Is the 2024 Mercedes AMG GLA 35 a better AWD performance car than a VW Golf R?

The AMG GLA 53 brings luxury, performance and versatility for 2024. On the outside you will discover 21in forged wheels, functional aero pkg and AMG exhaust. On the inside you will find a leather and Alcantara interior. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 302HP and mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. Is the 2024 Mercedes AMG GLA 53 a better AWD performance car than a VW Golf R?
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[@omarcortes5754]

As much as I like this Mercedes I just don't see me paying over 70,000 dollars for it.

[@LebronFan216]

I would pay over 25k over sticker I need this car for the sound system!!!

[@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK]

Their prices are fucked

[@Plague_Rat778]

Right? Like at that point I'd just get a BMW X3 M40i

[@marcusvision]

Right! I was hoping he said nothing over $50k BUT $70k!? 😂😂

[@jeffs6090]

It's easily $20k more than it should be, and it's not even the full 45 version. You still have the basic low grade GLA interior. Not worth it at all.

[@TheRealPhenomYT]

I got the 2023 AMG GLA 45 a month ago. I freaking love it. Handcrafted engine pushing 382 hp. I went from a civic pushing only 180 hp to 382 hp car so it’s sick. Not many people expected it to be quick at a traffic light so it gives off a sleeper vibe. Kind of upset they’re not bringing back AMG GLA 45 for the 2024 year but aye I guess it’ll be more rare now😂. I love your channel Joe! Great review 👍

[@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK]

The engine isn’t handcrafted

[@TheRealPhenomYT]

@@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK 2023 AMG GLA 45 engine is definitely handcrafted. Look it up

[@javito4ever]

There is already a 2024 GLA 45 (in Europe at least). There was a gap of some months between the release of both models (35 and 45).

[@glh_somemore]

I went from a 2016 Golf R to a 2022 AMG GLA45. The GLA is only 6 inches longer than the Golf. My GLA45 was $52k with 18k miles and CPO. Golf R's were selling for same. GLA45 is in a different league. So fast and well built. I love it

[@HoangNguyen-gy1ll]

😅😅😅 I can feel the sticker price shock 72k in Joe's voice...hahah..remember Joe..you cannot be bias 😅😅😅

[@martinelantraratedn]

I was guessing 55k but 72k!! Damn!!!

[@re14437]

Yeah, I’d spec it in the $56K range without the huge wheels/terrible ride, skinny seats, etc.

[@martinelantraratedn]

@@re14437 72k for that is ridiculous!

[@myemailiscool]

reasonably specced it's around $55-58k so your guess was good. Nobody is ticking every box on a GLA 35 like this 😂

[@fishtail8]

Bought one in 2022, can't believe the price increase! It does its job as a daily commuter, summer or winter quite well. I'm always waiting for the roads to dry out to rip on it again tho, it goes from comfy commuter to really fun with a roll of that dial. I don't regret getting one, but I'd be hard pressed to pay what they're asking for a new one!

[@doctorrobert60]

I am with you Joe. That piped in sound would drive me crazy. I had a Ford Focus RS that had piped in sound but you could disable it by unplugging connector in the subwoofer. Once I found out about it did that and was a happy guy.

[@davidp2888]

That's a big price for a smaller vehicle, but it is an AMG, so...yeah, I'd be in.

[@LuisUrbieta]

Oh Apostle Joe, I love the Mercedes-AMG GLA53 I like how it looks.

[@LuisUrbieta]

@Brian_Eugene_Lee True

[@BenTroxell]

So is it a 35 or a 53 lol

[@RaitisRides]

Ooops thanks for the heads up

[@BenTroxell]

Gotchu fam.@@RaitisRides

[@shamako4ever718]

Alright Joe let’s see if this Mercedes will make me pull the trigger

[@RaitisRides]

Let’s do this man!

