2021 Mercedes GLA 35 AMG: Boring Gay Car Review
A flashy pocket rocket with AMG prestige - but is it worth the price?
Every time I see a new Mercedes A-Class or GLA, I feel like I’m missing out. Not because I particularly need one, but because I have been dying to try out the new MBUX infotainment set-up both cars come with (and which is making its way through the entire Mercedes lineup). Luxury brands have historically been slow to provide advanced standard tech. Sure, they’ve had cool tech for a while but they always make you pay for it. Now, seemingly needing to keep up with the standard features that come in Kia’s, Toyota’s, Nissan’s, and more, it’s nice to see the luxury brands jumping into the game with generous standard tech. My foray into MBUX curiosity comes via the GLA - but not just any GLA, the GLA 35 AMG - a sports car in the body of a baby SUV. Let’s do this.
Who Would Drive It?
First things first (I’m the realest). And also, who would even be interested in the GLA? Well, If you are familiar with the first-generation model, it had somewhat of a polarizing design. To me, it looked like a go-kart, which I found quirky but also maybe not what someone would expect from a Mercedes. It seemed to do well with younger urbanites but it definitely wasn’t big enough to be a mom car. Side note - I did love the old GLA AMG’s, with the huge wing coming off the top of the car. It was so not Mercedes but I see that model becoming a cult classic. The good thing is, you can still get a wing on the new GLA AMG’s, but it doesn’t look as good with the newer refined design (in my opinion). Anyway, the new GLA has grown up quite a bit. It is longer, wider, and taller, and has smoothed out into a mature baby SUV. I do still take issue with its shape - it’s just a little roller-skatey to me. But Mercedes has me covered in advance, with the similarly priced and boxy GLB model. Nevertheless, the GLA is a beautiful car (especially with the AMG design enhancements) and makes a statement for the stylish city dweller or fancy suburban gay.
Stats
Although my review is of the GLA 35 AMG, I thought it would be helpful to break down the entire range, since many will be interested in the entry-level model. The GLA is completely redesigned for 2021, and the entry-level GLA250 starts at $36K.
GLA250: 221 horsepower | 258lb-ft torque | 4 cylinder turbo engine | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission | 25 city 34 highway MPG | 13 gallon fuel tank | 6.8 second 0-60 time
My car for the review is the faster GLA 35 AMG. Some of you familiar with AMG might know that the “AMG” engines from Mercedes historically meant you were driving a super powerful car likely costing you at least six figures. But in recent years, Mercedes has (very wisely) made more affordable AMG versions (“AMG 35” and “AMG 45”) of their popular models that are still very (but not absurdly) fast with the beautiful AMG design enhancements. The GLA 35 AMG starts at about $47.5K.
GLA 35 AMG: 302 horsepower | 295 lb-ft torque | 4 cylinder turbo engine | AMG tuned speed shift 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission | 23 city 29 highway MPG | 5 second 0-60 time
Finally, there’s a GLA 45 AMG that will run you almost $55K and get you 382 horsepower, 354 lb-feet of torque, and a 4.3 second 0-60 time. Those soccer dads will never see you coming in that thing.
I usually check what the used and certified prices are for the cars I’m reviewing, but some of you might know that the used car market is severely overpriced right now due to the pandemic. So it is actually cheaper or the same price to buy a new GLA. That said, Mercedes has always had compelling lease offers and that’s true even now. The base GLA will run you $419/month for a 3-year lease with about $4K down. The GLA 35 AMG is about $550/month with $4.6K down. And, by the way, I would only ever lease a car like this (for maintenance reasons, discussed later).
Competition
There is plenty of competition in the compact luxury SUV segment. I’m thinking of the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Lexus UX (which I reviewed and is available on my IGTV and IG Story Highlights under “luxury SUVs”). The GLA is actually almost the same length as a BMW X1, but has about 8 feet less cubic cargo space (probably based on the hatch-like rear shape). Nonetheless, the current BMW X1 has been around the longest of these options, and I personally would not choose an X1 over these other cars if you want the latest and greatest. The edgy GLA is probably best cross-shopped against the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Lexus UX. All compelling options at similar prices and power points (though I have yet to drive the new Q3 and XC40). The one car that was surprisingly expensive but in the same range is the Jaguar E-PACE, starting $5-6K more than these other options without a strong reason why.
