After an extensive search for the right compact SUV, I landed on the Mercedes GLA. Purchasing a car during Christmas week wasn’t ideal, but the deal came together, and I’ve now spent considerable time behind the wheel. If you’re considering a Mercedes GLA, this review provides an honest perspective after a year of real-world driving, beyond just a short test drive.
One of the most daunting aspects of buying a Mercedes is navigating the sheer volume of options and packages. It’s almost comical – even a garage door opener is an optional extra! I had a specific list of about ten features I wanted, but finding that exact combination proved nearly impossible. Mercedes also bundles options in frustrating ways, forcing you to pay for extras you don’t need to get the ones you do. Many features I considered essential are standard on much more affordable cars like a Honda Civic, but this is the Mercedes game you have to play.
Therefore, if you’re serious about a GLA, meticulously research the available options for your target model year. Create a prioritized list of must-have features and don’t make assumptions. For instance, in 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 included or available as an option.
My search spanned from coast to coast, and finding a GLA with my desired options was incredibly challenging. Ultimately, I had to compromise on a few features to finalize a purchase. My ideal GLA would have been a white “Night Edition” (or “Midnight Edition”) with its distinctive black accents and rims.
The second major hurdle was the dealership experience. In my extensive car-buying history, I’ve never encountered more dishonesty and manipulation than dealing with Mercedes salespeople. Over a year of searching, I interacted with countless dealers. Some were reluctant to even provide the window sticker until threatened with taking my business elsewhere, dismissing a simple email list as “good enough.” One salesperson falsely claimed a vehicle had a crucial option I requested. Just a day before a 600-mile trip to close the deal, I asked for a video walkthrough of the interior, revealing the missing option. Perhaps the most egregious example was a dealer who swapped out brand-name Continental tires for generic Walmart tires just before I arrived. I only caught it in a “detailed and ready” photo they sent. The stories of questionable practices went on and on, far exceeding my expectations for a brand like Mercedes.
Even at the dealership where I finally bought my GLA, I discovered a small windshield crack upon pickup – undoubtedly known to them. While they “filled” it, the crack remains in my direct line of sight in a brand-new car.
Mercedes needs to address these customer experience issues at the highest level. The entire car buying process felt unnecessarily stressful and distrustful. My next car purchase will likely be online, avoiding dealerships altogether!
Let’s move on to the specifics of the GLA itself, starting with the cons. These are based on my personal experience, and some may not be significant to you.
Mercedes GLA: Cons After One Year
Apple CarPlay Integration Issues
Apple CarPlay was a must-have for me, especially after enjoying its convenience in my daughter’s car. However, the GLA’s implementation is surprisingly clunky. Unlike newer systems that connect wirelessly, you must plug your phone in every time. Worse, the car offers no sensible place to put your phone while connected. The USB port is located in a tiny console that’s too small to hold a phone, and the console door awkwardly crushes the cable because there’s no designated cord slot. It feels like a poorly executed afterthought, and a major disappointment for a 2019 Mercedes. Thankfully, basic Bluetooth phone connectivity works without plugging in.
Harsh Ride Quality
Mercedes vehicles aren’t known for plush rides, and the GLA is no exception. The saying “rides like a tank” rings true here. You feel every imperfection in the road surface, even small pebbles. While many reviews mention this firm ride, experiencing it daily can be tiring, especially on rough roads.
Frustrating Remote Start System
Remote start was another essential feature. While the Mercedes Me app offers remote start functionality, it’s far from user-friendly. It requires multiple steps: opening the app, pressing a button, holding another button, and entering a four-digit PIN. Annoyingly, you can’t pre-set heated seats to activate with remote start. Even more perplexing, remote start is disabled if the fuel tank is below a third full. And to top it off, the engine shuts off as soon as you open the door, defeating much of the purpose of remote start. It’s an overly complicated and poorly designed system for a feature that should be simple and convenient.
Lack of Sideview Camera
Many modern vehicles, even mainstream models like Honda Civics, now feature side cameras that activate with the turn signal, enhancing visibility. The GLA lacks this helpful safety feature.
No Adaptive Headlights
While my wife’s Lexus has cornering headlights that turn with the steering wheel, the GLA’s headlights are fixed. So far, I haven’t missed this feature significantly, but it’s a notable omission compared to some competitors.
Cheap-Feeling Floor Mats
The factory floor mats are shockingly low quality, resembling indoor/outdoor carpeting from a home improvement store. They are likely to wear out quickly. I immediately replaced them with more durable rubber tray mats.
“Leather-ette” Seats
For a luxury brand, the standard “leather-ette” (vinyl) seats are unacceptable. While technically not cloth, they feel cheap and out of place in a Mercedes. Genuine leather should be standard at this price point, or at least a higher quality synthetic material.