[@TheRealPhenomYT]

Aye bro I was still able to get a 2023 AMG GLA 45 new 1 month ago. I’m sure if you look around you can find one brand new still for the same price the GLA 35 is charging. It’s definitely worth it. The engine is handcrafted pushing 382 hp and boi is it fun. I definitely recommend it.

[@adamlibby5075]

72k for an amg with a 4 cylinder!? Count me in! 🤓🤦🏼‍♂️

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Great review Raiti 👏

[@glh_somemore]

Starts at $57,600 per MB configurator. Last year, I purchased a well equipped CPO 2022 GLA45...382 hp...with 18k miles for $52k. Traded in a 2016 manual trans Golf R. The GLA is only 6 inches longer. The GLA45 is awesome and I am more than pleased.

[@gonzalosanabria2251]

Should have bought a 400 hp Ford Explorer ST instead Much better all around machine

[@asbrandonsconcerned]

Aww! What a cute new Encore.

[@CraigNelson-lm9wy]

Encore?😅lol

[@gramb5611]

The climate vents make the infotainment screen look tiny. $72k yikes and piped in noise is just bush league. Thanks Joe 🤙🏼

[@doctorj3837]

Sounds like a vacuum cleaner

[@tffury2007attack]

$72,000 is absolutely wild for this lol. You can get a 2021 M3 competition with less than 30,000 miles for less than this lol

[@MRDARRENGER]

Ouch! $72k??? No thanks! I'm happier with my Golf R, and I have an extra $20k in my pocket and better performance.

[@Demoxx1]

Even more if you buy used

[@alj.granda8252]

72K for this? That's a joke! 60K maybe.

[@jeromemorgan4928]

It would be nice if they had a stepped up version, like AMG GLA 45 with Bi-turbo system pushing out easily over 400 hp/420 foot-pounds of torque. Beautiful dream of a machine. But it is for now a dream. Mercedes I hope you are taking notes.😂

[@bobbyjones2112]

That steering wheel is one of the best I’ve seen! It’s super thick. It looks like it would be easy to drive with it!

[@beefen7921]

@10:16... 53? LOL .... Joe be like... "screw it... we've gone too far with editing..."

[@rafaeltorovip]

My favorite part the AMG badge atop of the hood so the people looking from an airplane or helicopter can identify the brand of the vehicle. 😂 by the the way, either the door pocket is really big or the size of the food items Joe mentioned are really very tiny. 😂. Seriously, very nice video, as always.

[@jaywilliams3625]

The laugh is what does it mean. I love the laugh. Great video.

[@Smithy67]

Hi Joe, the GLA45s is still available here in Australia. 421HP and proper Affalterbach handbuilt engine!

[@bobvance-]

$70,000 is absolutely ludicrous.

[@Pkan957]

Any plans to review the X1 M35i in the future?

[@robb15033]

Great job with review, a flooded AMG collection today.

[@mystictk4149]

Joe I normally don't say anything, but I'm seeing negative comments just keep doing what you're doing and sorry that good people like you have to deal with rude assholes. Love the Mercedes!!

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

Compelling city car for sure.

[@thepeople4714]

I love your channel! what a great review . thx

[@spaztekwarrior]

Was hoping they’d get away from the black cladding for this year. Nice review as usual!

[@John.Christopher]

ARBYS BEEF N CHEDDARS FTW!

[@Qweet_]

i was really waiting for a big and beefy sound coming from an AMG :/ love the interior

[@sgod5902]

Yooo this car is cool. I want it. Pretty dope

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Yes of course Joe & this is my favorite SUV.

[@deundreward7057]

3:25 You know it, Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for agreeing with me!

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

Thats the car that once almost sideswap me trying to not miss the exit 💀

[@vindevhunta4905]

Looks great

[@terrypowell9160]

Love your reviews Joe, but I do suggest you see a therapist regarding your obsession for rear wiper placements :D

[@janestreetentertainment9552]

I got a 2016 B250 4 Matic AMG. Boy this car pulls so much im not even joking its awesome 🎉🎉

[@bobvance-]

That's not an AMG lol

[@janestreetentertainment9552]

@@bobvance- lol nw it's got the amg steering wheel, amg brakes, amg suspension, amg carbon fiber, and more hp then standard b250 😄.

