Consider the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-class a hot hatch for 401k-contributing adults: It's kind of a crossover and kind of a performance hatchback. Underneath its ruggedly styled sheetmetal it's basically a CLA-class sedan. Its performance-oriented driving characteristics remind us more of a hot hatchback than anything else, and enthusiast drivers should take note. The GLA's cabin is short on space for people and cargo, but it offers high-tech options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE connectivity with onboard Wi-Fi. Buyers seeking traditional crossover practicality and roominess would be wise to shop the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX, but the GLA-class is far more entertaining to drive. What's New for 2019? Mercedes-Benz's smallest crossover holds steady for 2019 with only one change: A new Iridium Silver paint color joins the options list. Mercedes has been busy revamping its small car lineup in the form of the all-new A-class and CLA-class sedans, so an all-new GLA-class can't be far behind. For options, we'd choose the panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and the blind-spot monitoring system.

Consider the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-class a hot hatch for 401k-contributing adults: It's kind of a crossover and kind of a performance hatchback. Underneath its ruggedly styled sheetmetal it's basically a CLA-class sedan. Its performance-oriented driving characteristics remind us more of a hot hatchback than anything else, and enthusiast drivers should take note. The GLA's cabin is short on space for people and cargo, but it offers high-tech options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE connectivity with onboard Wi-Fi. Buyers seeking traditional crossover practicality and roominess would be wise to shop the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX, but the GLA-class is far more entertaining to drive. What's New for 2019? Mercedes-Benz's smallest crossover holds steady for 2019 with only one change: A new Iridium Silver paint color joins the options list. Mercedes has been busy revamping its small car lineup in the form of the all-new A-class and CLA-class sedans, so an all-new GLA-class can't be far behind. For options, we'd choose the panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and the blind-spot monitoring system.

We'd also spring for the AMG Line Exterior package, which includes silver-painted exterior trim, 19-inch wheels, and cross-drilled front brakes with painted calipers. 2000 option, and it pushes the turbo 2.0-liter engine's power to the ground better than front-wheel drive. Likes: Quickest acceleration among rivals, lively driving experience, fun launch-control mode. Dislikes: Sluggish throttle response, stiff ride, zero towing capacity. The GLA250's turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 208 horsepower and mates to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive (4Matic) is optional. While that doesn't sound like meaningful muscle, the powertrain does a remarkable job of pulling the GLA250 around so long as you keep up the revs. During light-footed, around-town driving, the GLA feels sluggish. At our test track, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle managed a quick 5.8-second blast from zero to 60 mph thanks to its launch-control feature鈥攁 rarity in this segment of SUV wannabes.

For comparison, the X1's quickest time was recorded as 6.3 seconds. Due to the GLA250's raised ride height, there is body roll when cornering, but otherwise the handling is sharp and athletic. The chassis is competent and lively during spirited driving, but when pushed to its limit, the GLA250 is quick to remind you that you're not behind the wheel of a sports car. The effects of the firm suspension are a rough ride over uneven roads and the odd choppy highway ride. The steering is light but precise; however, extra heft in the wheel would be appreciated. Around town, the light steering aids maneuverability, so the compromise is acceptable. The GLA compares very favorably with the competition in fuel economy. It's important to note that the GLA250's turbocharged engine requires premium gasoline, but so, too, do the X1, the Infiniti QX30, and the NX. Over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, the GLA250 4Matic managed an impressive 34 mpg, outpacing the aforementioned rivals including the hybrid version of the NX.

Likes: Stylish interior design, crisp-looking infotainment screen, spacious front seats. Dislikes: Tight back seats, interior materials not up to snuff, small cargo capacity. Overall, the GLA250's design is stylish and sophisticated, although some of the material finishes are less refined than what we'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz. Panel fit and finish doesn't match the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, either. The manual tilting-and-telescoping column makes it easy for the driver to find a comfortable position, but power-adjustable controls would be nice at this price point. The GLA250's cabin is on the small side. The front row is roomy enough for two adults, but the back seat is cramped to the point that rear head- and legroom are the worst in the class. For those with small children, this may not pose a problem, but if you're expecting to take the GLA250 on a long trip with four adults, it will be a tight squeeze. An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard and perches atop the GLA250's dashboard.