2015 / 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 Review - DETAILED in 4K

Because so many of you were asking about the changes for 2016 at the same time I had the 2015 GLA, this video if a mix of the 2015 GLA and details on what changes for 2016. Pricing hadn't been announced for 2016 when this video was shot.
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[@chrisdahlquist8831]

I also love my 2016 GLA. I've had it six months and I'm very happy, and I get a lot of positive comments from friends and others. One comment about ride quality, Alex and others have tested this vehicle with 43-44 psi on the tires, which is way above the recommended inflation (should be 29 psi front and 32 rear). This will make the ride much closer to the Audi Q3. I also recommend changing to non run-flats, as that will also improve ride as well as noise; it makes for a completely different experience. I'm also getting fantastic fuel economy, up to 34 mpg in certain circumstances.

[@GunCollector007]

I got this car as a loaner yesterday while my CLS is being serviced and I have to say this car is a lot of fun to drive

[@ilanam8266]

I did the most impulsive thing I have ever done and purchased this car from a dealership in a different state without test driving it first. They obviously capitalized on the fact I was out of state and kept some info to themselves but honestly doesn’t matter. I love my car so much! This is a great car for anyone looking into it. And yes insurance may be a little bit pricey for some but I found a good deal for my age. As well as most parts aren’t too pricey online in the right places!

[@mangoldm]

I love my 2015 GLA 250. The handling is very nimble and even at 6'3'' the seats are quite comfortable. I agree that the door openings are on the small side. I'd welcome a 3-door variant.

[@gene978]

LOVE THE 3RD CAMERA VIEW so I can see your hands talk with your voice haha. Hands down NO ONE DOES A MORE INFORMATIVE and COMPARATIVE information in the least amount of time. I REALLY WISH YOR CHANNEL would EXPLODE ALEX! YOU ARE THE VERY BEST!

[@arwillet]

You look like Gru from Despicable Me lol. In all seriousness, I really respect how quickly and easily you recall every fact and detail. I appreciate your thorough reviews!

[@DavidEagle42]

Alex! I love your videos! I am a subscriber and often watch videos about cars I'm not even interested in because you're so compelling. Thanks for the great work and please keep it up! I do have one tiny piece of feedback about audio quality. It seems like in the editing process you may be applying a lot of compression to your voice track. If my volume is a little too high it feels like you're penetrating me. In my earholes. Keep the videos comin.

[@Skw384]

You’re the best car reviewer on KZbin

[@ChristopherWalkenPUA]

That would be cool if you get a chance to review the 2016 GLA AMG, those hp and torque figures are crazy for a 2 liter !

[@zukomangia1771]

After 8 months of driving a GLA250 4MATIC, I have to honestly say the best thing about it is its design. It's gorgeous inside and out. BUT, the ride is honestly terrible for a Mercedes. You would be shocked at the difference between the ride of the GLA and the C class. The GLA is WAY too firm, and you feel every imperfection of the road beneath you. There is too much body lean on turns. The transmission is smooth some days and choppy/sluggish on others. It also rattles, which is extremely annoying. Visibility is mediocre and the car seems a bit claustrophobic sometimes. No headroom. Mine was 44k and still didn't have real leather, a sunroof, a keyless go, a parking sensor, or xenon headlamps/LED tail lamps. Of course, I'm complaining about a Benz. It's still a good car; it just lacks refinement. Oh, and get rid of those nasty plastics on the dash. For the next GLA: 1 inch larger in every dimension, give it the new 9-speed, make the suspension softer, get rid of the excessive plastic, and give it standard xenon.

[@causeoflava]

it somehow reminds me of lilo and stitch. i really don't know how

[@loyallife4764]

Natzoo 😂😂

[@denisep1026]

Looking into getting this vehicles. Don’t really care for options but it looks premium.

[@MightyRostam]

Fantastic review Alex, many thanks. One of the problems, at least in my opinion, with this car is that the GLA 250 doesn't have a spare tire. I just don't trust run flat-tires; they are way more expensive than standard ones, they don't last as long and they are heavy.

[@sixten3]

Stellar reviews as always, Alex! Your videos will be paramount when I begin looking for a new vehicle.

[@shuyihuang8519]

Thank you for a great review Alex. I love watching your reviews

[@kooloneism]

Alex is good you where not reading from a script or teleprompter your talent flows natural

[@unnamedny]

It's not a bad car, but it's sad that you will have to pay around $2500 just to get back up cam. Packing it with few essential features brings it up to over 40k. Seems a little too much.

