After an extensive search for the right vehicle, spanning over a year of comparisons and considerations, I finally landed on the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 I was looking for – almost perfectly equipped. The deal came together during Christmas week of 2019, an admittedly inconvenient time to purchase a car, but timing is everything. Now, having spent considerable time and miles behind the wheel of this 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, I’m ready to share an honest review for those of you considering this compact SUV. Test drives are helpful, but nothing truly reveals a car’s character like real-world, everyday driving.
One of the most significant hurdles in choosing a Mercedes-Benz is navigating the extensive list of available options and packages. It’s surprising what’s considered optional – even a garage door opener! I had a specific set of desired features, about ten in total, but finding a GLA 250 with that exact combination proved nearly impossible. Mercedes-Benz often bundles desirable options with less appealing ones, forcing you to pay for features you might not want. Frankly, many of the extras I was seeking are standard on a mainstream car like a Honda Civic, yet with Mercedes, they are part of the upgrade path.
Therefore, if you’re considering a GLA, especially a 2019 model, familiarize yourself with the option list specific to that year. Create a prioritized list of must-have features and don’t assume anything is standard. For instance, on the 2018 GLA, the driver’s seat is power-adjustable, but the passenger seat often isn’t – a surprising omission in a vehicle of this class. If power seats for both driver and passenger are important, confirm it’s an included option.
My search for the ideal GLA 250 stretched from Hawaii to Maine, and finding one with my desired options was a rare occurrence. Ultimately, I compromised on a few items to finalize a purchase. My ideal was a white GLA 250 “Night Edition,” also known as the “Midnight Edition,” featuring black accents and black spoke rims for a distinctive look.
The second major challenge was the sales experience. In my extensive car buying history, I’ve never encountered more dishonesty and questionable tactics than dealing with some Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Over a year of searching put me in contact with numerous salespeople, and the experiences varied wildly. Some were reluctant to provide detailed window sticker information unless pressed, feeling a simple email list was sufficient. One salesperson insisted a vehicle had a specific option I wanted, only for a video inspection to reveal otherwise just before a 600-mile trip to close the deal. Perhaps the most memorable story is the dealer who swapped out brand-name tires for budget, off-brand tires just before my pickup, a switch I thankfully caught in a “detailed and ready” photo. The inconsistencies and misrepresentations were constant and frankly, unexpected from a brand like Mercedes-Benz.
Even at the dealership where I finally purchased my GLA 250, upon delivery, a small windshield crack was evident – undoubtedly known but not disclosed. While filled, it’s still in my line of sight on a brand new car.
It’s clear Mercedes-Benz could improve the customer purchasing journey significantly. Perhaps the CEO should personally experience the car buying process firsthand. My next car purchase might very well be online, click-to-buy and delivered within days – the traditional dealership model needs a serious overhaul.
Let’s delve into the cons of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, keeping in mind that what I consider a drawback might not be for everyone.
One of my must-have features was Apple CarPlay. Having experienced it in my daughter’s car, I appreciated its convenience. However, in the GLA 250, Apple CarPlay requires a wired connection, unlike my daughter’s older car which connects wirelessly. In a 2019 Mercedes, this feels outdated. Furthermore, the GLA 250 offers minimal space to place your phone while connected. The USB port is located at the bottom of the small center console, which is barely large enough to hold a phone, and the console door awkwardly presses on the cable. It seems like an afterthought in design. Thankfully, basic Bluetooth phone functions work wirelessly for calls and contacts.
[Image of Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 interior console with phone plugged in for Apple CarPlay]
Alt text: Close-up of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 center console showing a smartphone plugged in for Apple CarPlay, highlighting the limited space and cable routing.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for a firm ride, often described as “rough.” The GLA 250 certainly lives up to this reputation. You feel almost every imperfection in the road surface. This characteristic is widely noted in GLA reviews, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it’s definitely a firm ride.
Remote start was another essential feature for me. Past vehicles had simple push-button remote start. The GLA 250 utilizes the Mercedes me app, which is a feature I’ll discuss in the “pros.” However, remote starting is less straightforward than desired. It involves opening the app, pressing a button, holding it for a few seconds, and entering a four-digit PIN. Disappointingly, you cannot pre-set heated seats to activate with remote start. Even more restrictive, remote start is disabled if the fuel tank is below a third full. And to add to the complexity, opening the door after remote starting shuts the engine off. This convoluted system complicates what should be a simple convenience.
Many modern cars, like my friend’s Honda Civic, feature a side-view camera that activates with the turn signal. The GLA 250 lacks this useful side camera feature.
My wife’s Lexus has cornering headlights that swivel with steering input. The GLA 250 headlights are fixed and do not turn. So far, I haven’t missed this feature significantly, but it’s a noticeable omission compared to other vehicles in this class.
The floor mats in the GLA 250 are surprisingly basic. They feel like indoor/outdoor carpeting from a home improvement store. They are arguably the least impressive floor mats I’ve ever encountered in a vehicle. I opted for aftermarket rubber tray mats to protect the interior, as the standard carpet mats seem unlikely to last.
Speaking of cost-cutting measures, the seats are not leather. Are they vinyl, like a budget car from decades ago? Essentially, yes, although the marketing term is “leatherette.” For a Mercedes-Benz, “leatherette” seats are a letdown. Cloth seats would arguably be a more honest and acceptable option.
