The GLA250 model delivers decent fuel economy, its turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine rated in EPA tests at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Getting 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from this little engine.
Pushing the GLA250 through the turns with the transmission in Sport mode, the electric power steering delivered satisfying precision and the stiff suspension kept the car nice and flat. However, the all-wheel-drive system contributed little to the handling as I felt the back end sliding around similar to a front-wheel-drive car. This 4Matic system is front-wheel biased, and Mercedes-Benz notes in the GLA250’s specs that it can shift up to 50 percent torque to the rear wheels.
The Good The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250’s engine delivers more than adequate power and fuel economy in the high 20s. Its adaptive cruise control can handle stop-and-go traffic. Its compact SUV body looks elegant yet offers practical interior space.
The Bad The ride quality on rough asphalt is far too bumpy for a premium segment car. Optioning up to navigation requires almost $5,000 worth of packages. Standard tech does not include iOS integration with the audio system.
The Bottom Line The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is a good-looking and capable entrant in the compact SUV segment with an impressive array of driver assistance tech available, but its ride quality falls short of its premium price.
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Good to see real expertise on display.