With the increasing popularity of "subcompact" SUVs, it's time to clear the air. These are not really SUVs at all. They are hatchback cars with a little more ground clearance than a passenger car. Automaker marketing teams want to call every vehicle an SUV right now because SUVs are popular and sell better. Plus, a hatchback carries a connotation of an economy car, which the Mercedes-Benz GLA certainly is not.
The Mercedes GLA is a luxury hatchback, and when it's been upgraded by Mercedes' AMG performance division, it's a performance-luxury hatchback that's worthy of the three-pointed star on the grille. Every automaker is doing amazing engine work right now, and Mercedes-AMG is no exception. The Germans are wringing 302 horsepower out of a basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. And that power is not only available in a narrow band up high in the rev range -- it's got a broad power band with 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is also helped out by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides a little extra power while the twin-scroll turbo spools up.
It wasn't too long ago that this kind of engine performance was limited to high-output V8 engines, but the GLA will still return 28 MPG on the highway while pinning your head to the driver's seat. The 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, making this performance hot rod perfect for a Portland winter.
Inside, the GLA35 completes the Mercedes-AMG luxury-performance package. The two-tone seats cradle the driver and passenger, while the D-shaped sport steering wheel feels great in your hands. Mercedes also provides a short-wide screen for driver information and infotainment, but the best part is, you can ignore the touchpad on the console. Mercedes has really advanced the voice control system, and you'll get in the habit of just telling the GLA what you want. Seat heaters? Navigation instructions? Your most recent e-mail? Any of that can be accessed by saying "Hey Mercedes" and asking for it.
On the road, the GLA feels fantastic. Mercedes has a multi-link rear suspension that they're replicating across their entire product line and it keeps the back of the GLA well-planted, while a double-wishbone front setup yields precise, responsive steering. Being an AMG, the GLA35 also comes with huge brakes and massive calipers that make the GLA a credible track day car as well as a reliable performer in any weather.
Even the basic Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a great little car, and you can get into that trim for about $43,000. The AMG GLA35 starts somewhat higher at $58,050 according to MBUSA.com today. That just means you can choose the price point that you can afford. With cars like this, it's past time to stop being afraid of driving a hatchback.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 4MATIC
Base price: $58,050
Price as tested: $64,400
Type: Subcompact crossover SUV
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (302 hp, 295 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed twin-clutch automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 22/28
Overall length: 173.6 inches
Curb weight: 3,653 pounds
Final assembly: Rastatt, Germany
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