Some automotive writers are disappointed Mercedes is dropping the 382-horsepower AMG GLA45 4MATIC from its lineup. I prefer to focus on the good news: Mercedes is still producing the 302-horsepower AMG GLA35 4MATIC subcompact hatchback, which is still an absolute blast to drive.
And yes, I did say hatchback. Although Mercedes markets the GLA as an SUV, it is actually a hatchback and the AMG GLA35 4MATIC is really an upscale hot hatch — a contemporary, premium version of the small sporty hatchbacks that first became popular in the 1980s after the introduction of the original Volkswagen GTI. And that's a good thing.
Back then the concept was a little simpler. The original hot hatches were based on hatchback economy cars like the VW Rabbit, Toyota Corolla, Dodge Colt and Omni, Suzuki Swift, and others. They were outfitted with more powerful engines, stiffer suspensions, wider wheels and tires, and special exterior and interior trim. They were inexpensive and entertaining, and many enthusiasts chose them over sports cars, especially in wet weather climates. The competition got more serious — and expensive — as time went on, with Subaru and Mitsubishi upping the ante with their turbocharged and all-wheel-drive street legal rally cars, the Impreza WRX/STi and Lancer Evo.
Not many of the original ones are still around because the underlying vehicles weren’t built to last, especially if driven hard. But some new, hardier versions are still being produced, most notably the current versions of the Subaru WRX and VW GTI, along with the more powerful VW Golf R, and the Honda Civic Si and Type R.
All of those are fun and capable of impressive performance. But if you want and can afford a genuine luxury version, the 2024 AMG GLA35 4MATIC is the way to go. It is the high-performance version of the GLA-class that starts with a front-wheel-drive version powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four that produces 221 horsepower, beginning at around $43,000.
For about $13,000 more, the in-house AMG performance division upgrades the engine to add 81 more horsepower, installs a stiffer suspension and bigger brakes, adds selectable drive modes to the eight-speed automatic transmission, provides special exterior and interior trim, and more. The excellent Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is also standard. The result is a subcompact performance hatchback that Car and Driver found could hit 60 in 5.8 seconds using the launch-control function. That’s 1.5 seconds slower than the departing AMG GLA45 version, but opportunities for fully using the additional power are limited short of track days.
Speaking of daily driving, all versions of the GLA are very comfortable. Although classified as a subcompact, it is surprisingly roomy, thanks to its upright SUV styling. The GLA also comes with several screens that are integrated into one panel across the dash. It looks great and each screen can be configured to offer exactly the information the driver desires (even three clocks). The Mercedes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) package supports gesture control and voice commands, including Internet access by saying "Hey Mercedes" and asking questions.
But for those considering the AMG GLA35 version, be warned. The performance suspension is very stiff, even when driven in the Comfort mode. That’s not a problem on smooth pavement, but the ride was occasionally unsettling on the poorly maintained streets in my neighborhood during a week of test driving. The suspension was even firmer in the Sport and Sport+ modes, limiting my use of them during day-to-day driving. But if you consider it to be an alternative to genuine sports car, the, trade off is not all that bad.
My only complaint is the same with practically every other Mercedes. The transmission shift lever is a stalk off the steering column, just like a turn signal controller. Especially with a performance vehicle, I want to feel a more physical connection when putting it in gear. On the other hand, Mercedes has done away with the touch pad that controls the infotainment system on the center console, which was too easy to accidentally and unintentionally change settings.
One of the most attractive features about the AMG GLA35 is that it doesn’t look like a performance vehicle. All version of the GLA are conservatively styled, and the AMG version doesn’t include a huge front air dam, large rear spoiler, or much else that attracts attention. The brake calipers are big, but largely hidden behind the special wheels. In that regard, it is a sleeper compared to most of the other current hot hatches, even though it is just as fast or even faster.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 4MATIC
Base price: $56,450
Price as tested: $64,400
Type: Subcompact SUV
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (302 hp, 295 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive modes: Basic, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Advanced
EPA estimated mileage: 22/28
Overall length: 173.6 inches
Curb weight: 3,700 pounds
Final assembly: Rastatt, Germany
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