Flash Drive

2021 AMG GLA35 4MATIC

July 13, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA35 4Matic

The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA35 behaves like a sport sedan, but it still has strong SUV characteristics.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 302 horsepower, 295 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined

Base Price: $47,550

As Tested: $53,630

Performance:

High performance brakes

Strong turbocharged engine

Eighty horsepower boost over base engine

The Mercedes AMG GLA35 was redesigned for 2021. It has handsome styling and practicality.

Impressive acceleration

Sport mode makes noticeable difference

Paddle shifters on 8-speed dual clutch automatic

Good fuel economy—our best was 32.8-mpg highway

Athletic, but not too harsh suspension

Strong all-weather confidence with 4Matic

Comfort:

Very supportive front seats

The AMG front seats are both supportive and very comfortable.

Deep bolsters

Slide-out thigh support

Driver power lumbar

Heated seats (3 temperatures)

Very thick, contoured, flat bottom steering wheel

Lots of auxiliary controls

Tiny touch pads on each side of steering wheel

Manual tilt/telescopic with good range

Reasonable rear seat room

Excellent head and shoe room

Utility:

Big, pretty deep console bin

Ample size front door bins, but access partially blocked

Medium size locking glovebox

The three-way split folding rear seats have adequate room for the outboard positions.

Decent size cargo area

Flat floor, no lift-over

Power liftgate

Huge opening, ample head clearance

Limited shallow storage under cargo deck

Three-way split folding seats for added versatility

Split folding seats have some slant when folded

WOW Factors:

Cargo space is sufficient with the rear seats folded, although there is a slight slope to the seats.

Sharp styling

Strong turbocharged AMG engine

Great front seats

Power lumbar both front seats

Improved, more user friendly infotainment system

Whines:

Front door bin access partially blocked

Hard, small sun visors

Flimsy seatback storage nets

Bottom Line:

The AMG leather steering wheel is very comfortable and loaded with great auxiliary controls.

The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA35 4Matic was completely redesigned for 2021 with more standard safety features and a more powerful base engine. The infotainment system has been improved and is more user friendly than previous models. The Mercedes GLA series fall into the luxury subcompact SUV class and as such they offer a fun driving experience, excellent technology, ample comfort/luxury and athletic performance in the AMG 4Matic versions at attractive prices considering all that the Mercedes experience

The AMG brakes are very powerful and a great performance enhancement.

represents.