Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 2020 Review

The Mercedes-AMG line-up in the SUV space has been expanded, just a little, to put some mid-range punch into the latest second-generation GLA-Class, which is a carsales Car of the Year 2020 contender.

Like others with the same tag and intent in the A-Class family, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is a mid-ranger with more than enough go-faster stuff for most people at a relatively affordable price.

There is still a full-focus GLA 45 S at the top end, leaving the 35 to buyers who want more flavour but not a fully-spiced SUV.

The GLA 35 is not what you’d call cheap, priced from $82,935 plus on-road costs, but it’s got a great deal going for it and very few realistic rivals.

The most logical alternative is the BMW X2 M35i – priced much lower at $69,900 plus ORCs, with the same power and more muscle – while Audi shoppers will have to take a large step up to about $90K to land the thumping RS Q3, with no second-tier Audi Sport model like there is here with AMG.

Apart from the go-faster turbo engine and all-wheel drive, the focus in the GLA 35 is on adding impact and feel-good stuff for the driver and crew. This includes a wireless charging pad and the ambient lighting package to brighten, and entertain, in the cabin.

It also has the comfortable AMG sports seats, with leather.

It is priced a long way up from the entry-level two-wheel drive GLA 200 at $55,100 plus on-road costs, but sits in a sweet spot between the GLA 250 4MATIC at $66,500 and the range-topping GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ at $107,035 plus ORCs, a point where 310kW/500Nm firepower comes into play.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 has a rich mix of the latest high-tech features from the German brand and scores of AMG-specific items.

There’s the high-tech MBUX infotainment system with twin-screen dashboard, alongside the latest AMG steering wheel – complete with mode buttons at four and eight o’clock – a unique centre console, AMG pedals and floor mats, and projector puddle lights that remind you, every time you open the door, that you have an AMG in your possession.

As you’d expect at this level, there is a lot of other equipment packed in: wireless phone charging, electric memory front seats with heating, the entertainment of ambient lighting and a giant panoramic glass sunroof to top the package. And the Mercedes Me system for voice control.

Every Benz, even the babies, comes with maximum safety protection and the GLA 35 picks up the ‘co-operative driver support’ already seen in other members of the A-Class family.

The autonomous braking package has pedestrian identification, the blind spot assistance includes an ‘exit warning’ for approaching cyclists and vehicles, and the car has traffic sign identification.

There is also an optional Driving Assistance Package that adds active lane change assist, extended semi-autonomous driver support in traffic jams and route-based speed adaptation.

The driveline for the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is predictably turbocharged and all-wheel drive, but focused more on useable pace than outright speed.

The 20-inch alloys and minor AMG tweaking to the front and rear styling let people know what’s happening.

The four-cylinder M260 engine makes 225kW and 400Nm of torque, with an eight-speed multi-mode automatic gearbox and all-paw grip. There is also an off-road engineering package, for people who want to do some lightweight off-bitumen driving.

There is a twin-scroll turbo for quicker spin-up, three driving modes (but no sign of the Sport+ on full-house AMG models) and an AMG exhaust which has a ’silent’ setting for start-up but can be switched to the ‘emotive’ response.

The bias in the all-wheel drive is to the front wheels but it can switch automatically to 50:50 for grip. There are AMG performance brakes and adaptive dampers with three settings.

And, for the ultimate AMG kick, it has Race Start launch control.

Our first few minutes in the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 were not great. Everything was on maximum AMG and that meant a touchy throttle, crash-and bang suspension over some of Sydney’s worst roads, and more exhaust noise than we had wanted.

It also takes a little time to adjust to the size of the big new GLA – compared with the petite original – which has been expanded in response to buyer requests for a bigger box.

But time heals and we were soon settling into one of the most responsive small SUVs available today, and enjoying the luxury and technology in the new GLA-Class family.

There is good cornering grip in the GLA, and the Sport+ dampers are fine on a super-smooth road, with a real whack of overtaking power. It’s not the 225kW that makes the difference, but the 400Nm on tap through all eight gears.

The drive-mode buttons on the steering wheel are welcome, the head-up instrument display is great and it’s impossible not to appreciate the effect of the twin display screens carried over from the A-Class.

We were not tempted to try a Race Start run, and the only need for all-wheel drive was in a grassy carpark, but it’s good to know the AMG stuff is there.

The GLA 35 also turned a few heads, which means the AMG visual tweaks are working as intended.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is proof that there is a substantial space, and growing following, for Benzes with mid-level AMG seasoning.

The 35 package is more than enough for people who want a slightly fruitier drive without sacrificing their comfort, or drawing too much attention, or busting the bank balance.

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC cost?
Price: $82,935 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 225kW/400Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 179g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested