2025 Mercedes Benz GLA: A Refined Crossover with a Positive Twist

The 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA is here to make a bold statement in the crossover segment with some exciting updates Comfort practicality and tech are all packed into this compact luxury SUV making it appealing for a wide range of drivers It's not perfect by any means but there's a lot to love about it if you’re looking for a comfortable yet somewhat athletic ride Below we're diving into everything the 2025 GLA offers from its design and features to how it performs on the road

Overview of the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA

The 2025 GLA is a stylish and compact crossover that sits at the entry-level of Mercedes-Benz's SUV lineup Designed to blend the sporty personality of a small vehicle with the practicality of an SUV the GLA offers a unique experience that is loaded with features Let's take a look at what sets the GLA apart this year

Design and Exterior

The exterior of the 2025 GLA has evolved to be sleeker and more expressive With its updated front fascia enhanced LED headlights and a reimagined grille the GLA looks both sophisticated and assertive

• Grille Update: The reworked grille gives the GLA a more aggressive yet upscale vibe This is a detail that genuinely makes the vehicle stand out without appearing too flashy
• Lighting Improvements: The newly designed LED headlights add not just visibility but style while the rear LED tail lights give it a more cohesive look on the road at night
• Wheel Options: Buyers have a choice of sporty 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels which really add to the vehicle’s personality

Drawbacks to Exterior Design

Even though it’s gorgeous it should be noted that the sloping roofline does impact rear visibility quite a bit This is a common flaw in luxury compact SUVs and sadly the GLA hasn’t managed to get away from it

Performance and Powertrain Options

When it comes to performance Mercedes-Benz knows how to deliver a pleasant drive and that remains true for the 2025 GLA The crossover comes with a couple of engine options depending on whether you’re looking for more efficiency or more power

Engine Lineup

1. GLA 250: This variant gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine It’s capable of putting out 221 horsepower which is adequate for most daily driving needs Acceleration is responsive though some might find it a bit underwhelming when attempting high-speed passes
2. AMG GLA 35: If you want more punch the AMG GLA 35 delivers 302 horsepower from its enhanced version of the same 2.0-liter engine The performance is spirited making it enjoyable to drive especially on winding roads

Fuel Efficiency

• GLA 250: Roughly 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway These numbers are impressive considering it is still an SUV albeit a compact one
• AMG GLA 35: You’re looking at 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway a slight sacrifice for the performance edge

Performance Drawback

While the AMG-tuned suspension adds a level of sporty handling it tends to be a bit stiff for some people especially during city driving Alex Collantes noted "It's fun on the highways but you definitely feel every bump on a regular street"

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA reveals a cabin full of luxurious finishes well-designed tech and plenty of comforts for both driver and passengers Mercedes aimed to make this car a well-rounded family-friendly SUV but that also speaks to luxury

Cabin Layout and Materials

The interior of the 2025 GLA feels a lot more upscale than you might expect from an entry-level Mercedes

• Materials: Soft-touch materials along with leatherette or genuine leather options adorn the cabin giving it that premium look and feel you'd expect
• Seating Comfort: The seats offer a good mix of support and plushness which are excellent for long drives Rear seating has improved legroom which is especially great for taller passengers

Infotainment System

The GLA comes equipped with the MBUX infotainment system complete with two standard 10.25-inch displays that blend seamlessly with the dashboard

1. Touch and Voice Control: The system supports both touch and voice commands making it user-friendly and accessible The "Hey Mercedes" feature allows you to control most functions by speaking
2. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Both are standard which is great considering how more luxury vehicles sometimes limit these features to higher trims

Interior Drawback

The touchpad controller feels a bit outdated in the 2025 model Some drivers prefer more straightforward controls as it can be finicky while driving It’s a small gripe but a noticeable one Alex commented "The infotainment looks so great on paper but once you start using it there's a bit of a learning curve to it that’s more frustrating than expected"

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

The 2025 GLA comes packed with a comprehensive set of safety features and driver assistance options which add value to the overall package Mercedes aims to provide top-notch safety and reliability

Standard Safety Systems

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This system detects potential frontal collisions and applies the brakes if you fail to respond in time
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Given the issues with rear visibility due to the sloping roofline this feature is especially welcome
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Available on higher trims this system maintains distance from the car in front and can even handle stop-and-go traffic effectively