[@SphaHlela]

Hi, AlexOnAutos team. I don't know if you guys can make this happen, but im gonna ask any way. When you guys are showing the interior, could you put the car in a dark garage or film a small portion of the interior shot at night - to show how the interior dials and knobs light up (or don't light up) at night. Please also show reading lights and any lights along the door seals.Also, please show how the exterior lights "behave". This would be greatly appreciated. I love your in-depth reviews, otherwise. Keep up the great work!!!

[@MightyRostam]

+Sphamandla Hlela Good point. There is a long video (45min) on GLA 250 by "MichaelAdamsRocks". At 38' you can see the interior of the GLA 250 at night. It's actually quite nice.

[@webcomment8895]

Backup camera not standard and requires pricey navigation bundle. Keyless entry not standard. Single zone manual A/C? No rear seat vents.

[@beyond_the_tequila_rift3194]

I will be getting a 2015 GLA in Black Leather (IDK if Faux leather), but it looks beautiful so far.

[@elliottmanning4116]

The options on this are just odd. It had a huge sunroof, adaptive cruise control, but no leather, navigation, backup camera, or heated seats. Makes no sense.

[@vlada1088]

+Elliott Manning for the navigation, backup camera, driving warnings, and keyless entry/start you need to get the entertainment or P1 package... but all the cars in U.S. come with fake leather, for real leather its extra fee. and let me tell you, their fake leather, its really good, you can hardly tell the difference.

[@vq37zu]

+Elliott Manning If you know how to drive, you don't need most of that stuff anyways.

[@elliottmanning4116]

+Zuriel Briones if I'm spending a lot of money on a vehicle, I want all of those features.

[@juanpina8572]

I agree with Elliott this CUV is very odd, it seems very budget, it was a jab at the millenials I'm assuming but it didn't do a good job, too cheap and lacks attention to detail

[@SilentTalkingBanana]

+Elliott Manning If you want to get all those features than don't shop in the luxury segment range for that price point. For 40k you can get a top trim Ford Edge that has all the features you want.

[@memkey2316]

I just bought my gla 220 4matic amg..Happy

[@jaxxonthehealer6607]

How is the head space? is it cramped inside? I feel almost claustrophobic in this car.

[@faridoonvlogs6812]

JASS #pokmoon

[@stephanematis]

I would say that this is actually a Mercedes A-class on stilts. Yes, in North America we don't see that vehicle, but it would be nice to mention that both the CLA and GLA are derived from it.

[@sunnyyy2369]

Why doesn't this car have a standard back up camera?? Even the most basic models of Hondas come with back up cameras.

[@anonymosanonymos3693]

BLACKGOOBER even prius does 😂😂😂

[@KirbyLouis]

you dont know how capitalism​ works

[@prestondunn1991]

Kirby Louis explain

[@Leemz100]

my daughter's 2010 Nissan Rogue has a backup camera. Very disappointing that this doesn't. Ugh.

[@aoiujdsfasfjioasfo]

Ours has back up camera though.

[@sayakd9455]

Alex, love your reviews, very unique. Was wondering when can I expect a review on new 2016 GLC 300 4MATIC and 2016 Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI Prestige. Your review is a big influence to my car buying decision . Thanks a ton in advance!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+sayakd I;m not sure but I'll see what I can do

[@WeggieQueen2005]

why no spare tire? What does on do? That's crazy

[@roadwarrior280]

Drove it as a loaner.Very nice,very comfortable.He is right it is not quiet. Suspension though is fine.

[@sdfasdfvccvvc]

Thanks for the review. One thing I noticed that you didn't mention (or perhaps I skipped it somehow) is the view out front. I've recently sat in one of these pseudo-SUV thingies at local MB dealership and immediately noticed the reduced view angle - the top of the dashboard felt too "tall" even for my 6"1' height, regardless of the seat adjustments. Never felt that way in other cars, like for example in my previous-gen C-class or our GLK. That extremely cheap-looking infotainment system display also looked extremely "out of place" in such an expensive car. I looked at models with both stock, non-navigation system and with navigation system with much larger display area - in both variants the display has a noticeably thick glossy plastic bezel and display still looks like an annoying eyesore regardless of the size. BMW does better job with these, though even their displays still look like a glued-on Nexus 7. Pretty disappointing how lazy German designers became while still demanding a significant amount of money for their cars.