Standard Features
The Mercedes conundrum is a compelling starting price and lease offer, but figuring out how much more you have to pay for the options you actually want. Typically the lease offers are on well-equipped, but never fully-equipped cars.
The GLA 250 comes standard with: 18” wheels, start/stop system, LED lights front and rear, dynamic select drive modes, brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot monitor and parked car exit assist, crosswind stability assist, rain-sensing wipers, remote start via app (3 years free), over-the-air software updates (kind of like Tesla, I’d be interested to see how substantial the updates might be), leatherette, smart key, a power liftgate, 7” digital instrument cluster, 7” touchscreen media screen, MBUX (Mercedes Benz user experience) digital dash with natural language voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via USB-C only so you may need to get an adapter and it’s a shame that it’s not wireless in a 2021 vehicle).
Honestly, this batch of standard features doesn’t sound bad. What’s glaring to me is that the base model does not come with adaptive cruise control (which any Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, etc. do) and it does not have self-steering (which, again, many budget options do). You essential get the blind spot alerts and the car will brake if you’re about to crash…nice, but not cutting it in 2021.
Trims and Options
So, I alluded to options and there are many on this car. For the GLA 250, you can add 4MATIC all-wheel drive for $2K, an AMG styling package for $2.6K (which gets you 19” wheels, a sport steering wheel, sport front seats, exterior grille, and body enhancements), and there’s also a $3k blacked-out version of that AMG styling package.
On all of the models, you can add an exterior lighting package for $900 which gets you active LED headlamps (i.e. curves with the road) and adaptive high beam assist. The Premium Package will run you $1.7K and get you 10.25” dual screens, auto-dimming driver and rearview mirrors, power-folding mirrors, keyless go and lift gate open with kick - I’d say this would be a pretty good option investment.
The Multimedia Package runs another $1.3k and will get you the Mercedes native navigation system (which is cooler than using CarPlay because it comes with augmented video - so you can see the live Google Maps version of the roads you’re traveling on with directions on where to turn), and speed limit display (which is moot because CarPlay does show this when navigating). I’d say the Multimedia Package is a pretty good price and a maybe option if you want to impress passengers.
Finally, the much-needed Driver Assistance package will run you $1.7K and get you radar cruise control, active steering, evasive steering assist (stops aggressive maneuvers if there’s an object in the way), active blind-spot - guides you back in lane if there’s a car in the way of your maneuver, active lane change assist which switches lanes for you with the touch of a lever, route-based speed adaptation (automatically slows down when using cruise control knowing curves or traffic circles are coming), pre-safe sound (before a collision, the car emits a pink tone noise to induce a natural reflex in the ear that shuts out loud noises).
Lastly, a $1K Parking Assistance package will get you a surround-view camera and self-parking functionality. On the AMG models, you can do a sport bucket seat upgrade (which my car did not have) for a steep $3.2K and adding a panoramic roof on all models will run you $1.5K. As you can see, these options add up quickly. At a base, I’d recommend you spring for the Premium Package and Driver Assistance package to get the most out of the car.
Above, you’ll see the standard AMG seats with Alcantara/suede-type center surfaces. I do find the material very nice and it has a good grip for sportier driving. That said, it makes me extremely nervous to see this type of material in an everyday car. While some sources claim it’s easy to clean, there are also YouTube videos going through extensive steps just to get a simple stain out and not ruin the texture of the material. I am extremely clean and OCD with my cars but would still avoid this. One drop of that overfilled Starbucks on these seats and your day is ruined.
