Base GLA 250 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

We all knew that Mercedes-Benz couldn't afford to resist the small SUVover segment for much longer. After all, it seems to be the fastest-growing segment in the galaxy, and in particular, it's the premium niche of that class – led by the hugely successful Land Rover Evoque and BMW X1 – that is making these smaller vehicles more viable and attractive. Off we go, then, in this spanking-new 2015 GLA250 4Matic, Mercedes' take on this still somewhat amorphous genre. Is this a tall A-Class, or more of a scrunched CLA-Class? True to its crossing-over nature, this taller GLA configuration is honestly a healthy mix of both A- and CLA-Class while being more practical than either. It is 9.4 inches shorter than the CLA-Class coupe/sedan-with-trunk and 4.9 inches longer than the overseas A-Class hatchback. At 71.0-inches wide, it ever so slightly outspans its compact cousins, too. Our North America-specific height of 60.0 inches (It's 58.8-inches tall in Europe and elsewhere) is roughly 3.5 inches taller than A- and CLA-Class offerings. That's because our GLA250 will get the usually optional Off-Road Comfort chassis height fitted as standard, in part because we like sitting up higher, SUV-style. Just as importantly, that extra height allows the GLA the advantages of being classified as a light truck. Fear not: the AMG version will get the lower global height for better on-road dynamics. Regardless, the GLA doesn't flirt too much with stretching the bounds of the term "compact," and that's a good thing. Stated cargo room for the range is pretty good, too, with 14.9 cubic feet expandable to 29.5 with the rear seats folded flat. Mercedes states that the space can reach an effective 43.6 cubic feet when filled to the rafters and with the front passenger chair forward as far as possible. It's no great surprise that plans are afoot to emphasize the GLA's "lifestyle" attributes, as well as its customizability. While Mercedes-Benz North America won't go so far as to offer the eleven wheel styles available in European markets, we will get three sharp designs for non-AMG civilian trims – a standard 18-inch, a typical chiseled five-spoke 19-inch AMG design that goes with the Sport Package, and a third really handsome standalone 19-inch option. Then there is a range of six leather trims, four types of interior detailing and eleven exterior paint colors. Plus, as is all the rage in most German premium cars today, you get multi-color ambient lighting to set the proper mood in the cabin. It's not completely out of its element on fire roads and light-duty trails. The GLA is also Mercedes' first front-wheel-drive-biased crossover, so even in 4Matic trim, this isn't a vehicle to help you dance over the Rubicon. This latest 4Matic application, does, however, slide seamlessly into a maximum 50:50 front-to-rear torque split, and it also possesses multi-mode stability control with side-to-side brake torque vectoring, the latter coming into play when the vehicle is set to Sport mode. The GLA can also provide a more off-road-friendly …
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