Interior storage in the GLA 250 is limited. The glove box is tiny, barely accommodating the owner’s manual, registration, and insurance papers. I had to relocate the manual to a duffle bag in the trunk. The center console, housing USB ports, offers minimal storage. The door pockets are slim. Storage is definitely at a premium in this compact SUV, though this may be typical for the small car segment.
The door closing sound lacks the solid “thud” expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The doors sound lightweight and less substantial than anticipated.
[Image of Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 door, slightly ajar, showing door sill]
Alt text: A partially open door of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, focusing on the door sill area, illustrating the standard, non-illuminated door sill.
Illuminated door sills are also an optional extra, surprisingly. One wonders if seats will become an option in future models. It’s almost humorous to imagine a future GLA 250 owner opting out of seats altogether to save costs.
The temperature and fan controls are small and fiddly. They require more attention to locate and operate than ideal, taking focus away from driving. The buttons also feel somewhat cheap and lightweight in their operation.
The infotainment screen is a decent size, but its placement appears as an afterthought, perched on top of the dashboard. As one observer noted, “Is that your iPad?”. A more integrated screen design would enhance the interior aesthetics.
Despite downsizing to the GLA 250 for better fuel economy, the mileage is underwhelming. At under 25 mpg, it’s less fuel-efficient than my older, six-cylinder Lexus. The fuel economy is disappointing for a smaller, four-cylinder vehicle.
The GLA 250 is noisier than expected. Wind and engine noise are noticeable, making for a less refined cabin experience than anticipated. Upgrading the sound system helps to mask some of the road noise with music.
A minor ergonomic annoyance is the driver’s side sun visor. It cannot be easily folded down using just the left hand due to the lack of a finger indent for leverage.
The panoramic roof looks impressive as a large, black glass panel. However, the actual sunroof opening is small, retracting only a limited portion of the roof. The “panoramic” aspect is more visual than functional in terms of open-air feeling.
Paying extra for the garage door opener option is frustrating, especially since it’s not universally compatible. My Sears Craftsman opener is “not compatible” with the Mercedes system, rendering the paid option useless. This necessitates using the old-fashioned visor clip-on opener – a step back in convenience. Mercedes-Benz should refund customers for this non-functional option when incompatible garage door systems are encountered.
By now, it might seem like I dislike the GLA 250. That’s not the case. I am critical of Mercedes-Benz in certain areas, but I don’t dislike the vehicle itself. There are aspects I genuinely appreciate.
Moving to the positives, the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system is truly impressive. While I haven’t experienced the standard audio system, the upgraded system is excellent, delivering rich and clear sound quality.
The GLA 250 handles very well. Cornering is sharp and responsive, and the turning radius is tight and maneuverable. Parking and backing up are easy, and the braking performance is excellent and confidence-inspiring.
Seat comfort is surprisingly good. Despite the “leatherette” material, the seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives. The wide range of seat adjustments allows for finding an ideal driving position, and the steering wheel adjustability further enhances driver comfort.
Safety features are a strong point of the GLA 250. The rearview camera provides a clear, wide-angle view, even at night. The eight-inch infotainment screen is well-sized for the cabin. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring are all valuable and appreciated safety technologies. However, it’s crucial to verify that the specific vehicle has these desired safety options, as they are not all standard.
The hands-free liftgate is a convenient feature when it works reliably. It requires precise foot placement under the rear bumper to activate, which takes some practice. With time, using the hands-free liftgate should become more intuitive.
[Image of Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 rear liftgate, slightly open]
Alt text: The rear liftgate of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 partially open, demonstrating the hands-free access feature.
The Mercedes me app is well-designed and user-friendly. It provides useful information, from fuel level and door lock status to vehicle location. While some might find car apps excessive, the Mercedes me app offers practical functionality. The dealership representative mentioned the app is “free for now,” raising concerns about future subscription fees for core vehicle functions.
In conclusion, I do like the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The white Night Edition model with black wheels and accents is visually appealing and has drawn numerous compliments. While I couldn’t get every single option I initially wanted, and the buying process had its challenges, the car itself has redeeming qualities.
Comparing the GLA 250 to a Honda Civic, the price difference of $10-$15K raises the question of value. While a Civic offers more standard features, the Mercedes-Benz engine and overall build quality are expected to offer greater longevity and performance. The GLA 250 should also hold its resale value better. For buyers wanting to experience the Mercedes-Benz brand at a more accessible price point, the GLA 250 is the entry-level option. However, it doesn’t quite match the refinement and overall experience of our older Lexus. It serves as an accessible Mercedes option for those wanting to enter the brand.
If you’re considering a GLA 250, I reiterate the importance of carefully reviewing the options and packages. Identify the features you consider essential. This is not a vehicle to buy impulsively off the dealership lot without careful option consideration. To gain a better understanding, consider renting a GLA 250 from a rental company like Enterprise (which offers it in their “prestige lineup”) for a weekend test drive. Spending a few days and covering a few hundred miles will provide valuable insight into whether the GLA 250 is the right vehicle for you.
Thank you for reading this review. Remember to enjoy the ride – life moves quickly.
