The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class blends hatchback with crossover, with better than mixed results.
Pros Quick on its feet Turbo engines are a blast Hatchback practicality Very good fuel economy GLA45 AMG earns its initials
Cons Tight rear seats A $60,000 GLA45 AMG? That escalated quickly Interior can seem plasticky
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ranked #4 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has a score of 7.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Impressive infotainment system and features Thrilling AMG model
Cons Inefficient base transmission Cramped back seat
2018 GLA-class amount to little more than a light freshening. Newly optional LED headlamps flank a restyled grille with crossbars that feature rectangular punctures like those on the larger GLS-class SUV. A revised front bumper with more-prominent fog lamps, revised LED taillights, and new wheel designs round out the exterior tweaks. Inside, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen replaces last year’s 7.0-incher; additional chrome brightwork adorns the door panels and the center console; and new, more legible black-faced gauges replace the 2017’s gray-faced units.
Pros Quick reflexes and acceleration, all-weather capability, stylish inside and out.
Cons Cramped cabin, turbo lag around town, ride can be overly firm at times.
Two new performance models join the 2018 GLC-Class Coupe lineup: the AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S. Mercedes has also renamed most of the GLC's options packages to better convey the features added. Heated wipers are now standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be added with the Smartphone Integration package.
PROS Elegant and premium interior design Excellent balance between agile handling and a comfortable ride Abundant driver safety aids work great Four- and six-cylinder engines are fuel-efficient for the class
CONS Hard to brake smoothly Rear headroom isn't great, especially in the middle Infotainment controls aren't always easy to use Less useful cargo area than in regular GLC
Mercedes-AMG peppers performance and spicy styling into its coupe/crossover casserole. The powertrain platter includes a 362-hp twin-turbo V-6 or twin-turbo V-8s pumping out 469 or 503 ponies. All engines pair with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Pros Porsche 911 quick, grippy handling, strong brakes, V-8 rumble.
Cons Stiff ride, noisy tires, feels big and heavy from behind the wheel.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates crossover types with its lush cabin and its plush ride; there’s AMG power on tap if you must.
Pros Cabinet-grade interior (agency or furniture) Choose your body Choose your engine Burmester audio thrills Doesn’t cut short on technology
Cons Expensive safety options It’s not a Coupe, it’s just less useful Numb steering (GLC 300) Rivals have diesel, plug-ins
