The Mercedes-Benz GLA 2025 is a compact luxury SUV designed for city life and premium comfort. It is the entry-level SUV in Mercedes’ India lineup, sitting below the GLC. The GLA has always attracted young professionals, small families, and first-time luxury buyers. It offers the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz badge in a size that is easy to park and drive in crowded Indian cities.
The updated GLA looks stylish and comes with modern technology. It features the advanced MBUX infotainment system, high-quality interiors, and a choice of petrol and AMG performance versions. For Indian buyers, the GLA represents a balance between brand prestige, everyday usability, and luxury features. In this detailed review, we will look at the design, interiors, performance, comfort, safety, mileage, price in India, pros and cons, FAQs, and specifications.
Quick Specification Table – Mercedes-Benz GLA 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact Luxury SUV |
| Engines | 1.3L Turbo Petrol, 2.0L Turbo Petrol (AMG) |
| Power | GLA 200: ~163 hp, AMG GLA 35: ~300+ hp |
| Transmission | 7-speed or 8-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (GLA 200), AWD (AMG GLA 35) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 435–460 litres |
| Mileage | Petrol: 13–16 km/l, AMG: 10–12 km/l |
| Safety | Multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, ADAS (in higher trims) |
| Price (India) | ₹49–52 lakh (GLA 200), ₹58–64 lakh (AMG GLA 35) |
Design and Exterior – Compact Yet Confident
The Mercedes GLA 2025 is designed to look modern and bold. The front fascia carries the signature Mercedes grille with the large three-pointed star. Sleek LED headlights give it a sharp and aggressive stance. The bumper design is smooth and elegant, adding a sporty touch without looking overdone.
From the side, the GLA has compact proportions that make it practical in city traffic. The flared wheel arches and sporty alloy wheels give it a crossover look. The roofline is neat, and the overall profile is balanced. At the rear, LED taillamps are crisp and stylish, while the bumper adds width to the SUV.
The AMG GLA 35 version comes with larger wheels, a sportier body kit, and twin exhausts. It looks more aggressive, aimed at buyers who want both luxury and performance styling.
Interior and Comfort – Premium Cabin Feel
Step inside the GLA, and you immediately notice the luxury. The cabin design feels high-end, with soft-touch materials, metallic finishes, and leather upholstery. The build quality is solid and gives the feeling of a true premium car.
The front seats are very comfortable, offering good support for long drives. The driver gets an elevated view of the road, but the GLA still feels more car-like than bulky SUVs. At the rear, two adults can sit comfortably, but three passengers may feel tight. The legroom is decent for a compact SUV, and the headroom is sufficient for most people.
One of the highlights of the GLA is the twin digital displays. These include a driver’s digital instrument cluster and a central infotainment touchscreen. Both screens are sharp, responsive, and easy to use. The MBUX system with voice command (“Hey Mercedes”) adds to convenience. Other luxury touches include ambient lighting, wireless charging, premium audio options, and high-quality seat materials.
Also Read Audi Q5 2025 India Review – Luxury SUV with Price, Mileage, Features and Specifications
Engine Options and Performance – Smooth or Sporty
The Mercedes-Benz GLA in India comes with multiple engine choices. The standard petrol engine is a 1.3-litre turbocharged motor. It produces enough power for city use and highways, while also being fuel-efficient. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that shifts quickly and smoothly.
For buyers who want performance, the AMG GLA 35 is available. It comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing over 300 horsepower. This version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. It also gets an AMG-tuned suspension, sportier exhaust, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive for better grip.
The GLA petrol version is calm and comfortable, while the AMG is thrilling and engaging. Indian buyers can pick depending on whether they prefer efficiency or performance.
Ride and Handling – Balanced for Indian Roads
The GLA is tuned for comfort, making it suitable for Indian city roads. The suspension absorbs most bumps and potholes well. On highways, the SUV feels stable and planted, giving confidence at higher speeds.
Steering is light at slow speeds, which helps in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. As the speed increases, the steering becomes firmer, improving stability. Ground clearance is good enough for most speed breakers in India. However, very tall speed bumps should be crossed carefully.
The AMG version has a firmer suspension for sharper handling. While this makes it more fun to drive, it also feels stiffer on rough roads.
