2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-class

The GLA-class may not be the prettiest car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, but it is reasonably successful in terms of sales. The compact crossover shares its platform with the CLA-class and is designed to take on the likes of the Acura RDX, the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, and the Lexus NX. Three years after the GLA’s launch, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a facelifted model for 2018 that will roll into dealerships by midyear.

Squint to See What’s New

Because the vehicle has sold so well and also because it comes relatively soon after the model’s initial launch, the GLA’s changes are rather minimal. There are new front and rear bumpers and new wheel designs, and the GLA250 now is graced with round, protruding fog lights, while the AMG appearance package adds large (fake) air intakes. The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG GLA45 gets newly designed (real) air intakes, and the silver bar below those inlets is sleeker than before. The optional bixenon headlights make way for LEDs, while the rear lighting uses LEDs, too.

Inside, the changes are even less consequential. A center-mounted 8.0-inch information display is now standard, there is additional brightwork, and the instrument cluster is slightly restyled. The AMG variant adds red contrast stitching and sportier trim. A few practical additions make life easier, such as the now standard rearview camera with an optional 360-degree view, proximity entry and keyless ignition with the optional Premium package, and the Smartphone Integration package that adds Android Auto connectivity (Apple CarPlay continues to be part of this package). And the power rear hatch now can be opened or closed via a foot-motion sensor.

Familiar Mechanicals

Beyond that remains the same. The entry-level GLA250 is powered by a carryover 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, with a maximum 258 lb-ft of torque available from 1250 rpm. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As before, front-wheel drive is standard, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is optional.

The zippy turbo four is pleasant enough, but we’re partial to the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG GLA45, which is fitted with the vastly more powerful M133 engine, an AMG-developed variant that cranks out 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. That engine rocketed the compact crossover to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds in our testing when it was in its previous 355-hp state of tune, and top speed is governed at a lofty 155 mph—or 167 mph when the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package is specified. All-wheel drive is standard here.

In Studio

New for the GLA45 is the AMG Performance Studio package, which comes in any color you want, as long as it’s black (although you get a choice of two black paints!), and also comes with black wheels and a black interior. The unrelenting blackness is relieved by graphite gray stripes on the hood, roof, liftgate, and body sides, as well as by yellow accents on the grille, mirrors, bumper, side skirts, rear wing, rear diffuser, and wheels. Inside, AMG Performance seats are upholstered in MB-Tex and microsuede, and those materials are also applied to the rear seats, steering wheel, door panels, and dashboard. Here again, yellow accents are strewn about. The Performance Studio package also includes the AMG Aerodynamics package, the AMG Night package, and the AMG Dinamica performance steering wheel.

When the 2018 GLA-class comes to market in the summer, we expect prices to remain close to those of the current model. A 2017 GLA250 currently retails for $33,375, with all-wheel drive a $2000 option, while a 2017 AMG GLA45 runs $50,825—but can approach $70K with a full load of extras.