2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Mercedes-Benz is a company known for their luxury features and world-class engineering. The new 2021 Mercedes GLA continues this trend. The GLA is classified as a subcompact luxury crossover. This small SUV is a five-door model with plenty of room for both people and cargo.

The GLA offers comfortable seats and a smooth ride. Ride quality is another thing Mercedes is known for, and the GLA doesn't disappoint in this category. This SUV also has one of the best infotainment systems in existence. There's a lot to love about the 2021 Mercedes GLA.

This SUV comes in four different trim levels. The AMG GLA 45 model offers amazing performance for those who prioritize horsepower and acceleration. All models provide good value. The GLA is surprisingly affordable for a luxury vehicle. This article will compare all four trim levels to show what each has to offer.

Compare the 2021 Mercedes GLA 250 vs 250 4Matic. What Is the Difference?

The 2021 Mercedes GLA has room for five people and 50.5 cubic-feet of cargo space. The 250 base model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine. It can produce 221 horsepower (hp) with 258 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. That's enough to reach 60 miles-per-hour (mph) in just 6.8 seconds. Stock models come with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 250 base model gets around 25 miles-per-gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The 250 is a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. It comes in at 173.6 inches long, 79.5 inches wide and 63.5 inches high. The GLA 250 has a wheelbase of 107.4 inches.

On the outside, the base model has privacy glass for the windows. There are aluminum roof rails and some spiral-style trim. A panorama roof is optional. On the inside, there are sport-style seats with power adjustments and a three-way memory feature. These are covered by Mercedes' MB-Tex upholstery, with its supple leather-like feel.

The base trim has heated exterior mirrors with power adjustments. The Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System should keep everyone nice and comfortable. There's a power liftgate to make it easy to load and unload cargo. This trim also has Smart Key Entry and Keyless Start. There are 40/20/40 split-folding and reclining seats in the rear.

The Mercedes MBUX infotainment system is truly one of the best out there today. The standard version has a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display. This compliments the 7-inch digital instrument cluster. There are four USB ports and Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity. Hands-free use and Voice-Recognition Technology are on board here as well.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used with this system. Some of the audio-system controls are mounted on the steering wheel for easy reach. There's an HD radio receiver and six premium speakers. A 12-speaker upgrade is available too. An Interior Assistant, a navigation system, in-car WiFi and a 10.25-inch screen are all optional.

When it comes to safety, Mercedes uses high-strength/low-alloy materials and press-hardened sheet steel in key locations. There are seven airbags and an anti-locking brake system for the base model. A rear-view camera, Active Brake Assist and Blind-Spot Assist are all standard. The base trim also offers an Electronic-Stability Program, an Electronic-Traction System and an Anti-Theft Alarm.

Mercedes offers plenty of customization options through multiple add-on packages. Among the more useful packages are the Premium Package and the Driver-Assist Package. The Premium Package comes with a larger display for your infotainment center. The Driver-Assist Package adds on features like Active-Steering Assist and Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function.

The next trim level up is the GLA 250 4Matic. This model has the same powertrain and transmission as before. This means that performance is essentially the same here when it comes to horsepower, torque and fuel-economy numbers. The interior and exterior features are basically the same here too.

The technology and safety features don't change significantly when moving up to the 250 4Matic. This trim level does get an upgraded set of 18-inch wheels. It also comes standard with the Voice Assistant for the MBUX infotainment system. The major key change here, however, is the 4Matic All-Wheel Drive, which is hinted at right in the trim-level's name.

The 4Matic All-Wheel Drive System is a proprietary system from Mercedes-Benz. It is primarily for providing better traction on slippery surfaces. This gives the GLA better overall handling no matter what the weather is like outside. It also gives the GLA some modest off-road capabilities. This small SUV can certainly reach a remote camping spot if the driver needs it to.

One of the great perks of the 4Matic All-Wheel Drive System is how trouble-free it is. It basically engages automatically to give the driver optimal traction in almost any situation. It adjusts super fast on-the-fly for exceptional handling in any driving scenario.

Compare the 2021 Mercedes GLA 4Matic vs AMG GLA 35 Trim. What is the difference?

The next trim level up is called the AMG GLA 35. This is the first trim level to see a significant increase in price. This model also comes with a significant upgrade in power and performance. AMG stands for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach. The first two words are names of the group's founders with the last being the name of the group's birthplace.

