2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 4MATIC

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC is a compact luxury crossover that offers a blend of practicality, premium feel, and agile driving dynamics — designed to bridge the gap between a hatchback, a wagon, and a traditional SUV. Visually, it combines a sleek, urban-friendly footprint with subtle SUV cues: compact dimensions but a slightly elevated ride height and a sculpted, modern silhouette that hints at its Mercedes heritage while aiming for everyday usability.

Under the hood, the GLA 250 4MATIC uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with roughly 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system is a full-time, variable-torque distribution system: normally sending power to the front wheels for efficiency, but ready to redistribute up to a 50/50 split front/rear when grip is needed — useful in rain, light snow, or loose surfaces. This drivetrain gives the GLA a sprightly and confident feel: quick enough for daily commuting or highway merging, yet composed and predictable when weather or traction conditions are less than ideal.

Inside, the GLA 250 delivers a cabin experience that punches above what you might expect from a small crossover. Front seating is comfortable and supportive, and materials tend to be pleasant and well-finished — with leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminum or alloy accents, and a clean, ergonomic dashboard layout. Standard amenities include a well-equipped infotainment and audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows and locks, and the kinds of convenience touches you’d expect in a luxury-badged vehicle. Seating is rated for five, though rear-seat space is modest: adequate for children, short commutes, or occasional adult use, but not ideal for long road trips with tall passengers in back.

Cargo space reflects the compact nature of the GLA: with rear seats up, trunk capacity is limited, though folding the seats down expands it considerably. This makes the GLA more practical than many hatchbacks while still maintaining a nimble size for city driving, tight parking, or commuting. The ride height and ground clearance give it a bit more versatility than a sedan or hatchback, and help the vehicle handle rough roads or uneven driveways with relative ease.

What stands out with the GLA 250 4MATIC is the balance: it doesn’t try to be a large SUV, instead offering a “city-crossover” package that’s compact yet premium, practical yet stylish. It’s particularly appealing if you want an entry-level luxury SUV that won’t feel bulky, but still gives you the flexibility of AWD, sufficient performance, and a refined interior.

That said, trade-offs are present. The small size means rear-seat comfort and cargo space are limited compared with larger SUVs. While the turbo-4 offers liveliness and efficiency, it doesn’t deliver the effortless power of a V6 or larger engine if you regularly carry heavy loads or full passengers. And because it’s more on the crossover-compact side than the SUV end, it doesn’t match the full ruggedness or towing capacity of larger, more SUV-oriented Mercedes models.

Overall, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC AWD stands out as a versatile, premium-feeling compact SUV — ideal for urban commuters, young professionals, or small families who value comfort, style, and agility over maximum cargo capacity or SUV bulk.