2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC review – the best “regular” GLA to get

Jul 12, 2024 7:13 pm

Everyone is looking to buy an SUV these days. But what if you want something that’s a little bit more premium yet compact enough to zip around the city? Or maybe you want a small premium SUV for your spouse or children? Mercedes-Benz has a couple of answers for you and one of them is the GLA250.

Why specifically the GLA250 and not the GLA200, AMG GLA35, or the AMG GLA45 S, you ask? Well, the GLA200 looks a little basic for a Mercedes-Benz, while the AMG GLA35 and AMG GLA45 S make much more power than a daily user would need, and are certainly not your regular SUVs. This leaves the GLA250 as the better middle ground with a smarter and sportier design thanks to the AMG Line styling treatment while packing more punch than the base GLA200.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC at a glance:

Power Unit	48V MHEV system, 1,991 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Transmission	8-speed DCT
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Rated Power	224 hp
Rated Torque	350 Nm
Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Power Boost	14 hp
Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) Torque Boost	150 Nm
0-100 km/h	6.8 seconds
Top Speed	240 km/h
Price	RM295,888

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 exterior: Looking like a proper Mercedes-Benz

It is no secret that the Mercedes-Benz GLA is essentially a heightened A-Class, making it a more practical alternative to the three-pointed star’s compact sedan and hatchback lineup. The only glaring downside on the GLA250 facelift’s exterior has to be its reflector LED headlights. Come on, Mercedes.

As mentioned above, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 facelift in Malaysia comes with the brand’s AMG Line exterior kit, giving it a more proper, well, Mercedes-Benz-like appearance. The 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke-light-alloy wheels it comes with also suit its premium SUV identity better than the more basic-looking Tremolite Grey 18-inch units found on the GLA200.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 performance: A mini luxury cruiser that packs a punch

Giving life to the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is the brand’s own-developed 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is now electrified with 48V mild hybrid assistance and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). This setup puts out plenty of power at 224 hp and 350 Nm, which are sent to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

And thanks to the 4MATIC system, the GLA250’s handling performance through the corners is also significantly better than the GLA200, even when the tarmac is wet. Speaking of the GLA250’s AWD capabilities and the off-road mode it comes with, driving the premium SUV through gravel surfaces hasn’t been an issue either, and was in fact a reasonably comfortable experience.

In everyday driving conditions, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 deals with Malaysian roads like a champ, striking a decent balance between comfort and sporty handling performance. Yes, its suspension is slightly stiffer than the GLA200, given its sportier AMG Line identity, but it is nowhere near as stiff as the first-generation GLA used to be.

The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250’s 2.0-litre mill responds quickly and thanks to having eight gears, helps keep the engine rev low when cruising on highways. This as a result aids in reducing engine noise while saving you a bit of fuel along the way too.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 interior: Classic Mercedes-Benz interior now with wireless smartphone connectivity

The interior of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is well, classic Mercedes-Benz, featuring fancy and premium designs. What’s new here includes the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system (NTG7), which now brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which is convenient.

However, this update resulted in the removal of the touchpad from the centre console, leaving us with an almost useless shallow centre storage compartment. Also new here is Mercedes-Benz’s latest generation steering wheel, which looks good and comes with a myriad of multifunction buttons. However, those buttons are of the capacitive touch type, which makes it harder to operate them when actions such as swiping are required.

Aside from that, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250’s interior is a nice place to be in, thanks to the comfortable yet hugging front seats which are powered with memory function. Oh, the front seats can also be extended for extra thigh support, which can be useful, especially during long-distance drives.

It’s a different story at the rear though as it is a tight space to be in with limited leg and knee room. There are no rear aircon vents here either, which shouldn’t be the case with a nearly RM300,000 car. The only saving grace here is the rear seats which provide decent thigh support and are comfortable to sit in.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 verdict: What the GLA200 should have been

All in all, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a nice introductory product to the German marque’s world of SUVs. In fact, this should be the entry-level model to the GLA lineup and not the GLA200, which seems too basic for what it’s intended to be.

But with less money, you could also buy other SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line or the Mazda CX-8, which provide similar or more power, and more importantly, much more space and possibly comfort than the GLA250. But that is only if you are willing to give up the shiny three-pointed star badge too.

However, if the best bang for your buck or practicality isn’t the highest of your priorities, get the GLA250. It comes with luxury, prestige, and a little bit more bling.

GALLERY