inch display and COMAND interface.
Further techno-bling includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, along with a single-CD player with auxiliary audio input.
The 2015 GLA45 AMG, meanwhile, adds standard 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded steering response and braking, and some sporty exterior styling enhancements.
Packaged options include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone auto climate control, heated seats, a premium audio upgrade with satellite radio and 10GB of music storage. Mercedes also offers leather upholstery, GPS navigation, a power sunroof, a rear-view camera, and front sport seats. Standalone options, meanwhile, include front and rear parking sensors with the Auto Parking Assist feature and genuine wood cabin accents.
Options slated only for the sport-oriented GLA45 AMG include upgraded leather, a performance exhaust system, 20-inch upgraded wheels and distinctive styling add-ons.
Standard safety equipment for the just-introduced 2015 GLA-Class includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and thorax and pelvic airbags. Mercedes also includes front fog/driving lights, mbrace II emergency telematics, Collision Prevention Assistance with pre-collision braking, and Attention Assist driver alertness monitoring. Optional safety stuff includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring.
User reviews for 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Write a review2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.13
Engine
Alternator: 115 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.13
Engine
Alternator: 115 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.44
Engine
Alternator: 115 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 14
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
