I have always wanted to drive a Mercedes. The badge is famous. Everyone knows it means luxury. But not everyone can buy a big S-Class. That is why the Mercedes GLA exists. It is the smallest SUV they sell. Some people call it the “Baby Benz.”
I got to drive the new 2025 Mercedes GLA 250 for a few days. I wanted to see if it is a real Mercedes or just a cheap car with a fancy logo. Here is my full review.
Quick Spec Table
Here are the numbers for the car lovers.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 with Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) |
| 0-60 MPH | ~6.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Fuel Economy | 26 City / 34 Hwy |
| Cargo Space | 15.4 cu ft (seats up) / 50.5 cu ft (folded) |
| Warranty | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
What is the Mercedes GLA?
The GLA is a subcompact luxury SUV. This means it is small. It is built on the same platform as the A-Class sedan. It competes with cars like the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.
For 2025, Mercedes updated it. They gave it a “facelift.” This means they changed the lights and the bumpers to make it look fresh. They also added a mild-hybrid system to the engine. This is supposed to make it smoother and save gas.
Exterior Design: It Looks Cute but Mean
When you walk up to the car, it looks very stylish. It does not look like a boxy truck. It looks more like a tall hatchback.
The front grill has the big Mercedes star in the middle. You cannot miss it. The new headlights for 2025 have a cool design. At night, they look very sharp. The car I drove had the “AMG Line” package. This adds sportier bumpers and bigger wheels. It makes the car look faster than it really is.
My neighbor said, “That is a cute car.” I think that is the best word for it. It is cute. It is small enough to park anywhere in the city. But it still looks expensive. The paint quality is very good. It shines deep in the sun.
Interior: Screens and Lights
This is where Mercedes wins. When you open the door, the interior looks amazing. It looks much better than the BMW X1 inside.
The Screens
There are two big screens on the dashboard. They are both 10.25 inches. They look like one long piece of glass. The graphics are beautiful. They are very clear and bright.
The Lights
Mercedes is famous for “ambient lighting.” At night, the inside of the car glows. You can choose from 64 different colors. You can make it look like a nightclub or a relaxing spa. My kids loved changing the colors to pink and blue.
The Seats
The seats are comfortable. They are made of “MB-Tex.” This is fake leather, but it feels very soft. It is easy to clean, which is good if you spill coffee. The driver seat has power adjustments, so it is easy to find a good position.
However, not everything is perfect. Some of the plastic on the doors feels a bit hard. And the “Piano Black” plastic near the cup holders gets dusty very fast. You will need to wipe it a lot.
Also Read My Drive of the All-New 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid: The King Returns
Technology: “Hey Mercedes”
The car has the MBUX system. This is the computer that runs the screens. It is very smart.
You can say “Hey Mercedes,” and a voice asks what you want. You can say “I am cold,” and it will turn up the heat. You can say “Open the sunshade,” and it does it. It works surprisngly well.
It also has Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a big deal. You don’t need to plug in your phone. Your maps and music just appear on the screen. It makes life very easy.
Driving Impressions: Smooth but Not a Race Car
So, how does it drive?
The engine is a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder. It has 221 horsepower.
For 2025, it has a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This adds a little bit of electric power when you start moving. It makes the “stop-start” system very smooth. In old cars, when the engine turned off at a red light, it would shake when it turned back on. In this car, you barely feel it.
The Power
It is fast enough for daily driving. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds. Merging on the highway is easy. But if you want a really fast car, you should look at the AMG versions (GLA 35 or GLA 45). Those are crazy fast.
The Transmission
It has an 8-speed automatic transmission (DCT). Sometimes, at low speeds in a parking lot, it feels a little jerky. It can’t decide which gear to be in. But once you are moving, it shifts very fast.
The Ride
The ride is okay. It is a little bit stiff. You can feel the bumps in the road. It handles corners well, though. It feels stable and safe. It does not lean too much when you turn.
Road Noise
On the highway, it is a little loud. You can hear the tires and the wind. I expected a Mercedes to be quieter. It is not terrible, but it is not silent like an S-Class.
Practicality: Is it Big Enough?
This is the biggest weak point of the GLA. It is small.
Back Seat
The back seat is tight. If you are tall, your knees might touch the front seat. It is fine for kids or small adults. But I would not want to sit back there for a 5-hour road trip.
The Trunk
The trunk is small too. It has about 15.4 cubic feet of space with the seats up. This is enough for a weekly grocery run or two suitcases. But if you go to Costco or IKEA, you will have trouble fitting big boxes. The BMW X1 has a much bigger trunk.
If you need more space, you can fold the back seats down. Then it is pretty roomy.
Gas Mileage
The gas mileage is decent. The sticker says 26 MPG city / 34 MPG highway.
I drove mostly in the city, and I got about 24 MPG. On a long highway trip, I got 32 MPG. It requires Premium gas, so keep that in mind. It will cost a bit more to fill up.
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Mercedes GLA is not cheap.
- GLA 250 (FWD): Starts around $43,000.
- GLA 250 4MATIC (AWD): Starts around $45,000.
But wait, there is a catch. Mercedes charges extra for everything.
You want the cool ambient lighting? Pay extra.
You want the panoramic sunroof? Pay extra.
You want the safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control? That is a big expensive package.
The car I drove had a sticker price of over $52,000. That is a lot of money for a small SUV.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Is the Mercedes GLA reliable?
A: It is average. European cars can be expensive to fix if they break. Regular maintenance is very important. Do not skip the oil changes!
Q: Is it good for snow?
A: If you get the 4MATIC model, yes. 4MATIC is Mercedes’ name for All-Wheel Drive. It works very well in rain and snow. If you live in a snowy state, definitely pay the extra $2,000 for it.
Q: Can it fit a baby seat?
A: Yes, but it is tight. A rear-facing car seat might force the front passenger to move their seat forward. If you have tall parents and a baby, check the Mercedes GLB instead. It is boxier and has more room.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: No. Like many modern luxury cars, it uses “Run-Flat” tires. If you get a flat, you can drive for a short distance (usually 50 miles) to a shop. But there is no tire in the trunk.
Final Verdict
So, is the 2025 Mercedes GLA worth buying?
Yes, if you value style over space.
It is a great car for singles, couples, or empty nesters. It looks beautiful inside and out. The technology is amazing and fun to use. It makes you feel special every time you drive it.
But if you have a family or carry a lot of stuff, it might be too small. The BMW X1 is bigger and faster for the same price. And the Mercedes GLB costs just a little more but has way more space.
Buy the GLA if you want a stylish, easy-to-park luxury car for the city. It is a true Mercedes experience in a small package. Just be careful with the options list, or the price will get high very fast.
Pros:
- Beautiful interior with cool lights.
- “Hey Mercedes” voice control is helpful.
- Easy to park and drive in the city.
- Looks expensive and prestigious.
Cons:
- Back seat and trunk are small.
- Options are very expensive.
- Road noise is a bit high on the highway.
- Transmission can be jerky at low speeds.
