After an extensive search lasting over a year, filled with comparisons and contemplation, I finally acquired the Mercedes GLA I had been seeking—or at least, very close to it. The deal was finalized during Christmas week of 2019, an admittedly inconvenient time for vehicle purchases, but circumstances aligned unexpectedly. Now, having spent considerable time behind the wheel, I aim to provide a candid review for those considering a GLA. While brief test drives offer a glimpse, nothing truly reveals a vehicle’s essence like several hundred miles of real-world driving.
One of the most daunting aspects of choosing a Mercedes is navigating the extensive list of options and packages. It’s almost comical – a garage door opener as an option? My ideal GLA included about ten specific features, but finding that exact combination proved nearly impossible. Mercedes’ approach of bundling desired options with less appealing ones further complicates matters. Regrettably, many of the extras I sought are standard in a Honda Civic, yet the Mercedes badge comes with its own set of rules.
Therefore, if you’re contemplating a GLA purchase, familiarize yourself thoroughly with the option list for your target year. Compile a list of must-have features, leaving no assumptions unchecked. For instance, the 2018 GLA features a power driver’s seat, but surprisingly, the passenger seat is manually adjusted unless you opt for the power passenger seat option. Seemingly minor details become crucial in this vehicle class.
My search spanned from Hawaii to Florida to Maine, and finding a GLA with my desired options was consistently challenging. Ultimately, my purchase involved compromising on certain items. To be fair, my ideal GLA was a white “Night Edition,” also known as the “Midnight Edition,” distinguished by black accents and black spoke rims.
The second significant hurdle was the dealership experience. In my life, I’ve never encountered such levels of dishonesty, manipulation, and deceit as I did with Mercedes salespeople. Over a year of searching involved numerous interactions, and the stories are plentiful. Some salespeople resisted sending window spec sheets until threatened with taking my business elsewhere, deeming a simple email list “sufficient.” One sales representative vehemently assured me a vehicle had a specific option I requested, only for a video inspection the day before a 600-mile trip to reveal otherwise. Perhaps the most egregious example was a dealer who replaced Continental tires with Walmart tires just before my scheduled pick-up, a detail I spotted in a “detailed and ready” photo. The list of questionable practices goes on. Frankly, I expected more from Mercedes.
Even at the dealership where I finally purchased my GLA, a small windshield crack was evident upon pick-up, undoubtedly known to the dealership. While filled, it remains in my line of sight on a brand-new vehicle.
It’s clear Mercedes needs to streamline the car buying process from a customer perspective. The experience is far from ideal. My next car purchase might very well be online, delivered to my doorstep within days, bypassing the traditional dealership model altogether!
Let’s delve into the cons of the 2019 Mercedes Gla 250, keeping in mind that these are based on my personal experience and preferences. What I perceive as a drawback might not be significant to others.
One crucial option for me was Apple CarPlay. Having experienced its convenience in my daughter’s car, I was surprised by the GLA’s implementation. Unlike her car’s wireless connection, the GLA requires a wired connection for Apple CarPlay. In a 2019 Mercedes? Unbelievable. Furthermore, the car offers minimal phone storage. The cord plugs into the small console, which lacks space to hold the phone comfortably, and the console door awkwardly presses against the cord. It feels like a poorly conceived afterthought. Thankfully, iPhone contacts are accessible via Bluetooth without plugging in.
Mercedes vehicles are known for a firm ride. The saying “rough as a tank” rings true with the GLA. Every road imperfection is transmitted directly into the cabin. While numerous reviews mention this, experiencing it firsthand is quite something.
Remote start was another must-have. Past vehicles offered simple push-button remote start. The GLA uses the Mercedes Me app, which is functional but far from seamless. Starting the car involves opening the app, pressing a button, holding it for a few seconds, and entering a four-digit code. Heated seats cannot be pre-set to activate with remote start, nor can remote start be used if the fuel tank is below a third full. Adding insult to injury, opening the door upon entering the car shuts it off, negating the remote start benefit. Why complicate such a simple feature?
While my friend’s Honda Civic displays a side camera view when the turn signal is activated, the GLA lacks this feature.
