When the first-technology Mercedes-Benz GLA arrived on U.S. soil, we had been break up on whether or not we would remember it an SUV or a automobile. "The GLA is evidence the first-class manner to get Americans to shop for a hatchback is to jack it up and make contact with it an SUV," European bureau leader Angus MacKenzie stated all through our 2015 SUV of the Year program.
Yet the first-version GLA inspired judges with its a laugh using dynamics and incredible handling, which brought on the small Mercedes to transport on as a finalist. But after a deeper evaluation, we concluded, "The GLA seems like a automobile and drives like a automobile, so it should be a automobile."
Enter the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the tiny crossover keeps to impress; its punchy powertrain, stepped forward indoors area, and stylish styling stood out a few of the judges. "The small Mercedes performed right," capabilities editor Scott Evans stated.
With 221 hp and 258 lb-feet of torque, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA feels punchy, aleven though Evans likened the engine observe to "a turbocharged dishwasher." Its eight-velocity automated does its process of moving rapidly and successfully and would not hesitate to downshift while you ask for it. "The engine is keen to reply and offers a clean whoosh whilst prodded," head of editorial Ed Loh stated. "The transmission is unremarkable, which is a great thing, as we have got savaged different turbo-4 powertrains on this class."
Buyer's Guide director Zach Gale applauded the layout of the air vents and ambient lighting fixtures, however he had a tough time being used to the overly complex infotainment device. "I'd love for destiny Benzes to make converting to the following track less difficult than it's miles now," he stated. Loh went further: "The query is, will you get into an accident [from distracted driving] earlier than or once you find out how the device works?"
At the quit, judges agreed that the GLA's fee proposition changed into its weakest point. With a beginning rate of about $39,000, the entry-degree Mercedes crossover receives pricey quickly. Our as-examined unit crossed the checkout counter at a tough-to-swallow $44,405. "We all recognise a mainstream automaker will provide you a greater compelling automobile at this rate point," capabilities editor Christian Seabaugh stated.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is higher than the outgoing version it replaces, and despite the fact that it is a higher Mercedes than the GLB, it did not have sufficient to persuade judges to transport ahead as a finalist. Lieberman summed it up first-class: "The second-technology GLA feels quite good, aleven though it is lacking the X-component that might placed it at the podium, in no way thoughts over the top."