[@juicyfruit6]

What is with the bezels on those screens??? Damn they are like an inch thick

[@phillipstodgell7303]

Observation, you seem to zonk every rear window wiper blade. However, I've never seen you do a review with the wiper blade at the top..? Love your videos though, Would like to see what you think of the GLC 43 AMG ( I just bought a 21 myself).

[@jimmydeneus5322]

Better then the 2023 model 💯💯

[@brooklynbandit6788]

It looks better than any x BMW!

[@mattmekhaeil]

I’m not fond of an amg badge on a turbo 4 banger but imagine a manual as an option. Sign me up for that!

[@rapturerooster]

JOEY - the Baby Benz (AMG style) me love it. tony macaroni with extra cheese

[@pramey]

i really like the facelifts on the new series of 35s. CLA GLA and A

[@carlitomilan235]

AMG 45S + 😎

[@tomdrummy4984]

I’m not interested when a vehicle has too many letters and numbers in the name. 😂. Thanks Joe…..can you put twinkies in a Mercedes?

[@alanklaus7774]

I don't know which was funnier- you revving that motor or the wing. I'm sorry but that is a hot mess int and ext. Thanks for a very entertaining review Joe.

[@vitabona5]

There’s a reason luxury car sales make up 18% of car sales but almost 50% of profits…

[@brunod8702]

Joe, Audi doesnt make SQ3 :P. RS Q3 or SQ5! If only that RS Q3 was available here though :( nice video as always!

[@fordifly1368]

I’ll take a Golf R over this ANY DAY.

[@bobvance-]

I don't understand how the GLA35 is somehow selling more than the gla45. So weird.

[@ecjaye]

The ultimate $75k hot hatch! Bummer that killed off the 400hp GLA 45.

[@mini2nut67]

I’ll take the AWD 400HP Audi RS3 sedan over the GLA35.

[@SKBSKBSKBSKBSK]

5 pot too

[@KMantle]

They list as an SUV to help buyers keep their insurance down. LOL.

[@stryker334]

They definitely hit the crackpipe before pricing this at $72K.

[@christopher6467]

The civic of Mercedes

[@re14437]

The 45 is coming back next year. And the 35 can easily be spec’d $55-60K, so it’s a better value in that range.

[@scottbrawley407]

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA35 AMG Night Package!

[@damiongriffiths5799]

Men this look fast and very quick great machine ..

[@joecovey2235]

$72K, insane for a compact SUV, even an AMG.

[@Alex-gq3zc]

I wish they gave America the A Class Hatch instead of the sedan… this is the closest thing we have

[@DarEyezKnight]

Beautiful.. What is Auto Stop Idle? Aarrow? on or off?

[@christis1975a]

Cyprus price 62k euro base price and with some extra and a little discount (2.5k only )it’s coming at price of 64.5K euro and waiting time 7 months 😢

[@nijaigreen660]

The gla looks beautiful car and does it comes standard awd or rwd raiti's?

[@toxic.todler917]

Standard awd

[@cody3335]

The weird 3 air vents in the center is lol

[@schietdammer]

you should search here on youtube : gla night pov , then you won't lol anymore then you think this looks so nice at night with the ambient light on ... inside those vents even there are lights. The best dashbaord in a current mercedes i think (but i am not objective i ride a 2019 mercedes B-class which has the exact same dashboard). The 3 vents on a current model mercedes GLC look like an aftertaught.

[@John.Christopher]

12:12 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@timw2083]

This AMG is cool but its making me give the GR Corolla Circuit Edition another look as my next daily driver. I know they aren't direct competitors on paper.

