2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLA

With performance to match the best in its segment, subtle but engaging style, and lots of useful technology on board, it’s hard not to like the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLA. Building on the already impressive non-AMG variant, the AMG GLA adds significant performance and even more standard equipment and luxury features.

Despite its small size and position as the entry point to the AMG SUV range, the AMG GLA has the poise and polish of a larger, even more expensive SUV.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current class of subcompact luxury SUVs including the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The only change for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLA is the deletion of the Digital White paint option.

Starting at almost $60,000, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 is on the pricier end of its competitive set. The BMW X1 M35i is very closely matched with the Mercedes on performance, but starts at just over $50,000. That’s a big gap for small SUVs, putting the AMG GLA on par with the base Porsche Macan, although the AMG GLA offers about 40 more horsepower and more standard equipment.

Before buying a Mercedes AMG GLA luxury subcompact SUV, be sure to check Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying, based on what others have paid. The AMG GLA’s resale value is about average for the segment.

The non-AMG version of the GLA is a fun SUV to drive, with peppy acceleration and a taut but not harsh suspension setup. The AMG GLA 35 takes performance to the next level, with even more power, quicker acceleration, and a more aggressive suspension tune.

In fact, the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 5.1 seconds, about 1.7 seconds quicker than the base GLA. The AMG GLA’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and precisely, and the standard AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive enhances dynamics as well as poor weather traction.

Compared to the BMW X1 M35i, the AMG GLA 35 is a tenth of a second quicker to 60 mph, with similar power and handling.

Fuel Economy

Despite the AMG GLA’s 60-plus horsepower increase over the base GLA, it’s nearly as efficient. The 2025 AMG GLA 35 is rated at 24 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway), compared to the GLA 250 4Matic’s 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway). The BMW X1 M35i, by comparison, gets 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway).

Like its more ordinary counterpart, the AMG GLA’s interior impresses on many levels. It’s roomy for passengers, with some of the best second-row legroom in the segment. It’s also made of premium materials and well-assembled – the GLA doesn’t feel like an entry-level luxury vehicle.

There isn’t a ton of cargo space behind the rear seats; you’ll find more space in the comparable BMW X1, but the GLA has about two inches more rear legroom than the BMW. The GLA and X1 have a similar amount of total cargo area with the rear seats laid flat, although the X1 still holds slightly more.

Like the non-AMG version, the AMG GLA’s cabin could do with less road and wind noise, but in the AMG’s case, you also get more engine noise, which can be a good thing, depending on your perspective.

Despite the genuine performance upgrades of the AMG GLA, it doesn’t wear its speed on its sleeve like a boy-racer hot hatch. It’s far too refined for that, preferring subtle nods to the extra performance in the AMG-specific grille and aerodynamic tweaks to the front and rear ends. Unique AMG wheels and body-colored fender inserts complete the AMG look.

The overall result is a mature, premium design that lets enthusiasts know it’s an AMG without hitting everyone else over the head with it.

MBUX with Interior Assistant
The infotainment system, or Mercedes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) is easy to use whether you’re interacting via the screen or the natural-language voice commands. Take it to the next level with the optional Interior Assistant that can also recognize hand gestures from the driver and front passenger.

Augmented reality
This system overlays your turn-by-turn navigation, house numbers, and other information directly into the real world, making it much easier to find your way in unfamiliar territory.

Available AMG Track Pace
This optional extra is unique to the AMG variant. It lets you record and store vehicle performance data during track driving, including speed, acceleration, lap times, and even sector times.

Active driver assists
Active assist features included with the AMG GLA help with lane changes, evasive steering, and emergency stops, as well as route-adaptive cruise control.

Burmester audio
Optional on the non-AMG version but standard on the AMG GLA 35, the Burmester audio system includes 12 speakers and 590 watts run through a 9-channel digital amplifier. It’s a pure, clear sound system that audiophiles will appreciate.

Standard AMG Performance AWD
More than mere bad-weather traction, the AMG Performance 4Matic AWD system is standard on all GLA AMG models. In addition to providing more traction in slippery conditions, the AMG Performance 4Matic system enhances dynamics by distributing power between the front and rear axles.

The AMG GLA 35 comes in a single powertrain variant, featuring 302 hp from a mild hybrid-assisted turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission routed through all four wheels via AMG Performance 4Matic AWD.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA’s new vehicle warranty is good for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is typical among luxury vehicle manufacturers, but many luxury brands offer longer powertrain warranties.

Safety

Neither the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA nor its AMG variant has been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).