Practicality and Space – Useful for Families
The GLA is compact, but still practical for a small family. The boot offers around 435–460 litres of storage, which is enough for luggage or weekend trips. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo space when needed.
Inside the cabin, there are multiple storage spaces, including cup holders, door bins, and a useful center console. The powered tailgate in higher trims adds convenience for daily use. Overall, the GLA combines compact dimensions with enough practicality for city life.
Technology and Features – Advanced and Modern
Mercedes equips the GLA with plenty of features. The twin 10.25-inch digital screens are the biggest highlight. The driver gets a customizable digital cluster, while the central infotainment screen handles media, navigation, and connectivity.
Key features include:
- MBUX infotainment with voice assistant.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Ambient lighting with multiple color options.
- Wireless charging pad.
- Burmester premium audio system in top trims.
- Electrically adjustable seats with memory.
- Panoramic sunroof for an airy cabin feel.
These features make the GLA feel much more premium compared to mainstream SUVs.
Safety – Protection and Assistance
The Mercedes GLA comes with strong safety features. Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking are offered on higher trims.
Crash test ratings in global markets show that the GLA performs well in safety. The solid build quality and advanced electronics give confidence to Indian buyers. Overall, the GLA offers a high level of safety for its class.
Price in India – Updated 2025 Figures
The Mercedes GLA is priced competitively in India. The petrol GLA 200 starts at around ₹49–52 lakh (ex-showroom). The AMG GLA 35 performance model is priced between ₹58–64 lakh (ex-showroom). Final on-road prices vary depending on city, taxes, and dealer offers.
While the GLA is more expensive than mainstream SUVs, it competes with other compact luxury SUVs like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Considering its premium features, badge value, and technology, the GLA justifies its price for buyers looking for a luxury experience.
Running Costs and Ownership
Owning a Mercedes-Benz GLA in India means higher running costs compared to regular SUVs. Fuel efficiency is decent for the petrol engine but lower for the AMG variant. Maintenance, service, and insurance costs are also higher because of premium parts and service standards.
Mercedes offers extended warranty packages and prepaid service plans. These reduce the long-term burden and give peace of mind to owners. For Indian buyers planning to keep the car for several years, opting for a warranty and service package is highly recommended.
Pros and Cons of Mercedes-Benz GLA
Pros:
- Stylish and compact design.
- Premium and modern interiors.
- Twin digital screens and advanced MBUX system.
- Comfortable to drive in city and highways.
- AMG version offers thrilling performance.
- Mercedes-Benz brand value.
Cons:
- Rear seat best suited for two passengers.
- Running costs higher than regular SUVs.
- Ride feels firm on AMG version.
- Limited boot space compared to bigger SUVs.
FAQs on Mercedes-Benz GLA
Q1. Is the Mercedes GLA good for Indian roads?
Yes, the GLA is compact and easy to drive in Indian cities. The suspension handles most bumps well.
Q2. What is the mileage of the Mercedes GLA?
The petrol GLA offers 13–16 km/l, while the AMG GLA 35 gives 10–12 km/l depending on driving style.
Q3. Does the Mercedes GLA come with a sunroof?
Yes, higher trims come with a panoramic sunroof.
Q4. How safe is the Mercedes GLA?
It comes with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance features in higher trims. It has good global safety ratings.
Q5. Is the AMG GLA 35 worth buying?
Yes, if you want performance and sporty driving. It is much faster and more engaging than the standard petrol version.
Q6. Who are the main rivals of Mercedes GLA in India?
Its main rivals are BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40.
Conclusion – Should You Buy Mercedes-Benz GLA 2025 in India?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 2025 is a great choice for those who want a luxury SUV in a compact size. It is stylish, premium, and loaded with modern technology. The petrol version is efficient and suitable for everyday city use. The AMG GLA 35 adds real performance for enthusiasts.
While it is not as spacious as bigger SUVs, the GLA is practical enough for small families. It also carries the prestige of owning a Mercedes, which adds emotional value for many Indian buyers. The ride is comfortable, features are advanced, and safety is strong.
Yes, the running costs are higher, and the rear seat is best for two passengers. But if you want a luxury compact SUV with brand value, technology, and everyday usability, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 2025 is an excellent option for Indian roads.
Author- Ayush
