2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 The Affordable Family AMG

Unlike fellow German automakers in this segment, Mercedes still offers its smallest crossover in AMG format. Whereas BMW’s X1 and Audi’s Q3 don’t have sportier versions currently, the GLA-Class is blessed with the latest AMG GLA 35 for 2024. You still get the same power – 302 horsepower, to be exact, complemented by 295 lb-ft of torque – but there are some new elements to go along with it. A mild-hybrid system has been added to ensure the GLA 35 is as efficient as possible, and while we’ve yet to see whether this pans out in real life at the pumps, it won’t detract from an otherwise sweet product. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 SUV is quite niche, but that’s one of the best things about it. The refreshed BMW X1 hardly stands a chance.
 

When Is The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Coming Out?
A specific release date for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 hasn’t been confirmed yet, although the automaker said it will arrive in dealerships in the USA later in 2023.
 
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Price And Competition
The automaker hasn’t set a price for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 yet, but it’s likely that with the slew of updates and added features, it will be a few thousand dollars dearer. Current models start at $47,950 before options, but this is for the 2022 iteration. It’s quite possible that the MSRP for the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 SUV will break the $50k mark.
 
Mercedes is only giving us the AMG GLA 35, for now, and direct rivals are few and far between. The BMW X1 has no M version, and Audi’s Q3 sits in the same predicament – both of these are less powerful and will cost around $10k less. Swedish competition comes from the Volvo XC40, but also indirectly: The Recharge version uses two electric motors to make 402 hp and starts at over $53k for the 2023 version.
 
New Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Exterior And Colors
In keeping with the GLA-like sloping roof, the AMG GLA 35 exterior is sleeker than its GLB sibling. Like the rest of the GLA-Class lineup, the AMG GLA 35 gets a few styling updates which include a brand-new front fascia design that bears the AMG crest on the hood for the first time. Up front you also get new signature LED lighting, while the parting view is also given the LED treatment. The light clusters fore and aft have been revised for the new model year.
 
Other new kit includes new alloy wheel designs, ranging in size from 19-inch ten-spoke AMG wheels in matte black to two types of 20-inch AMG items with five-twin-spoke designs; 19-inch units are standard. The X-motif stands out a lot more on the nose end of the new AMG GLA 35, with thinner black inserts giving it a more modern, high-end look. The standard AMG body styling remains, and aluminum roof rails are equipped, although these can be switched out for a panorama roof.
 
There’s no news regarding an updated palette of colors for the 2024 AMG GLA 35, but if the base GLA-Class receives a new color called Spectral Blue Metallic that may carry over to this version. The expected Manufaktur specials will remain extra-cost options that are well worth the money spent.
 

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Dimensions
We can expect the latest Mercedes-AMG GLA 35’s dimensions to be similar to the outgoing model, although the tweaks to the bodywork may impact it ever so slightly. To this end, the AMG GLA 35’s wheelbase should be around 107.4 inches, with a width of 79.5 inches, a height of 62.5 inches, and an overall length totaling 174.6 inches.
 
Despite its compact size, the AMG GLA 35 is on the portly side, and likely to add a few points over the older model’s curb weight of 3,653 pounds, considering the added equipment and mild-hybrid system.
 
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Engine And Performance
The same engine does duty in the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 as before and the specs are unchanged: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for all four wheels, managed via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The difference is the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a second-generation belt-driven starter-generator. The starter-generator helps with efficiency during coasting and recuperation of energy under braking, but it also makes stop/start functions seamless. As a bonus, it can add a power boost of 13 hp under certain conditions.
 
Interestingly, the 2024 AMG GLA 35 claims a marginally quicker 0-60 mph time than the outgoing model. The automaker claimed the latter needs 5.2 seconds to make the sprint while the new model can do it in an estimated 5.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, and while many will enjoy the rush of pushing the small SUV to its limits, it’s also designed to maximize on comfort, courtesy of AMG’s Ride Control sport suspenion. Sport driving is certainly the aim, but Mercedes equips drive mode experiences from smooth and comfortable to highly dynamic.
 
Gas Mileage
Despite outputs remaining the same for the 2024 GLA 35, there is likely to be a difference in fuel economy, albeit small. The addition of the hybrid system and extra equipment does make it a heavier car, however, so we may see similar figures to the current GLA 35, which achieves 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined.
 
With a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, you can expect to get around 335 miles of range, depending on how heavy your right foot is.
 

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 Interior And Cargo
Changes are also made to the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 to keep it fresh, which includes making the latest-gen AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG Drive Unit buttons standard. The incorporation of the buttons makes it easier for drivers to keep their eyes on the road while switching between modes.
 
Seats in the AMG GLA 35 can now also be covered in new upholstery options, which include Sage Grey/Black MB-Tex and Red/Black leather. The option also exists to upgrade to brand-new AMG Performance seats. The rest of the cabin should be as pleasing to the eye as we’re used to, with excellent build quality and premium materials throughout. New open-pore Brown Linden Wood trim is also being added to the options list, among others, to ensure you can customize the inside of your GLA 35 to your heart’s content.
 
Added to the infotainment system for 2024 is the standardization of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, while more USB ports are added – these are also illuminated for added convenience. There’s also new tech available, including a cutting-edge Parking Package which allows automatic parallel parking and provides a 360-degree visualization using 3D images captured by the surround-view camera. The AMG GLA 35 already boasts the dual 10.25-inch displays that have been made standard to the GLA-Class for 2024.
 
Cargo space in the GLA 35 will likely remain the same as before, with a middling trunk volume of 15.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 50.5 cubes when those seats are folded away. It’s sufficient for daily tasks, and there are enough little bins and nooks around the cabin to keep the contents of your purse or pockets.