With the GLA, Mercedes-Benz shucked some of its reputation for stodgy small cars. The Mercedes-Benz GLA arrived in the 2015 model year and has since seen a few small refreshments, the most significant coming last model year. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class gets some humble updates, but all models in the lineup鈥攖he front-wheel-drive GLA250, all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, and rip-roaring Mercedes-AMG GLA45 should make for city-friendly crossover SUVs with a hint of luxury. Updates for the 2019 GLA lineup include two new paint colors, Iridium Silver and Denim Blue, and revisions to the GLA45鈥檚 Premium Package and Convenience Package. Twenty-inch multi-spoke wheels are now standard on the AMG version, too. Otherwise, not much has changed on the GLA, which carries over styling and powertrains from last year. The GLA250 models use a 2.0-liter turbo-4 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic good for 208 horsepower. The GLA45, however, maintains its significant bump in grunt, pushing out 375 hp from a heavily modified version of the same engine and transmission. A standout of the GLA鈥檚 driving experience is its taut handling, but this unfortunately translates to a somewhat stiff ride over less-than-perfect roads.

With the GLA, Mercedes-Benz shucked some of its reputation for stodgy small cars. The Mercedes-Benz GLA arrived in the 2015 model year and has since seen a few small refreshments, the most significant coming last model year. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class gets some humble updates, but all models in the lineup鈥攖he front-wheel-drive GLA250, all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, and rip-roaring Mercedes-AMG GLA45 should make for city-friendly crossover SUVs with a hint of luxury. Updates for the 2019 GLA lineup include two new paint colors, Iridium Silver and Denim Blue, and revisions to the GLA45鈥檚 Premium Package and Convenience Package. Twenty-inch multi-spoke wheels are now standard on the AMG version, too. Otherwise, not much has changed on the GLA, which carries over styling and powertrains from last year. The GLA250 models use a 2.0-liter turbo-4 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic good for 208 horsepower. The GLA45, however, maintains its significant bump in grunt, pushing out 375 hp from a heavily modified version of the same engine and transmission. A standout of the GLA鈥檚 driving experience is its taut handling, but this unfortunately translates to a somewhat stiff ride over less-than-perfect roads.

Mercedes鈥?4Matic all-wheel-drive system is a high point, too, with the ability to handle loose surfaces and mild off-roading with ease, not to mention inclement weather. Inside, the front seats are supportive and comfortable, but rear seats are tight and leave something to be desired, though they offer superior room to the CLA sedan. The rear seats fold flat to create a more cavernous cargo hold. All 2019 GLAs come equipped with forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking, as well as the option for a surround-view camera system. Frustratingly, neither the IIHS nor federal testers have crashed a GLA, despite the small crossover having been on sale for a few years. Also standard are power features, including a power tailgate; power front seats wrapped in synthetic leather; and 18-inch wheels. Options include leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. 34,500, but for our money, we鈥檇 have the premium package, adding blind-spot monitors, heated front seats, and keyless ignition, as well as the smartphone package, which brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. All-wheel drive is a must, too, for those in states subject to snowy weather.

Power for all GLA250 four-door, 5-passenger SUV models is delivered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder with Direct Injection and Eco-Start/Stop. Horsepower for the first two GLA250 models, which feature a roller-type rocker arm valvetrain. 208 at 5,500 rpm along with 258 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,250 to 1,400 rpm. The GLA45 AMG produces 355 horsepower at 6,000 rpm while developing 332 pound feet of torque in a range from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm. The AMG engine features a Twin camshaft with low friction cam followers, and revs to a redline of 6,700 rpms compared to the maximum 6,500 rpms of the other two models. All GLA models deliver the engine鈥檚 motive force to the driving wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Engines are mounted forward. The GLA250 FWD and 4MATIC ride on Sport suspension setups, while the GLA45 AMG features performance oriented AMG Sport tuned suspension componentry, with AMG 3 Stage ESP stability Control and high-performance tires.

The latter GLA45 AMG also sits lower, with less ground clearance than it stable mates. In terms of its visual appeal, the new GLA250 eliminates the boxy form generally associated with most SUVs. It delivers a sculpturally inspired image, with sleek lines that enhance its more youthful persona. In profile, the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 displays pronounced wheel arches and converging, lower character lines. The cabin or greenhouse, is gracefully arched with an integrated rear roof lip spoiler at the top of the rearward-sloping rearend and short overhang. The side glass showcases a tapered and upswept line just above the shoulder with blacked-out 鈥淏鈥?and 鈥淐鈥?pillars. Muscular shoulders over the rear axle further emphasize the inward taper of the C-pillars. Combined with the divided taillights, the width of the rear end is emphasized by Its dramatic shape and visual unity, along with the curved rear window and sweeping chrome handle between the taillights.

Moving to the inside, the exterior鈥檚 muscular aura is continued throughout the interior. Trim surfaces are galvanized in silver-shadow, resulting in a metallic finish that provides a 鈥渃ool-touch鈥? The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matte and glossy 3D geometries (graining) create an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section of aluminum or wood lends a modern touch to the interior. Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature, the galvanized bezels around these circular vents echo the SUV-look of the skid plate and side sill panels. A large, free-standing display features a high-gloss facing in piano-black and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanized chrome clasp comes as standard fare. At rest, gauge needles are in the 6 o鈥檆lock position, with inlays in silver. My test 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC wore an exterior coat of Cirrus White, with the interior executed in Beige MB-Tex and satin, light Brown Poplar wood trim accents.