Limited Interior Storage
Interior storage is severely lacking. The glove box is tiny – barely enough room for the owner’s manual, registration, and insurance papers. The center console compartment is also small and houses the USB ports, further limiting its usability. Door pockets are minimal. If you tend to carry much in your car, the GLA’s limited storage will be a constant frustration. While small cars generally have less storage, the GLA is particularly cramped.
Unsolid Door Closing Sound
The doors don’t close with the reassuring “thud” expected of a Mercedes. They sound lightweight and tinny, detracting from the overall premium feel.
No Lighted Door Sills (Optional)
Lighted door sills, a common feature in many luxury cars, are surprisingly optional on the GLA. It’s another example of nickel-and-diming on features that should be standard. At this rate, seats might become an optional extra soon!
Small and Fiddly Climate Controls
The temperature and fan speed buttons are tiny and difficult to locate and operate without taking your eyes off the road. They also feel cheap and flimsy. Larger, more tactile controls would be a significant improvement.
Afterthought Infotainment Screen
The infotainment screen, while a decent size, looks like an afterthought, perched atop the dashboard rather than integrated into it. As one person commented, “Is that your iPad?” A more integrated design would enhance the interior aesthetics.
Disappointing Fuel Economy
Despite downsizing to a smaller vehicle for better fuel efficiency, the GLA’s gas mileage is underwhelming. At under 25 mpg, it’s actually worse than my older, larger Lexus SUV with a six-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is definitely not a strong point.
Excessive Road Noise
The GLA is surprisingly noisy inside. Wind and engine noise are both prominent, making for a less refined driving experience than expected in a luxury vehicle. Upgrading the sound system helps to drown out the noise with music.
Inconvenient Sun Visor Design
A minor but irritating detail: the driver’s side sun visor cannot be easily folded down with the left hand due to the lack of a finger indent on that side.
Small Panoramic Sunroof Opening
While the GLA offers a panoramic sunroof that appears to be a large glass roof, the actual opening is quite small. It retracts only a small portion of the roof, falling short of the “semi-convertible” experience I had envisioned.
Non-Compatible Garage Door Opener (Optional)
Despite paying extra for the integrated garage door opener, it’s incompatible with my Sears Craftsman opener. Mercedes should clearly communicate compatibility limitations before charging for this option. Now I’m back to using a separate visor clip-on opener, like it’s the last century.
Mercedes GLA: Pros After One Year
Despite the lengthy list of cons, I don’t dislike the GLA. I’m disappointed with certain aspects of Mercedes, but there are also positive aspects to this vehicle.
Excellent Upgraded Sound System
The optional Harman Kardon sound system is fantastic. While I haven’t heard the standard system, the upgraded audio is truly impressive and provides rich, clear sound.
Agile Handling and Braking
The GLA handles exceptionally well. Cornering is sharp and confident, the turning radius is tight and maneuverable, and parking and reversing are easy. Braking is also excellent and responsive.
Comfortable and Adjustable Seats
The seats are surprisingly comfortable, even for longer drives. They offer a wide range of adjustments, allowing you to find a supportive and personalized driving position. The seatback and steering wheel adjustments are particularly impressive.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The GLA is packed with safety technology. The rearview camera is clear, wide, and works well even at night. The 8-inch monitor is perfectly sized for the cabin. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring are all effective and appreciated safety features. However, always verify that your specific vehicle has the safety options you expect.
Convenient Hands-Free Liftgate
The hands-free liftgate is a useful feature, though it can be a bit finicky at times, requiring precise foot placement to activate. With practice, it becomes more reliable.
User-Friendly Mercedes Me App
The Mercedes Me app is well-designed, clean, and easy to use. It provides useful information such as fuel level, vehicle lock status, and more. While subscription costs for connected car services are a growing trend, the app itself is currently functional and helpful.
Conclusion: Is the Mercedes GLA Right for You?
Overall, I have mixed feelings about the GLA. The white “Night Edition” is visually appealing and attracts compliments. However, the buying experience was unpleasant, and the car has several shortcomings, particularly for its price point.
Compared to a more mainstream vehicle like a Honda Civic, the GLA is significantly more expensive (by $10-$15K). While the Mercedes engine and perceived brand prestige might offer some long-term value and better resale, the Civic offers more standard features and arguably a more user-friendly ownership experience. It doesn’t feel as luxurious as our older Lexus SUV. The GLA seems positioned as an entry-level Mercedes for those wanting to experience the brand at a lower price point.
If you are considering a Mercedes GLA, my strongest advice is to thoroughly research all available options and packages. This is not a car to buy impulsively off the dealer lot. You will likely miss out on desired features and be disappointed. I highly recommend renting a GLA from a rental company like Enterprise’s “prestige lineup” for a weekend. A few days and a few hundred miles of driving will give you a much clearer understanding of whether the GLA’s pros and cons align with your needs and preferences. Test driving it extensively is crucial before making a purchase decision.
Thank you for reading. And remember, enjoy the ride!