[@HoangNguyen-gy1ll]

Joe's like..I'll drive my Civic TypeR over this anytime 😅😅😅😅

[@kinghill500]

Nice

[@johnwjeromejr]

Thanks but no thanks. I'll stick with my 8-year-old, 64000-mile Golf R. It's APR-tuned Stage 2 pushing nearly 400 HP, weighs about 450 pounds less, has a manual, and still looks and runs like new. Did I mention that, brand new, it cost about half of what this Mercedes cost? It's got more than enough luxury with leather sport seats, upscale interior, and even a hood with struts.

[@CraigNelson-lm9wy]

Idk. More horsepower and torque than a Golf R but I think the Golf R would smoke this GLA. 7 speed to pull harder. Nothing like a good 6 speed so 1 more gear isnt going to hurt. Golf R pulls at lower Rpms. Both DCTs. But the Golf R is Legendary Gearbox.

[@funnybone66]

What Mercedes should’ve done was drop the GLA 35 and kept the 45 or brought the S version of that because it appears to 35 is not worth the cost of entry.

[@Mr.eugenius]

Not handmaid 4 cylinders 2 L engine 😂

[@NameRedacted-fn4io]

The wiper is unacceptable. The seats are unacceptable. The taillights are barely passable.

[@yzth3ory630]

I’d go for a (few years) pre owned GLA45 AMG or the Golf R before sticker shocking myself to death 🤣🤣 .. but I like it

[@albertomaderajr1990]

The inside is nicer than my m35I but the m35I in my opinion exterior wise looks a lot better especially with the price difference 72000 is overpriced on a whole other level for that engine especially

[@RaitisRides]

It is a ton of money for this.

[@mrees5170]

Looks cool. But 72k?? I’m still taking my ‘22 SQ5. Less money. Faster and a few mods away from even more performance and still less $$. Thanks for showing us!

[@Xpr74]

Hey Joe I wanted to ask you how did you start this reviewing Chanel I love cars so much and want to do what you do but I don't know how to start the Chanel or even get a delership to let me review their car cab you help me?

[@GregSmith-pb3gh]

Sounds like a lawn mower....inside looks awesome....

[@wardellward]

Joe I remember it use to be diamler Benz & diamler Chrysler

[@MrScotttruong]

no cupholder in the rear!!?? what??! LOL

[@tigerhoods7927]

It’s reminds me of one of them jdm cars lol

[@FRL2000]

Who buys this at that price point? Of course I asked the same thing about the Macan. For $40k, my mk7 Golf R gave me thrills I doubt this would surpass.

[@kotsiq_]

You can get Bronco Raptor that has MORE of everything 😂😂

[@A_Scanner_Lightly]

Dyslexia abounds! 😂

[@moondog3056]

Way too many controls on the steering wheel. They tried to turn it into a video game controller

[@bbkangs]

I would rather have a MINI JCW Countryman and save 20K. It’s also got 300hp and it’s AWD.

[@InfoumusMOBB]

I'm a AMG fan boy but this car shouldn't exist. Who the hell is dumb enough to spend 55k-70k for 302hp and 295trq. It's ludicrous and makes no sense. Looks good....? Yes....super nice inside?....yes but they need to close the gap between this and there 45 models (CLA) THIS NEEDS 340-370hp and 330-350trq at these crazy price ranges.

[@TheRealPhenomYT]

2023 AMG GLA 45 has 382 hp for the same price as the GLA 35

[@islanddon865]

Lease bait, if ever there was one. If you're good with a $700+ payment, it looks like a fun, scout about.

[@larsonewhipsnade1643]

Nice inside but outside it looks like an old Kia Sportage!

[@jdavidblais]

I have a 2017 gla45 and i can tell that the 1st gen look good compared to this one

[@MAKINGUTHINK]

I can’t believe how obnoxious the pumped in engine sound is!!!! This trend in cars needs to stop!!!! 😂

[@chengu832]

The rear looks like a Nissan qashqai 😅

[@ZedEx186]

No HUD is a little disappointing

[@aidan7108]

Audi SQ3? Hmm haven’t heard of that one yet.