After an extensive search for the right vehicle, spanning over a year of comparisons and considerations, I finally landed on a Mercedes-Benz GLA. The purchase process concluded around Christmas week of 2019, an admittedly inconvenient time for a vehicle transaction, but timing is everything. For those considering a GLA, I aim to provide an authentic review based on considerable time spent behind the wheel. Brief test drives can only tell you so much; real insights come from hundreds of miles of driving experience.
One of the most daunting aspects of choosing a Mercedes-Benz is navigating the extensive list of options and packages. The fact that a garage door opener is even an optional extra seems almost absurd. My ideal GLA configuration included about ten specific options, yet finding that precise combination proved nearly impossible. Mercedes-Benz often bundles desired options with less appealing ones, a frustrating tactic. Many features I considered essential are standard on more mainstream cars like a Honda Civic, yet the Mercedes allure meant playing by their rules.
Therefore, if you’re contemplating a GLA purchase, familiarize yourself with the option list for your target year. Pinpoint the must-have features you cannot compromise on. Avoid assumptions. For instance, in the 2018 GLA, the driver’s seat is powered, while the passenger seat is not—a surprising omission for a vehicle in this class. If power seats for both driver and passenger are desired, remember it’s an option.
My search stretched from Hawaii to Florida to Maine, and finding a GLA with my desired options was consistently challenging. Ultimately, my purchase involved some compromises on my wish list. Ideally, I sought a white GLA “Night Edition,” also known as the “Midnight Edition,” featuring black accents and distinctive black spoke rims.
The second major hurdle was the sales experience. The level of dishonesty, manipulation, and deception encountered during my year-long search was unprecedented. Many salespeople were hesitant to provide detailed window spec sheets unless pressured. Some considered a simple email list “sufficient.” One sales representative falsely claimed a vehicle had a crucial option I requested. Just a day before my wife and I were set to drive 600 miles to finalize the deal, I requested a video of the interior. It revealed the option was absent. Perhaps the most egregious example was a dealer who replaced Continental tires with budget, Walmart-grade tires just before my planned visit. I discovered this when they sent a “detailed and ready” car photo. The list of such incidents goes on. This was not the Mercedes-Benz experience I anticipated.
Even at the dealership where I finally bought my GLA, a small windshield crack was present upon pickup, undoubtedly known to them. Thankfully, I noticed it before leaving. While “filled,” the crack remains in my line of sight on a brand-new car.
This experience suggests Mercedes-Benz’s leadership needs to personally engage with the car buying process. It’s frankly unacceptable. My next car purchase will likely be online, with click-to-pay convenience and home delivery.
Let’s delve into the cons of the GLA, from an owner’s perspective. These points are subjective; your priorities might differ.
Apple CarPlay was a must-have for me, appreciated from my daughter’s car. However, the GLA’s implementation is surprisingly archaic. Unlike newer systems that connect wirelessly, the 2019 GLA requires a wired connection. This is compounded by the car’s poor phone storage design. There’s virtually no designated space for a phone, and the console’s USB port placement and tight door design awkwardly crimp the connection cord. It feels like a poorly considered afterthought for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz. Phone contacts are thankfully accessible via Bluetooth without plugging in.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for a firm ride. The GLA lives up to this reputation, perhaps even exaggerating it. Every road imperfection is keenly felt. This characteristic is widely documented in GLA reviews, so it wasn’t unexpected.
Remote start was another desired feature. Past vehicles offered simple button activation. The GLA uses the Mercedes Me app, which is functional but overly complex. Starting the car involves multiple steps: app loading, button presses, holding a button, and a four-digit PIN. Heated seats cannot be pre-set for remote starts. More surprisingly, remote start is disabled if the fuel tank is below one-third full. Even with all this, opening the door upon reaching the car shuts it off. Why complicate such a basic function?
Many modern cars feature side cameras that activate with turn signals. The GLA lacks this feature.
Cornering headlights, present in my wife’s Lexus, are absent in the GLA. So far, I haven’t missed them.
