Despite its entry level status, the Mercedes GLA 250’s got every bit of luxury nuance to rightfully classify it as German made. Better yet, it has been completely revamped for 2021 with sleeker looks and a more refined turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. By default, it comes standard with the 4-Matic all-wheel-drive for added traction and stability. Power is also increased on this year’s iteration – up from 208 to 221 horsepower. Adrenaline seekers can opt for the heavily tuned AMG version of the GLA45 that boasts a whopping 375 horsepower.
NEW FOR 2021
New for 2021 is a cleaner and more contemporary exterior design while retaining the fundamental essences of the GLA class from previous generations. Both interior and exterior receive higher quality treatments as well. Mercedes is also offering the standard Off-Road Engineering package that allows low-speed throttle control in areas where the road ends but can also come handy when driving in heavy snow.
POWERTRAIN
Last year’s 2.0L 4-cylinder makes its way to 2021 but is now turbocharged that makes 221 horsepower – up from 208hp last year. An 8-speed dual-clutch transmission manages gear changes with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for manual shift mode. All-wheel drive comes conveniently standard with the 4-Matic All-Wheel-Drive system with the ability to send up to 50 percent of the engine torque to the rear wheels for added traction and stability control.
INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY
Big improvements make their way to the interior of the 2021 Mercedes GLA 250, with increased rear seating legroom (up to 5”). Quality of materials have also bee upscaled with a combination of brushed aluminum, gun metal gray décor with red linings that adds a final pop to the overall finish. Cargo space has also been slightly improved with the now 60-40 folding rear seats sitting flush.
Base models come standard with two smaller 7.0” displays for both the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen. Equipped with our tester model is the Premium package that comes pre-installed with an over-sized dual 10.3” instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen display duo that has elevated our experience throughout our week’s test drive. The Premium Package will also come with added convenience features including LINGUATRONIC voice control, Downhill Speed Regulator, Blind Spot Assist, and KEYLESS-GO for an extra $3,600. MB Navigation will also cost an extra $1,000
THE DRIVE
What makes the 2021 GLA 250 unique is its purpose-built road handling charisma with low-sitting front bucket seats and high-mounted steering wheel similar to that of a rally-car driving position. It corners expectedly well in comparison to previous models, and the added horsepower from the turbocharged engine is felt albeit the slight lag for pressure to build up into optimal engine rev range.
The 4-Matic all-wheel drive system distributes up to 50 percent of the engine torque to the rear wheels and works well in biting the road for added traction on all four wheels. But a higher rear-wheel power distribution in its all-wheel-drive system would have been preferred to help give the GLA 250 a more sporty feel while benefitting from the increased power from the turbocharged engine.
The base model can be had for $42,400 which comes generously equipped with a high quality interior cabin across all its trims, a panoramic sunroof, aluminum roof rails and power-adjustable front seats. Our tester model comes with the Premium and Navigation Package that costs an extra $3,600 and $1,000 respectively.
