2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

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$33,400

starting MSRP

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 trim comparison will help you decide.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 review: Our expert's take


As the mad rush toward small utility vehicles continues to sweep the world, automakers are working hard to keep their offerings fresh and appealing, just like Mercedes-Benz has done with the updated 2018 GLA250 and AMG GLA45 compact SUVs.


The freshened mini 'utes, built off of the front-wheel-drive platform shared with the CLA sedan and Infiniti QX30 SUV, receive some minor tweaks ahead of an on-sale date this summer.

If you can spot the exterior differences between the 2017 and 2018, that makes one of us. They’re subtle; Mercedes-Benz says that the SUVs have new bumpers front and rear, new headlights, new wheels and a new paint color. That’s really not much of a styling update at all, frankly, especially when other fresh entries into the segment are arriving soon. If you want something a bit more special looking, there’s a new Performance Studio Package for the AMG GLA45 that includes either gray or bright yellow exterior trim bits, and a new Ice Edition limited special-edition package for the GLA250.

Interior

Inside it’s much the same story, as there are a few new pieces of bright trim and also some new seat patterns, but the interior is pretty much the same as the outgoing model. On the electronics front, the 8-inch high-resolution screen is now standard, and there’s a new instrument gauge cluster. Android Auto now joins Apple CarPlay for your multimedia entertainment, and hands-free access has been added to the Premium Package that allows you to open the hatchback by swinging your foot under it. Black Ash wood trim replaces Burl Walnut, and the Performance Studio Package on the AMG version also brings some yellow highlights to the interior as well.

Under the Hood

Powertrains for the 2018 GLA250 and AMG GLA45 carry over from the previous model. The base engine is a 208-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the front wheels; 4Matic all-wheel drive is optional. If you want more power and a decidedly sportier driving experience, opt for the AMG GLA45, which features a hand-assembled turbocharged 2.0-liter engine pumping out a crazy 375 hp. It uses a specially tuned seven-speed DCT to put the power to all four wheels, and also comes with a sport-tuned suspension.

Safety

For the new model year, the biggest safety change is the adoption of a rear-view camera as standard equipment. This is in addition to the already standard features of forward collision alert with autonomous braking and attention assist to warn of drowsy driving.

Look for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 and Mercedes-AMG GLA45 in showrooms in the summer of 2017.
 

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior design 4.5
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 4.8
  • Reliability 4.4

Most recent consumer reviews

4.6

Great Car Sorry Dealerships

Great car, terrible dealers and maintenance costs. I have had two GLA vehicles, a 2016 GLA45 AMG and this one a 2018 GLA 250 AWD. I have a love-hate relationship. The car itself is really enjoyable and the 208hp dual clutch drive train is nearly perfect in my mind for sporty but efficient driving. It has good acceleration, little to no lag and I can consistently hit the high 30’s for mileage in the mountains of Colorado. I have gotten 38mpg over a 250 mile trip. It is mid 20’s around town which is good because you need premium gas. The storage areas are small-ish and funky but doable and has two USB ports in the center console with no grooves for the cables but they will pass through. I recommend blind spot detection as a must because the side mirrors have a large blind spot you cannot dial out. The car runs very smoothly, absorbs bumps well and decent sound proofing for this size. The power lift gates, keyless doors on all four doors just touching the handles is perhaps my favorite comfort feature. It drives like a car so if you like high SUV seating positions this is not for you. Air works great, electronics are kind of odd for 2018 so having Apple Car Play is a must in my mind if you are buying used. I really love the car for it’s details, lovely interior and performance and can recommend it to others based on those things. The huge negative for Mercedes is they are hands down the worst dealerships and I interacted with three. They do all the classic dealer tricks and the maintenance costs on a car running perfectly fine will make you bleed. An A service (odd years) was $933.00 and they wisely will not tell you that till you show up. Shop around as another dealer was only about 60% of that. I just replaced a dead battery today and it was $639.00 and done in less than an hour. I would go to an independent shop for half price maintenance unless a warranty item (I have extended/CPO). In the end this makes me give up on Mercedes. Cars are wonderfully engineered and truly enjoyable and look great but dealers and everything associated suck. Yeah, I know there are probably good ones and if you don’t mind a siphon in your wallet and typical dealer tricks then you will love them and they will love you. So, 100% recommend the car and a 100% thumbs down on the dealers. Research yours carefully and if good or if you can go to an independent then jump on the car if you like sporty, elegant and fun.

5.0

MOST RELIABLE CAR

THIS IS AN AWESOME CAR IT DRIVES QUIET SMOOTH AND IS CLEAN! ALSO IN PERFECT CONDITION. GIVES NO ISSUES, FULLY SERVICED, AWD, GREAT FOR SNOW ,

2.1

Mercedes-Benz bad car

I bought the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 2018 from the local Toyota Dealer. I could not believe this vehicle was not SeriusXM ready the air-conditioned control on this vehicle are hard to reach you have to take your eyes off the road to look down at the controls. I traded this car after 26 days. Purchase 3/26/21

See all 63 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Mercedes-Benz
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
48 months/50,000 miles
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/50,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
6 years old or less/less than 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
1 year/unlimited miles
Powertrain
1 year/unlimited miles
Dealer certification required
164-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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