2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA: the best, period!

The competition is strong in the subcompact luxury SUV segment. And, as always, there's a constant rivalry between the three major German manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. And let's not forget Lexus, among others, which offers its own solution.

However, if you look around objectively, it's not hard to find a model that's more complete than the others, and that's the Mercedes-Benz GLA. What makes us think so? Take a look at the following.

The style

A small vehicle doesn't have to be ordinary. Its design can make it stand out wherever it goes, and it can give it a richer look. That's what Mercedes-Benz has done with the GLA. The GLA has a dramatic cut, a strong front end and a stylish rear end.

When you compare it to the X2 from BMW or the Q3 from Audi, you can only conclude that Mercedes-Benz has found the right recipe. This is especially true for the versions with AMG accents. In these cases, it is simply irresistible.

Three choices

Let's talk about versions. With the GLA, you have three options. The first is the GLA 250 4MATIC, which is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

For most people, that's more than enough. However, because we're always willing to give you more at Mercedes-Benz, two other configurations are offered; AMG GLA 35 4MATIC and AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. In both cases, the same mechanics are used, but the settings make it possible to offer different capacities. Specifically, 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque are reported with the 35 model, and 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet with the 45 version. An eight-speed automatic transmission manages the delivery of power to the wheels.

Of course, the equipment gets better from one variant to the next, in addition to all the option packages that are available to you, whether it's to improve comfort, safety, technology, driving aids, etc.

Multimedia

At Mercedes-Benz, the multimedia approach is the consensus of the critics; the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system is one of the best in the industry. Its user-friendliness, capabilities and functions, as well as the interactive experience it offers between man and machine, are all good stuff. You don't get that level of connectivity with competing models.

Driving

And let's end our tour of the GLA with a factor that once plagued Mercedes-Benz; the driving experience. Twenty years ago, you could find an advantage in the handling of a competing product, with Mercedes-Benz offering more comfort than sportiness. Those days are gone. Today, comfort is still dominant at Mercedes-Benz, but so is the incisiveness of the driving experience. The GLA is a beast on the road when you decide to push it.

If you haven't yet taken the time to discover it, don't hesitate to stop by for a test drive.