Buy the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 - A Stylish and Versatile SUV Worth Your Attention
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is here and it’s turning heads already. Whether you’re looking for a compact SUV that’s stylish practical or packed with technology, this crossover could be a great fit. In this detailed review we'll talk about the different features this car has to offer what makes it stand out and maybe some things that might make you look twice before making a decision. If you're currently searching for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 for sale you want to understand both its advantages and drawbacks so you can make the best choice.
Overview of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a small luxury SUV that merges upscale comfort with advanced technology. It’s designed for drivers who want the luxury experience but also the versatility of an SUV. The GLA 250 features a turbocharged engine and boasts a sleek sporty design that makes it stand out in the compact crossover segment.
Performance and Engine Specifications
Under the hood of the GLA 250 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, giving it a smooth yet spirited ride.
Key Performance Specs:
- Horsepower: 221 hp
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 0-60 MPH: Approximately 6.8 seconds
The turbocharged engine provides a quick response when you need it and the car's overall ride is pretty engaging. However, there's a slight lag at lower speeds that some people might notice. This turbo lag is pretty common in this class but it’s something to consider if you often drive in city traffic.
Driving Experience
The GLA 250 handles like a car rather than an SUV, which makes it fun to drive. The suspension system has been designed to absorb most bumps so your ride feels pretty comfortable. But Alex Collantes points out "The steering feels a little light at times, especially at higher speeds, which could make it less confidence-inspiring on the highway."
Potential Drawback: If you prefer a more connected feel to the road you may find the steering to be a little disconnected.
Exterior Design and Styling
When it comes to looks the 2024 GLA 250 doesn’t disappoint. Its exterior design gives off a modern sporty vibe, with sleek lines and a confident stance that makes it look ready for action.
Design Highlights:
- LED Headlights and Tailights: Give the car a futuristic appearance.
- 18-inch Alloy Wheels: Standard with an option to upgrade to 19 or 20-inch wheels.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Optional but adds a touch of luxury.
The GLA 250's overall appearance is both aggressive and elegant giving it an upscale feel. However the ground clearance is a little lower compared to some rivals. If you’re planning on doing any light off-roading you may need to be a little careful over rougher terrain.
Potential Drawback: The lower ground clearance limits its usability for adventurous driving compared to more traditional SUVs.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2024 GLA 250 and you’re welcomed by an elegant cabin that is both luxurious and functional. Mercedes has used high-quality materials throughout and the cabin feels like a true premium environment.
Cabin Features:
- MBUX Infotainment System: Featuring a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 7-inch touchscreen display that’s upgradable to 10.25 inches.
- Ambient Lighting: Comes in 64 colors which can be customized according to your mood.
- Premium Seating: Standard power-adjustable front seats with memory function covered in either MB-Tex synthetic leather or optional genuine leather.
- Cargo Space: The GLA has 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which expands to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Comfort Analysis
The seats in the GLA 250 are well-cushioned and supportive providing a comfortable experience on longer drives. Alex Collantes said "The GLA 250’s seats are great for long trips, but the back seats are a bit tight for taller passengers." This means if you often have adults in the back, space could be a little cramped for comfort.
Potential Drawback: Rear legroom is on the smaller side which might make it less ideal if you often carry taller passengers.
Technology and Features
Mercedes-Benz is known for packing its vehicles with the latest tech and the GLA 250 is no different. The MBUX infotainment system is intuitive and comes with voice control for many functions. You can say “Hey Mercedes” to activate and it responds in a pretty natural way.
Key Tech Features:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard, which means easy smartphone integration.
- Augmented Reality Navigation: Optional but very handy for city driving.
- Heads-Up Display: Displays key information without needing to take your eyes off the road.
The tech features are great for keeping you connected and making the driving experience more convenient. However, some of the optional features are bundled in expensive packages which can add significantly to the cost.
Potential Drawback: Optional tech upgrades can be pricey and are grouped in packages that might include features you don’t necessarily want.
Safety Features
Safety is at the core of every Mercedes-Benz and the GLA 250 has plenty of safety features available. It includes the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive system which is a collection of driver-assistance features.
Notable Safety Features:
- Active Brake Assist: Helps prevent collisions by automatically applying brakes if a crash seems imminent.
- Blind Spot Assist: Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Optional, making long highway drives easier.
The GLA 250 has plenty of standard safety features but some of the more advanced features are optional and bundled in the Driver Assistance Package.
Potential Drawback: Some advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control are optional rather than standard which might be a deal-breaker if you're looking for the latest safety tech without paying extra.
Pricing and Value
The 2024 GLA 250 starts at around $39,000 which is fairly competitive for a luxury SUV of this size. However as you start adding options the price can quickly climb upwards of $50,000. The base model comes with most of the essentials but if you want features like the panoramic sunroof or premium audio system you’ll need to shell out more.
Trims and Options:
- Standard GLA 250: $39,000
- GLA 250 4MATIC: All-wheel-drive version available for an additional $2,000.
- Optional Packages: Include Premium Package (upgraded screens and features) and Driver Assistance Package.
Fuel Economy
For a small SUV the GLA 250 is quite fuel-efficient. It gets 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway with front-wheel drive and slightly less if you go for the all-wheel-drive version.
Fuel Efficiency:
- Front-Wheel Drive: 24 MPG city / 33 MPG highway
- All-Wheel Drive: 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
The fuel economy is good for the segment but if you need AWD expect a slight dip in mileage.
Should You Buy the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a solid choice for those who want a compact luxury SUV with a premium feel and advanced technology. It offers a smooth ride an upscale interior and plenty of features that make it worth the price tag.
However if you’re someone who values cargo space or requires advanced features like adaptive cruise control without having to pay extra for packages you might want to consider other options. The rear legroom is also a bit cramped which might be a concern if you often have passengers in the back.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Stylish Exterior Design: Modern and sporty looks.
- Advanced Technology: MBUX system is one of the best in the segment.
- Smooth Performance: 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers a lively driving experience.
Cons:
- Expensive Optional Packages: Advanced features can be pricey.
- Rear Space: Tight legroom for back seat passengers.
- Turbo Lag: Slight hesitation at lower speeds.
What Alex Collantes Thinks
Alex Collantes had some final thoughts on the 2024 GLA 250: "For someone looking for a stylish daily driver that’s comfortable and tech-forward the GLA 250 is a great pick. However if you need more space for family trips or you don’t want to pay extra for some of the features other brands might have more to offer."
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a compact luxury SUV that offers plenty of style technology and Mercedes-Benz quality the 2024 GLA 250 should be on your shortlist. It’s a solid choice for urban drivers who want an upscale vehicle without the bulk of a larger SUV. Just be ready to spend a little more on options to make it your perfect fit.
If you’re interested in buying a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 for sale check with your local Mercedes dealer for availability and test drive one today to see if it matches your driving style and comfort needs.