Although unchanged, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA will be exciting to drive and see on the streets. This small crossover is available in four configurations. From the base trim, the GLA offers premium equipment. Highlights are the MBUX infotainment system, potent engine, and futuristic design of exterior and interior. On the other hand, there is not too much room in the subcompact crossover. Nevertheless, the German carmaker maximized comfort and safety.
For its size, seating space is pretty ok. You cannot expect too much comfort, can you? Gas mileage is not breathtaking, but compared to its siblings, it is the best in the family. Standard equipment is on a very high level, and it can become a state-or-art in some configurations. For example, the AMG model. Even if the space is used to provide maximum comfort, you won’t find too much room in the cargo area.
We mentioned high-end options, but those are very expensive. Well, even the base trim is above the average price paid for a luxury subcompact crossover. Still, this is Mercedes and we expect that from the leading German luxury brand. On the other hand, since buyers pay top dollar, the carmaker could make the cabin quieter.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA Specs
Under the hood of every 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA will be a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. The base version will be good for 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It might seem too much for a subcompact crossover, but in the luxury class, everything is boosted. And extra power is really helpful when you need to accelerate. Front-wheel drive is standard and Mercedes offers 4Matic AWD as an optional feature. The gas mileage on the open road is not bad, topping 32 mpg in both systems. Still, a subcompact vehicle that returns 24 mpg in the city is not going to impress.
AMG GLA 35 and AMD GLA 45
The same engine is enhanced to create 302 hp and 295 lb-ft for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 model. The crossover maintains an excellent gas mileage on highways. All-wheel drive is standard for AMG versions. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is a power router. The system makes the crossover sprint 0-60 mph in 5 seconds, which is 1.5 sec better than the standard setup.
While some fans consider the GLA 35 as the AMG-boosted edition, the true AMG model is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45. Extra power and torque might make them think so – the high-end configuration creates 382 hp and 354 lb-ft. That is more than some full-size SUVs can do. The gas mileage is 20/27 mpg, mostly thanks to its size and light weight. If 5 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration surprises you, then this version is delivering a stunning result of 4.2 seconds.
Notable Equipment
Like every Mercedes, the GLA is also full of advanced technology and features. For example, the base model features 18-inch wheels, which might seem too big for a subcompact crossover. But, this is a premium vehicle that looks very aggressive all around the body. LED lamps are there for headlights, taillights and foglights. Sports seats with memory settings are in the front row. A power liftgate is also part of the GLA 250 package.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 AMG adds performance features to handle the extra power. Adaptive suspension and enhanced braking and exhaust systems are part of the AMG upgrade. Larger wheels, a bigger infotainment system and a sport steering wheel are highlights of this version.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG takes everything to the next level. The unique AMG Line package is added, as well as the Exterior Lighting bundle and Premium package. A set of special multimedia options is standard. It includes traffic light recognition, navigation, and premium audio. Leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and heated/ventilated buckets are optional upgrades for all packages.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing
Not too many buyers opt to pay extra for the premium model in the subcompact class. Well, 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA is going to be one of the examples of why. The base version of the luxury crossover costs $38,000, and that is without AWD. For this money, many larger vehicles are available. Stepping up with the AMG package will make the price even less affordable. The AMG 35 comes with a $50,000 price tag. That is already the realm of premium mid-size three-row SUVs, such as the best-selling Lexus RX.
The high-end AMG 45 and its price will definitely stun you. The package definitely brings a unique drive impression. But, the base price of the 2023 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG is $57,000. With premium colors, 21-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, and a few other upgrades, the MSRP is going to be very close to $70,000. It is only our opinion, but in this range, buyers can consider buying a big family SUV, or a mid-size model with a higher trim level. However, a three-point star is sometimes a status symbol, not only a ride.
