2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC | Driven in style

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC not only looks good, it feels good. This sporty compact ute by the German automaker adds a lot of personality to its historically corporate-looking lineup. This is definitely a different kind of vehicle for the brand, but one that is sure to be a solid follow up to the affordable CLA sedan, reinforcing Mercedes’ desire to lock in loyal lifetime customers at a young age with their first or second car purchase. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a low-slung road hugger. We were glad to see that Mercedes didn’t cheap out on this entry-level luxury crossover. The fit and finish of the GLA250 are appropriate for its base $33,300 price tag, blending just enough high-end finishes with a minimalist approach while not sacrificing comfort inside. The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is stylish, no doubt. Its chopped roofline carries from the windshield to the lift gate, giving it a low profile and sporty stance. The car is shorter than it seems, however, making its categorization as a crossover a little closer to a wagon or sporty hatch than it is to an outright SUV.

What we like about the GLA250:

• Its swoopy yet sporty styling that gives this hatch a unique look.
• Clear family heritage with the interior design and layout.
• Easy-to-use infotainment system and controls.
• Tight handling with a ride that’s smooth for its class (but not “S-class” smooth).
• All-wheel-drive capability with 27 mpg combined fuel economy.

More hatchback than SUV, the GLA250 makes a sassy grocery-getter.

Who should buy this car?

We think the GLA250 is perfect for singles in the city. It’s roomy enough for your friends yet it doesn’t feel cavernous without them. It glides through metropolitan traffic and can easily fit in most urban parking spaces (so long as you’re good at parallel parking!). The GLA gets decent fuel economy (27 mpg combined) and is sure to turn heads, especially if you opt for it in red, which looks especially nice on this model. And if you like the looks of the GLA250 but are committed to higher performance, then consider the GLA45 AMG trim level. The Mercedes GLA45 AMG at the 2015 NY International Auto Show.