[@OfficialCynthiaHoney]

So cute I love it

[@TD-il6ju]

Yeah...I have one , this should come with a back up camera because mines does

[@jaxxonthehealer6607]

Love your reviews so informative. I'm thinking about getting a GLA but i hear mercedes quality is low for the price and pricey to fix or maintain. It seems to depreciate at a high rate. Maybe BMW would be better quality?

[@georgezhao888]

cant wait to see your review on 2016 X1.. heard they made some nice changes and back seat room increased by a lot.

[@JMotorCity]

The rear passenger door window shapes looks like a Buick Encore. I don't understand why anyone would choose this over a Lincoln MKC. Agreed a much better value. And while they are changing it for 2016, what luxury car in 2015 has a semi automatic, single zone climate control system? My mom's 1980 LeBaron had that.

[@shaunoneil1897]

Love your car reviews dude. You help me figure out which car I want, thanks. I was thinking about getting a 2017 Buick Encore or Trax or Sportage. Hate the gas mileage for the sportage I want something a bit smaller though. I love this but it doesn't seem to sit very high. How high does it sit compared to the Encore or Trax?

[@faridoonvlogs6812]

Shaun O'Neil

[@waynewilliams1487]

Where are the cooled seats?

[@scabberdoug]

I don't know how you could stand there and talk about the performance and resist stating how easy it would be to change that upstream oxygen sensor. That took some serious willpower.

[@Tully3674]

Car is an over-priced (luxurious) Subaru w/o Subaru's reliability.. Design doesn't tickle me and MB's name designations have become confusing. Audi's Q3 is the better choice. ...and looking at Alex's key chain, I wish him a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. :-)

[@olirock2779]

+John Doe last time I checked Subaru is #5 on most reliable brands for 2015 do some research they even won 2016 KBB best brand and best resale value

[@johnledbetter7618]

Are you on crack? This thing has 400 hp

[@windblower5]

John Ledbetter I dont think he is on crack. And this one is not 400 hp

[@prestondunn1991]

John Ledbetter try about 208 hp and 250 lbs torque

[@potatochobit]

I am looking to buy a used one of these but I must have android auto someone said that is must be 2016+ with multimedia package?

[@richschm]

Great job Alex, especially I like that part with mother in law...

[@ascott2168]

the wood trim and the air vents are the only thing I find attractive in this vehicle. It reminds me of a bean with 4 wheels

[@billsheehy1]

Great review

[@zeomarmob]

Evoque is GLC competitor class not GLA, XL60 is in class with GLE

[@edkelly145]

Great review as always. Is the Land Rover Discovery part of this equation price wise?

[@markwilliams6378]

Hey Alex how does Mercedes wring almost 400hp out of only 2.0 liters

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+mark williams with a big, big turbo. The downside is that turbo lag is pronounced.

[@markwilliams6378]

+Alex on Autos cool thnx for responding

[@QuangNguyen-ng5zh]

How many speakers does it come standard with? Does the harman karmon upgrade adds more speakers?

[@vic9012]

I would love to see you do a review on the 2015/2016 WRX, I've not found a good review anywhere on youtube so far.

[@Fr4nkSanchez]

What’s better 2015 GLA250, 2016 Audi Q3 or 2016 LR Discovery HSE?

[@MR_stone69]

Gla 250

[@VintageGamerLtd]

Is the spare tire at least an option?

[@JaredHagen]

Yes.

[@jsiszero]

11:47 Mr. Big Stuff?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Buck Futter kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5eXdKyHqdRgZqc

[@Rebelledguy]

Mike McGlock .

[@sidramaiyer6835]

When you showed the cupolders in the rear, you said it twice

[@davidlockwood444]

Hi Alex, any driving this in snow & ice? How does the MB all wheel drive do when it comes to bad weather? Thanks

[@Notoptimuspr1me]

does the rear sunroof open

[@bugsbunny1611]

can you review the nissan maxima 2016 also. Your reviews are great...

[@mashwehla3343]

can you please tell me GLA 250 vs Lexus NX 200 T Thanks

[@deveshkhanal7971]

Could you fit a medium sized dog (50 lbs) in the trunk? (if that privacy cover was removed)

[@therealicon4781]

What mountain pass is he talking about, he always mentions it in his videos?

[@greghwong]

Hey mate, you have the Crossover spelt as Cossover in your title banner 😊

[@ccmaster86]

40,000 and no Spare Tire? Does Mercedes expect buyers to be "too good" to change the tire themselves? lol Honestly I think this car is gorgeous! I do a double take every time I see one on the road. That interior though...looks like all the development money went to the body and they just said screw it and threw together an interior!

