2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$33,400 to $50,600

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(19 reviews)
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Preview summaryImage

Along with rivals like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Acura RDX, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has helped define the luxury compact crossover segment. For 2018, the GLA is getting its first major refresh since its 2015 model-year debut. The front and rear bumpers are new, LED headlights replace the bi-xenon bulbs, and the interior receives a standard 8-inch color display in the center console, a redesigned instrument cluster, and optional Android Auto compatibility. Even with all those changes, prices stay almost the same as for the 2017 model—as do most of the GLA’s specs.

The entry-level front-wheel-drive (FWD) GLA 250 starts at $33,400—up only $550 from 2017, even though it includes more standard features. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine is good for 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and will propel the car to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only available transmission. For an additional $2,000, you can get the all-wheel-drive (AWD) GLA 250 4MATIC. It’s 132 pounds heavier than the FWD GLA 250, but it manages a 0-to-60 time of 7.1 seconds with the same engine and transmission.

Both GLA 250s come with driver-selectable drive modes that include Eco Start/Stop. MB-Tex upholstery is standard, as is a 14-way power driver’s seat with 4 lumbar settings, a power liftgate, active brake assist, front fog lamps, and rain-sensing wipers.

Additional options abound for the 2018 GLA. To get Android Auto and CarPlay integration, you’ll have to spring for the $350 Smartphone Integration package. Lane-keep assist and Distronic dynamic cruise control come with the $1,500 Driver Assistance package; auto-dimming mirrors and a garage-door opener are part of the $400 Convenience package; and the $1,400 Parking Assist package adds power-folding side mirrors, a surround-view camera, and Mercedes’ Parking Pilot automatic parking assist. The $1,700 Interior package includes leather seats and multicolor ambient cabin lighting, while the $1,800 Premium package offers blind-spot detection, SiriusXM satellite radio, heated front seats, and keyless ignition with a proximity key. For $2,300, you can get Mercedes’ Comand navigation and voice control as part of the Multimedia package.

If you don’t opt for a package for your GLA, some options—like heated seats and a proximity key—are available à la carte. A panoramic sunroof ($1,480) is an optional add-on, as are an illuminated three-pointed star in the grille ($450) and LED headlights and taillights ($850).

As far as looks are concerned, you can inject some AMG style into your GLA 250 with the AMG Line Exterior package ($2,300), which includes an AMG body kit, 19-inch wheels, and a black headliner. The Night package ($2,600) adds the contents of the AMG Line Exterior package along with gloss-black exterior accents and black wheels.

Alternatively, you could just step up to the GLA 45 AMG for $50,600. In addition to AMG styling, it comes with a genuine hand-built AMG powertrain—a twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 375 hp and 350 lb-ft. AWD is standard, as is an AMG Speedshift dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 4.3 seconds.

The GLA 45 AMG comes standard with performance-oriented equipment like a sport suspension, high-performance brakes, and a sport exhaust system, but upgrades are also available. An AMG Ride Control sport suspension with two-stage damping costs $850, and a performance exhaust will be an extra $650. The $2,800 AMG Dynamic Plus package bundles the sport suspension, an AMG limited-slip front differential, an increased top speed of 167 mph (up from 155 mph), and a Race mode designed for track driving.

To amplify the GLA 45 AMG’s sporty vibe even more, a number of interior and exterior options are available. The $6,300 AMG Performance Studio package adds a gloss-black rear spoiler and front splitter, air intakes, the AMG Night package, 20-inch black and yellow wheels, a Dinamica sport steering wheel with yellow accents, Recaro front seats, and yellow illuminated door sills. The AMG Aerodynamics package costs $1,950 and includes the same spoiler and splitter. For the interior, the $17,00 AMG “Red Cut” Exclusive package offers black “Red Cut” leather and red seat belts, while the $850 AMG Dinamica Interior package includes a Dinamica sport steering wheel and interior trim.

Published May 31, 2022 by Keith Barry

User reviews for 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA

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User rating:
by Jeet G
May 29, 2024
Small SUV with a nice kick to it. Fit & finish are great. Loads of features (some are optional).May 29, 2024
by Prince Rasheed K
Nov 17, 2023
The car is lovely , comfortable and classic. I love itNov 17, 2023
by Malissa W
May 23, 2023
Like the car and the size. Had many features. May 23, 2023

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing

Original MSRP
$33,400 to $50,600
Price range
$15,551 to $16,815
Average price on CG
$15,565
YoY price change
$16,815 to $15,565

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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: diversity · 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 · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: liftgate · 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: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.60

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · 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: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual 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): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · 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 · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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 · 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 · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver 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: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · 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: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · 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: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual 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): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · 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: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual 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: diversity · Memory card slot 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 · Braking assist: hill start assist · 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 · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 3 driver · 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: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.13 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad 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: 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: Yelp · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

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): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (3)