The AMG designation is reserved for the higher trim levels of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. More specifically, the designation shows that this is a vehicle built with performance in mind. Performance really is the main difference between the GLA 4Matic and the AMG GLA 35 trim levels. Mercedes AMG is all about vehicles with a sporting heritage, an aggressive style and an exhilarating driving experience.

This trim level has an AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine. It can now produce an amazing 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This version of the GLA can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Mercedes provides track-car capabilities in a practical and luxurious SUV with their AMG GLA 35 model.

The new engine comes with a new transmission system too. This time, the GLA is equipped with an AMG speed-shift DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The gears are set up for aggressive acceleration here. Shift paddles allow for manual shifting. The AMG Dynamic Select System allows the driver to select different shifting modes for different driving scenarios.

Like its predecessor, this trim level also has 4Matic AWD. This time, it's AMG-enhanced, just like most of the other performance components on this car. This system is engineered for optimal traction and unparalleled agility while cornering. This model of the GLA also gets ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist and torque vectoring.

The Electronic Stability Program is now standard. This trim also gets an upgraded sports suspension system with 3-stage damping. An AMG sport exhaust and a high-performance braking system round out some of the more notable performance parts that are included with this model.

The AMG GLA 35 comes with a set of 19-inch AMG wheels with a 5-spoke design. There's a sports steering wheel. The GLA now comes with 64-color ambient lighting on the inside. This model automatically comes with the larger 10.25-inch screen for the infotainment system. It also now comes with Brake Assist.

The AMG GLA 35 trim level also has some new options packages that were previously unavailable. The Night Package has some interesting cosmetic flourishes. It includes some blacked-out parts and glossy black trim. It also includes AMG-branded floor mats, 19-inch blacked-out wheels and brushed stainless-steel pedals.

The AMG GLA 35 also offers a Performance Seat Package and an Exterior Lighting Package. The sporty seats give extra support and also come with a heating feature. The Exterior Lighting Package comes with Active LED Headlights and Adaptive High-beam Assist.

Compare the 2021 Mercedes GLA AMG GLA 35 vs AMG GLA 45 Trims. What is the difference?

The AMG GLA 45 trim level comes with yet another significant price increase. Fortunately, it also comes with yet another performance increase to make up for the added costs. The handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine this time makes 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

Few crossover SUVs offer the kind of power and acceleration that the AMG GLA 45 provides. This is even more impressive when one considers that this is a true luxury vehicle with loads of comfort and convenience features. This trim level gets the same transmission system and AMG 4Matic AWD as before.

Most of the other performance features found on the AMG GLA 35 make a return here for the AMG GLA 45. There are a handful of new options such as Race Mode. This is an additional mode that's added on to the Dynamic Select System. It completely re-profiles the throttle, suspension system and shifting dynamics as well as the steering calibrations. The AMG GLA 45 could legitimately be a track car when in this mode.

The AMG Drive Package lets owners add some new controls to the upgraded steering wheel. This puts the many drive selections right at the driver's hands. It makes it easier to go from one driving mode to the next. Drivers who want to quickly readjust the settings for more athletic driving can do so immediately. There's even a color-coded display so that the driver can easily see what mode they're currently in.

Most of the customization packages are the same when comparing these two different trim levels. The AMG GLA 45 gets 19-inch wheels with a new 10-spoke design. The exterior now sports some fancy, carbon trim. This trim also gets a 4-Wheel Electronic Traction System and a heated windshield-washer system.

The rest of the safety features and available driver-assist features are basically the same here. The same can be said for the luxury and convenience features. One new optional feature is a navigation map that will update automatically for three years. This trim level once again gets the upgraded screen for the infotainment system. There's also an optional upgrade for the audio with a Burmester Surround Sound System.

Which Trim To Choose?

Different buyers will have a different answer to this question depending on what their priorities are. For most drivers, the GLA 250 base model will be sufficient. It's an extremely affordable luxury vehicle that rides and handles like a dream. It's also well equipped and comes with an excellent infotainment system. It has an astounding 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds.

Performance, comfort and cargo space are all here at the base trim level. For those who need more power, the AMG GLA 45 may be worth the added cost. It's important to note that feature packages can be added to the base trim level too. Adding on the Driver Assist Package provides more safety features while still being cheaper than moving up a trim level.

A GLA 250 with the Premium Package comes with a few more convenience features and a larger display screen for the MBUX system. Mercedes really lets the buyer customize their GLA to have an SUV that perfectly suits their needs. Regardless of which model is chosen, few consumers will be disappointed with their new 2021 Mercedes GLA.