[@austinformedude]

+ccmaster86 Why would you need a spare when it is equipped with runflat tires from the factory?

[@bobhope4288]

+Brandon B because runflats suck and you'll want to get better tires.

[@Clove_Parma]

+Brandon B Runflats are designed only to be enough for some light driving and are usually intended to get the owner to the closest auto shop so that they can get some more comfortable, grippier, generally better performing tyres.

[@dakingofgeese]

Well, I found a candidate for my first car a few years from now. Of course, a used one. If I buy a new one then I'd sound like a spoiled brat.

[@herselfLil]

Hello, like-minded person! The time has come! Begin your quest! I just got a 2015 GLA250 w only 32K miles on it for $20K! It's a dream to me, I have zero complaints, and if I did I would hush rather than sound like a spoiled brat, lol! Cheers! ;)

[@Diskrant]

I am looking to buy one right now with 92000 miles and 17k worth it for me?

[@Meowblivion]

noon question but what's a crossover??

[@ThousanWhite]

What I'm mad about is that out of all of the MB models with the mBrace system, the GLA is the only one without remote engine start. It's almost a necessity for me where I live. Oh well.

[@zap2265]

I bought the same car

[@TheRoshan89]

been looking at a new mercedes, i wanna get something thats good bang for buck, but i dont want to get entry level if it's stripped of all quality and basically just has a mercedes logo on it. is the GLA worth it or should i pay a little more for the GLC?

[@MikeLi1019]

Please review 2nd gen 2021 GLA

[@freddystyles3259]

I want to get this suv But idk if I should 🤩🧐

[@maestroadam]

That tacked on screen just looks sad.

[@syr72]

Whole car looks sad. Inside and out.... Absolute garbage

[@A_guan]

Alex could you review the GL?

[@KNByam]

No leg room in the back. So I can't sit in the back of that and no one can sit in the back if I sit in the front.

[@omgitsme435]

The bezels on that iPad monstrosity take up more space than the actual screen... Is this 1987?!

[@onn8166]

"..you got a baby Benz" was this what drake was referring to

[@ipsd4553]

wow they made the 7 inch standard in 2016?! that's the only thing making my 2015 gla less than perfect.

[@joergkeith1995]

What's the reason for not even mentioning the new X1 that will be available in a few weeks?

[@joepeterson6883]

+Joerg Keith what are you talking about? he mentions it several times.

[@joergkeith1995]

+Joe Peterson Everybody has his personal preferences, right? So does he, nothing wrong with that. He does mention the X1 in the beginning, but in the last five minutes when comparing the car to the competition the X1 (old or new) does not exist.

[@astralking5040]

Beautiful

[@HockeyLAKings119]

The 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA starts at $38,000

[@jowowetan]

holy cow...375HP out of 2.0L engine...

[@1uhot426]

Ever since I first saw one in Jurassic world' I fell in love. But I will never spend 60,000 on something that depreciates in value the moment u drive it.

[@jaxxonthehealer6607]

Lol so true. It cost $6k less as soon as you leave the lot and then another $5k a year after. And they don't even use real leather and everything is plastic. If this were a house it would be a luxury manufactured home not site built.

[@WheresDaBeef_]

What do you do if you get a flat if it doesn’t have a spare? Thx

[@kelligirl1210]

Call ghostbusters

[@WheresDaBeef_]

kelli belle womp womp 2 years later sponge bob

[@kelligirl1210]

312to323 lol

[@robertbidochon7949]

This shit would be nice to own, I like how this shit looks like. Shit it's the shit!

[@alexcervantes5194]

It does have a camera it’s just hidden lol

[@-Wessel]

I don't understand how mercedes would find the 5" display acceptable for a premium car today. It makes the whole interior look cheap/dated to me. It looks like a display from a $40 chinese knock-off tablet computer with its large pixels and huge bezel.

[@sic22l]

+iNCQRiT They never entered this gimmich war.

[@imbored5334]

this is not a vehicle u say is neutral u either love it or hate it in my case it's LOVE IT

[@user-xt4nf2ob5q]

למה אין תרגום בעברית

[@drlosero]

paying for a logo, cars pretty barebones.

[@burgandiwatson2477]

I agree. I have a 2017 gla 250. Its nice and I do love it. I have the panoramic roof, car play, push start etc. However I have a 2010 328i and I feel like the 10 year old bmw feels just as current and luxurious. The Mercedes interior is just meh to be honest.