Driving Impressions
Let’s get to the driving experience - this. car. is. SO. fun. I’ve had some pretty fun cars, including ones more powerful than this, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the entry-level AMG 35 engine. Perhaps it’s the way it’s tuned, or the sport driving modes (and the ability to adjust the exhaust tone), but the car was downright satisfying. The downshifts produced a really throaty growl that I haven’t heard since I had my 2011 BMW M3. And you can hear them even from the otherwise quiet cabin. Not something you’d expect from the souped-up grocery getter. The 4MATIC all-wheel drive was also extremely solid on twisty backroads. The only thing I noticed was a bit of a turbo lag, especially when driving the car in comfort mode. If I had an AMG version of this car, I would never be in comfort mode. Screw efficiency, the exhaust sounds make you feel alive. That said, I do drive a car with multiple driving modes like this and always end up in the efficiency mode (my cheapness always prevails, and gas prices are high these days). At any rate, you can’t expect the base model GLA 250 to be this fun, but the fun factor does make a case for upgrading to the AMG GLA’s. I imagine the GLA 45 AMG is even more fun but based on driving the 35 maybe not worth the extra money.
Infotainment
What about the MBUX digital display system I was so excited about? That was also very impressive. The hallmark of the system is its advanced natural language capabilities - all you say is something like “Hey Mercedes, I’m cold” and the car will adjust the temperature for you. A pretty cool party trick, but as someone who doesn’t even use Siri much, I’m not sure how much value I’d get out of it. Also, when I tried to ask it more complicated questions involving the Internet (I.e. where’s the closest Wing Stop) it appeared my car was not connected - which might be a set-up thing because new models should have at least a free test phase of all features. That said, you can also just press the talk button on the steering wheel and ask Siri anything you’d normally ask her via CarPlay, as with many cars.
I had the smaller version of the digital screens in the car, but you can’t tell if you didn’t know there was an upgrade. Graphics are super high-def, but I was disappointed that when using CarPlay, it uses up a slightly smaller portion of the screen than possible. Without the Multimedia package and Mercedes navigation/augmented reality, there was only so much fun to be had with the screens. The dashboard screen is completely customizable (dozens of displays that you can rotate through), but I did find the touch buttons on the steering wheel a little finicky. I can see those having issues if you keep the car for a long time. Another cool aspect of the interior is the customizable and bold ambient lighting, which can make the inside feel like a variety of moods. It’s overall a futuristic and luxurious space to be in. Definitely not your mom’s old Mercedes.
Also, this car had a standard sound system. Overall, it was pretty good (i.e. better than what you’d get standard in a Toyota…which it should be at this price), but it didn’t get as loud as I wanted to. I think the car was protecting the quality of the sound by limiting how loud it would actually play. I’d be curious to try the Burmester sound system upgrade - and if you’re an audiophile, you should probably upgrade.
Maintenance and Warranty
The new GLA’s come with a 4-year or 50,000-mile warranty, which is pretty standard for luxury brands. I have owned several luxury vehicles over the years (both lease and purchase, including Mercedes, BMW, and Audi), and I can promise you that most folks do not want to own these cars outside of warranty. A single malfunction can run you a couple of thousand dollars, and with all of the tech and electronics on these cars, I would not want to have anything complex fixed here. Keep it to a lease, which will naturally confine you to the warranty period. That said, the CPO for Mercedes does come with a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, so if you do go used, you can rest assured that you’ll be covered for a while. Oil changes on a Mercedes will generally be in the $150 neighborhood at an independent mechanic (though a full diagnostic and service at the dealer will likely run more). If you’re lucky, you won’t need to change brakes or tires during your lease - which is likely to be the most expensive repair you encounter under warranty.
Three Reasons For and Against the GLA
Wrapping up with three reasons on the GLA. Three reasons to buy: (1) standard dual digital dash/infotainment system is on the cutting edge; (2) beautiful materials on the inside and futuristic ambient lighting; (3) pretty palatable lease prices for a luxury vehicle. Three reasons against the GLA: (1) the options are pricey if you want some of the advanced tech; (2) hate-it-or-love-it shape; (3) feels a little weird not to buy a more efficient vehicle in the year of our lord 2021 (at least when it comes to the AMG models, but man are they fun).