Mercedes’ New GLA250 Offers Drivers a Benz on a Budget
The new, entry-level model starts at just $31,300.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 combines the German automaker’s famous poshness and performance with the lowest starting price of any vehicle in the company’s 2015 lineup.
An all-new model, this crossover sport utility vehicle starts at just $31,300, or $200 less than the Mercedes’ next-least-expensive offering. Heck, you could even buy six GLA250s for less than the price of a single Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG.
I recently test drove the midlevel GLA250 4Matic (base price: $33,300), which comes with an all-wheel-drive system that the car’s base version lacks.
On the outside, the GLA250 seems sort of like the child of a classic Mercedes-Benz sedan and a small crossover such as a Mazda CX-5.
The car’s front end features a long hood and a two-slat grille that’s outfitted with a big Mercedes emblem (but sadly, not the brand’s iconic hood ornament). From there, big doors lead back to a hands-free rear hatch, which sits atop dual exhaust pipes set into the GLA250’s chrome rear bumper.
LOOK, BUT DON’T TOUCH: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250’s dashboard display provides easy-to-read information about the car’s stereo and other systems, but it’s not actually a touch screen. You have to use some 40 knobs and buttons to control the audio, climate, and other systems.
Inside, my test model boasted a sleek, industrial look, combining black stitched leather on the steering wheel and door interiors with metal-like trim on the dashboard. The dash also featured a big speedometer and tachometer, plus small fuel and temperature gauges.
The GLA250 comes standard with an AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth audio system, while my test model’s optional $2,300 Premium Package and $2,480 Multimedia Package added a Harman/Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound stereo, SiriusXM radio, navigation, and other upgrades.
These systems were all relatively easy to use, although the seven-inch display screen they connected to wasn’t actually a touch screen. While it does show such things as what radio station you’re listening to, you have to use some 40 knobs and buttons to control things. Memo to Mercedes: Add a touch screen.
As for comfort, the GLA250’s vinyl-finished power front seats offer both driver and passenger good headroom, legroom, and hiproom.
In back, the car’s 60/40 split fold-down rear seats likewise provide good headroom and hiproom, but legroom is underwhelming. Adults will find these seats fairly cramped for anything longer than brief city trips.
Farther back, the GLA250’s cargo bay comes with a modest 17.2 cubic feet of storage space, or just enough for perhaps two big suitcases. Fortunately, you can fold the rear seats down and expand that to 43.6 cubic feet, meaning you can easily tote hockey gear or other large items.
On the road, my test car’s all-wheel-drive system, 208-horsepower turbocharged I-4 engine, and seven-speed automatic transmission (technically an “automated manual’’) combined to offer a more or less Mercedes-caliber performance.
Although some detractors see the GLA250 as noisy and unrefined, I found that the car provided a relatively quiet, smooth ride even as I navigated streets filled with springtime potholes.
True, the model isn’t as smooth or quiet as pricier rivals like the $41,100 Range Rover Evoque, but it’s noticeably better than what non-luxury crossovers offer. At low speeds, the GLA250’s precision parts even produced a pleasant whir that reminded me of a hybrid vehicle’s electric hum.
My test car also boasted good braking and rocket-fast acceleration going from 50 mph to 70 mph to pass cars on Route 128 (sorry for the brief speeding, Staties). On the downside, the model shot up noisily to 5,200 rpm when I went from 30 mph to 50 mph to get onto 128 in the first place.
Some naysayers also view the GLA250 as more of a hatchback than a crossover, as it doesn’t provide much of an SUV’s “high-up’’ roadview. Still, I found that the car offers good visibility in all directions. Backing up and parking the GLA250 are also no sweat thanks to the vehicle’s compact dimensions.
The bottom line: Mercedes’ lowest-priced 2015 is a pretty good car that offers budget-conscious buyers a chance to enjoy the German brand’s famous name and performance at a modest price. You won’t mistake the GLA250 for its $215,500 cousin the CL65 AMG, but luxury shoppers with limited budgets and space requirements should definitely check out this model.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250
THE BASICS
Price, base/as tested (with destination): $31,300/$41,625. Fuel economy, EPA estimated: 24 city/32 highway/27 combined. Fuel economy, Globe observed: 28. Drivetrain (as tested): 2-liter 208-horsepower turbocharged I-4 engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-speed automatic transmission (technically an “automated manual’’ one). Body: 5-passenger crossover sport utility vehicle.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 208. Torque: 258 lb.-ft. Overall length: 173.9 in. Wheelbase: 106.3 in. Height: 60 in. Width: 71 in. Curb weight: 3,384 lbs.
THE GOOD
Pretty good looks and performance, lowest price of any 2015 Mercedes-Benz.
THE BAD
Less-than-incredible rear seats, lack of touch screen to control interior systems, noisier performance than what costlier rivals offer.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Base versions of the GLA250 combine fairly good styling and mechanicals with access to the Mercedes name for just a tad over $30,000.
ALSO CONSIDER
Audi A3, BMW X1, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX200t, Range Rover Evoque.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com