[@dygardion9130]

this car is an 8 out of 10 for me, the tacked on screen and the tail lamps kill it for me the Infiniti version looks better

[@niuhuskieguy]

I'm disappointed they couldn't even include a full single zone auto climate control. Even the base Honda Accord has a standard dual zone auto climate control.

[@ruizhernandeztrustfi]

Rainy night in georgia. nice! :)

[@eisv]

That's a huge screen bezel

[@paulpellico3797]

So, Alex, I noticed when you were reviewing and sitting in the back seat your thighs were highly raised and off the lower cushion. Did this effect your comfort and why is this not held against this car while it is in others? Also, you mention this car does not compete with the MKC but it does compete with the Range Rover. Isn't the Evoque a competitor for the MKC? It is as large and certainly pricey. When you add in the options that SHOULD come standard in a lux hatch, like back up camera and nav, this car is simply a silly idea. Sticking with a plain old Mazda3 S GT.

[@paulpellico3797]

+paul pellico I just think no matter how they call this...it is still a hatch. It just does not seem to be a faire comparison against the Escapes, MKCs and other CUVs.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+paul pellico The Evoque is very small compared to the MKC, the Evoque is the smallest of this group being smaller tan the GLA or Q3. The MKC is nearly a foot longer. I don't hold the seat bottom cushion height too much against the MKC because the immediate competitive set is all about the same.

[@paulpellico3797]

+Alex on Autoswell...thanks for replying. i was just mentioning the comparison because you brought them up as better values for the price. looking at the range rover, it looks a lot larger to me than this car. as I said...this car is really a larger, higher hatch while the evoque is a really small cuv. to me, the manufactures calling these cuvs or crossovers is being a bit loose and free with the segments.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+paul pellico The Evoque may look larger but it is about 3 inches shorter than the GLA. The shape is a little more square so interior room is approximately the same but overall they are direct competitors, much more so than the MKC. The Evoque is really not any more of an SUV than the GLA is, the Evoque is based off Volvo's front wheel drive sedan platforms and is closely related to the Volvo S60/V60/V70/S80/XC60, etc. This isn't a negative in reality since basing crossovers like this off cars tends to yield more car like manners. The Evoque and the larger Land Rover Discovery are really no more off road capable than the average crossover. I have been offroading in them on the same dirt tracks as the Subaru Outback wagon, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Jeep Renegade and other modern crossovers. The Evoque's AWD system is the same as Volvo uses in their sedans and is no more or less capable than the rest when it comes to climbing up a muddy hill. The Evoque does have a ground clearance that is 3 centimeters higher than the GLA, but that really doesn't make a huge amount of difference.

[@paulpellico3797]

+Alex on Aut Thanks.... OK, Its me, I just an seeing these much differently than you. And you have facts likely backing you up where I never let a good stat get in the way of me making a point! But the cars all look larger than this GLA. The GLA is simply a hatch. It doesn,'t even hide from it. The Evoque tries to jack itself up as a CUV. The small BMW x1, the Audi ...they are all hatches, regardless og the placement in the market.

[@lupo76p]

this is not for 2015 - 2016.

[@Jpimpster20]

infiniti q30

[@jcchoong]

❤

[@pianoboy920516]

western buy car is so cheap, im really like it!!, In malaysia the price is x2 of the price in Western. SAD CASE, RM270000 + equal to USD65,000.00+ for GLA250 in Malaysia.

[@Hunting4TheLight]

well, move to west or Europe! :D we can hold 1 more muslim !

[@fa23had]

+Bill Sims 🤐

[@AznSupaStar14]

Pj Liau sucks to live in an inferior country

[@Hunting4TheLight]

i dont think you look like Mr big stuff

[@faridoonvlogs6812]

Bill Sims

No spare huh? Sorry Mercedes.

[@imbored5334]

the OLD dashboard is just stupid the new one is much better

[@babysunshine67]

Great video but your speaking speed needs to slow down.

[@kelligirl1210]

You can always slow youtube videos down if you’d like :) Simply press the 3 dots at the top right and the option will drop down for you for the speed you desire 👌😊

[@lisaolmestrand]

What a beut!

[@isufajardi8717]

ahahahaha sa mkinë e bukur

[@ast5515]

LOL this car is a ripoff. You get no equipment whatsoever.

[@jaxxonthehealer6607]

You do for a small $15k extra :D

[@LacoteCohen]

the GL gay is ugly, maybe a GL gay coupe would be more appealing?