The floor mats are surprisingly low quality. They resemble basic indoor/outdoor carpeting. I opted for rubber tray mats as the factory carpet mats seem unlikely to last.
In what seems like another cost-cutting measure, the seats are not leather. While technically “leatherette,” they feel akin to vinyl from older, less premium cars. “Leatherette” is an inappropriate material choice for a Mercedes-Benz. Cloth seats would be preferable.
Interior storage is severely limited. The glove box barely accommodates essential documents and a small item or two. The center console houses USB ports, limiting its storage. Side pockets offer minimal space. Storage is a general issue in small cars, but the GLA is particularly constrained.
The door closing sound lacks the solid “thud” expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The GLA doors sound lightweight and less substantial.
Illuminated door sills are, surprisingly, optional. One wonders if seats might become optional in future models, imagining a GLA owner in the future opting out of seats entirely.
While minimizing dashboard clutter is generally positive, the GLA’s temperature and fan controls are excessively small and fiddly, requiring more attention than necessary. The buttons also feel cheap.
The infotainment screen, while adequately sized, appears like an afterthought, resembling an “iPad” stuck onto the dashboard rather than seamlessly integrated.
Fuel economy was a factor in downsizing to the GLA. However, at under 25 mpg, fuel consumption is disappointing, even worse than our older, six-cylinder Lexus.
The cabin noise level is higher than expected. Wind and engine noise are noticeable and excessive for a car of this class. Upgrading the sound system helps to drown out the noise with music.
A minor annoyance: the driver-side sun visor cannot be easily folded down with the left hand due to a missing indent.
The panoramic roof appears expansive from the outside, leading to expectations of a large opening. However, the actual sunroof opening is quite small, retracting only a limited portion of the roof, falling short of the “semi-convertible” feel one might hope for.
Paying extra for a garage door opener, a feature that should arguably be standard, was another letdown. Worse, it’s incompatible with certain garage door openers, including my Sears Craftsman. A refund for this useless option would be appropriate. For now, I’m back to using a clipped-on remote like it’s the last century.
Despite this extensive list of criticisms, it’s important to clarify: I don’t hate the car. My disappointments are directed at Mercedes-Benz’s execution in several areas, but the GLA itself has redeeming qualities.
Moving to the positives – what do I appreciate about this quirky little car?
The upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system is exceptional. While I can’t compare it to the standard system, the upgraded audio is truly impressive.
The GLA’s handling is excellent. Cornering is precise, and the turning radius is tight, making maneuvering easy. Braking is also commendable.
Seat comfort is surprisingly good. The adjustable seats offer a wide range of customization, allowing for a comfortable and supportive driving position. The seat and steering wheel adjustments are impressive.
Safety features are a major highlight. The rearview camera provides a clear, wide, and crisp image even at night. The eight-inch screen is well-sized for the cabin. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring are all valuable and appreciated safety enhancements. However, again, confirm these options are present on your specific vehicle.
The hands-free liftgate is convenient when it functions correctly. It requires precise foot placement, but with practice, it should become more reliable.
The Mercedes Me app is well-designed, clean, and user-friendly. It provides useful information, from fuel levels to door lock status. While app subscriptions can be a concern, the representative mentioned it was “free for now,” raising questions about future costs.
In conclusion, I do like the GLA. The white Night Edition with black wheels and accents is visually appealing and has garnered numerous compliments. While I regret not securing all my desired options, and the purchasing experience was unpleasant, the car itself has its merits.
Compared to a Honda Civic, the GLA carries a significant price premium. Whether it’s worth $10-15K more is debatable. One hopes the Mercedes-Benz engine offers superior longevity and performance. Resale value might also be stronger. For those seeking an entry-level Mercedes-Benz, the GLA is the most accessible option.
For potential GLA buyers, reiterate the importance of thoroughly reviewing the option list and identifying must-have features. This isn’t a vehicle to buy impulsively off the lot. Consider renting a GLA from Enterprise’s “prestige lineup” for a weekend test drive. Extended use will provide a clearer picture of whether the GLA is the right choice for you.
Thank you for your time. And remember… Enjoy the ride, it goes by fast.