Potential Safety Drawback

The adaptive cruise system while effective can sometimes be too sensitive cutting off acceleration even when an obstacle isn’t particularly close which can lead to some frustration in stop-and-go traffic situations

Practicality and Cargo Space

While Mercedes markets the GLA as an SUV the compact dimensions limit some practicality compared to bigger SUVs

Cargo Capacity

• Cargo Space: Behind the rear seats you have 15.4 cubic feet of space which expands to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded It’s decent for a compact vehicle but if you’re coming from a larger SUV you may find it lacking
• Split-Folding Rear Seats: The GLA features a 40/20/40 split which adds a lot of flexibility to the cargo situation

Cargo Space Drawback

The rear seats fold almost flat but not completely and that small angle can make transporting large flat items a bit awkward

Driving Experience

Driving the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA is enjoyable but there are some notable nuances depending on the version you choose and your expectations from a vehicle in this class

Road Manners and Handling

1. GLA 250: It provides a smooth and composed ride perfect for city streets and some light highway action The suspension absorbs most road imperfections though there is noticeable body roll in sharp turns
2. AMG GLA 35: The GLA 35 is noticeably more dynamic in its handling Cornering feels tight and there's plenty of grip though it comes at the cost of a stiffer ride

Potential Drawback

There’s some evident road noise at higher speeds especially noticeable in the GLA 250 It doesn’t make the cabin uncomfortable but it's surprising for a vehicle from Mercedes-Benz that one would expect a bit more soundproofing

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2025 GLA starts at a reasonable point considering its luxury status but the prices can jump quickly once you start adding options

Pricing Breakdown

1. GLA 250: Starting at around $40,000 depending on packages and additional features
2. AMG GLA 35: This starts at about $49,500 and with extras can easily exceed $60,000

Trim Options

• Standard: Comes with the essentials including LED headlights a power liftgate and basic MBUX features
• Premium Package: Adds a panoramic sunroof upgraded sound system and keyless entry
• AMG Line Package: For those wanting sporty accents and enhanced brakes

Pricing Drawback

It's easy for the price to escalate to levels where the GLC starts to look more attractive for its additional space and comfort One could argue that adding too many options to the GLA undermines its entry-level appeal

Competitor Comparison

The 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA finds itself competing with other luxury compact crossovers like the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 Let's see how it stacks up

BMW X1 vs Mercedes GLA

• Performance: The X1 comes with similar power but the GLA 35 has an edge with its AMG version
• Interior Quality: Both interiors are premium but the GLA’s dual-screen setup gives it a more tech-forward edge

Potential Disadvantage

While the GLA is sportier some users might find the BMW X1 has a slightly better driving dynamic particularly in sharp maneuvers

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes GLA

• Technology: Both feature cutting-edge tech but Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is a standout feature that competes well with MBUX
• Practicality: The Audi Q3 offers more rear-seat space making it a better choice for small families

Practical Drawback

Compared to the Audi Q3 the GLA’s rear-seat space feels somewhat cramped especially for longer journeys if you have adults seated in the back

Final Thoughts from Alex Collantes

To sum it up the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA is a solid luxury compact crossover that brings a lot to the table Yes there are a few compromises particularly with ride stiffness and some practical limitations but it stands out in terms of design and technology

As Alex Collantes puts it "The GLA isn’t perfect but it sure is fun to drive especially if you get the AMG version It's small but it’s mighty and for those who want a premium badge without the bulk it checks a lot of boxes"

Should You Buy It?

If you want a luxurious compact SUV that still feels modern and tech-savvy the 2025 GLA is definitely worth considering However if space is a priority or if you want a quieter more cushioned ride you may want to explore other options like the GLC or even non-luxury brands that offer larger compact SUVs for the same budget

Pros

• Stunning Design inside and out
• Flexible Engine Options from efficient to sporty
• High-Quality Tech Features like MBUX

Cons

• Limited Rear Visibility due to sloping roofline
• Cargo Space is decent but not standout
• Touchpad Controls are fiddly and may frustrate some users

Conclusion

The 2025 Mercedes Benz GLA captures what a luxury crossover should be fun compact and teched-out It's ideal for urban drivers or anyone who enjoys a sportier small SUV The drawbacks are there but if you're into the luxury compact SUV scene you'll likely find them easy enough to overlook