Similarly, while my wife’s Lexus features cornering headlights, the GLA’s headlights are static. So far, I haven’t missed this feature, however.
The floor mats are surprisingly subpar. They resemble indoor/outdoor carpeting from a home improvement store. Likely the worst mats I’ve ever encountered. I opted for rubber tray mats anticipating the carpeted ones wouldn’t last a year.
Continuing the theme of cost-cutting, the seats are “leather-ette,” essentially vinyl. In a Mercedes? Cloth seats would be preferable to imitation leather.
Interior storage is severely limited. The glove box barely accommodates essential documents and a pack of gum. The console houses USB outlets, limiting its storage, and the side pocket fits a lanyard and badge. Small car limitations, perhaps, but still noticeable.
The door closing sound lacks the solid “thud” expected of a Mercedes. It doesn’t sound or feel particularly substantial.
Illuminated door sills are another missing feature, apparently another option. One wonders if seats will become optional in future models!
While I appreciate minimalist button design in cars, the GLA’s temperature and fan controls are excessively small and fiddly, requiring more attention than desired. The buttons themselves feel flimsy and cheap.
The infotainment screen is adequately sized but appears like an afterthought, perched atop the dash. As one observer remarked, “Is that your iPad?”. A more integrated design would be preferable.
Downsizing to the GLA was partly motivated by fuel efficiency. However, at under 25 mpg, fuel economy is disappointing, even worse than our older six-cylinder Lexus.
Noise levels are higher than expected. Wind and engine noise combine to create an unrefined cabin experience for a vehicle in this class. Upgrading the sound system helps to drown out the road noise.
A minor annoyance: the driver’s side sun visor cannot be easily folded down with the left hand due to the lack of a finger indent.
The panoramic roof appears expansive from the outside, raising expectations of a large sunroof opening. However, the actual opening is surprisingly small, retracting only a limited portion of the glass roof.
The optional garage door opener, another added expense, is incompatible with my Sears Craftsman opener. Mercedes should refund the cost of this useless option! I’m back to clipping the old opener to the visor.
Despite this lengthy list of cons, I don’t dislike the GLA. My disappointment stems from Mercedes’ execution in several areas, but the vehicle itself has redeeming qualities.
Now, let’s focus on the positives of this quirky little car.
The upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system is truly exceptional. While I can’t compare it to the standard system, the upgraded audio is perfect.
The GLA’s handling is commendable. Cornering is precise, the turning radius is tight, and both reversing and braking are excellent.
Seat comfort is surprisingly good. The adjustable seats offer a wide range of customization, allowing for a comfortable and supportive driving position. The seatback and steering wheel adjustments are also impressive.
Safety features are a highlight. The rearview camera provides a clear, wide view, even at night, on an appropriately sized eight-inch monitor. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring are all effective and appreciated. However, always verify these options are present on your chosen vehicle.
The hands-free liftgate is convenient, although its activation can be finicky, requiring precise foot placement. With practice, it should become more intuitive.
The Mercedes Me app is user-friendly and well-designed. It provides useful information, from fuel levels to door lock status. While the dealership representative mentioned its “free for now” status, ongoing subscription fees for basic car functions would be unwelcome.
In conclusion, I do like the 2019 Mercedes GLA 250. The white “Night Edition” with black wheels and accents is visually appealing and has garnered many compliments. While I regret not securing all my desired options and the buying process was arduous, the GLA offers a taste of the Mercedes brand at a more accessible price point.
Compared to a Honda Civic, the GLA’s $10-$15K premium is debatable. While the Civic offers more features, the Mercedes engine and potentially better resale value are considerations. It’s arguably a step up in perceived prestige. It doesn’t match the refinement of our older Lexus, but it represents the entry point into the Mercedes-Benz world for those seeking to experience the brand.
If you’re considering a GLA, meticulously review the available options and packages. This isn’t a vehicle to buy impulsively off the lot. Missing desired features will lead to regret. Enterprise Rental Cars offers the GLA in their “prestige lineup,” a valuable opportunity to rent one for a weekend and experience it firsthand. A few days and several hundred miles will provide a more informed basis for your purchase decision.
Thank you for your time. Remember to enjoy the ride – life moves quickly.
