2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 4MATIC Review

In the high-performance compact SUV market, luxury brands have always been the focus of consumers' attention. This type of vehicle needs to meet the practicality of daily commuting while also delivering ample driving pleasure. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, as a popular contender in this segment, has consistently attracted the attention of young families and performance enthusiasts with its 306PS power output, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, and Mercedes-Benz's luxurious features. In this deep test drive, we focused on experiencing its overall performance in city commuting, highway cruising, and mountain road driving to see if it can balance the needs of performance and practicality.

In terms of exterior design, the 2024 AMG GLA 35 retains the sporty genes of the AMG family. The front end features a large vertically slatted grille, combined with the exclusive AMG badge, giving it high recognition; a black plastic trim added to the lower front lip enhances the sporty feel. The side profile exhibits smooth lines, with 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 255/40 R20 tires for a full visual effect; the black treatment of the roof rails and side skirts further emphasizes the crossover style. At the rear, the round dual exhaust layout on both sides is a signature AMG design, and the LED taillights with a smoked finish offer decent recognition when illuminated. Overall, the exterior retains the compact agility of the GLA series while highlighting its performance identity with AMG elements.

Sitting inside, the interior continues Mercedes-Benz's luxurious feel. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with carbon fiber trim in some areas, delivering excellent tactile and visual appeal. The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch touchscreen center console form a dual-screen design, with high interface smoothness, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The multifunction steering wheel features AMG-exclusive badges and is equipped with shift paddles, offering a solid grip; the front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functions and provide good support, remaining comfortable during extended drives. In terms of rear space, the 2729mm wheelbase delivers a standard performance, with around two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom for a 175cm passenger, adequately meeting daily family needs. The trunk has a capacity of 435L, with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats that can accommodate larger luggage when expanded, meeting practicality standards.

In terms of power, the 2024 AMG GLA 35 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine + 48V mild hybrid system, delivering a maximum power of 306PS and a maximum torque of 400N·m, paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission. For daily driving, the normal mode provides smooth power output and light initial acceleration, making it suitable for city commuting; when switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and pressing the accelerator deeply provides a noticeable push-back sensation. With an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, the actual experience is indeed fast. During highway overtaking, the transmission downshifts proactively, with ample power reserves, making overtaking maneuvers easy. Fuel consumption is standard, with a tested combined fuel consumption of approximately 9.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official 8.6L, but considering its performance positioning, this result is within an acceptable range.

Dynamic handling is a highlight of the AMG GLA 35. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned by AMG, offer strong support. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, the steering is precise with minimal dead zone, giving the driver ample confidence. On bumpy city roads, the suspension filters out most of the fine vibrations while retaining a certain level of road feel, balancing sportiness and comfort. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery surfaces, distributing power in a timely manner to enhance driving safety. In terms of noise control, wind noise and tire noise are not prominent during highway driving, and the excellent sound quality of the Burmester audio system further enhances the driving experience.

The core strengths of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 4MATIC are remarkable: it carries AMG's performance DNA while maintaining the practicality of the GLA series. Feature-wise, it is equipped with luxurious configurations such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, ACC adaptive cruise control, and Burmester audio system. Compared to its peers such as the BMW X2 M35i, it offers a richer set of features at a more competitive price. However, its rear seat space and fuel economy are not the best in the compact SUV category. Overall, this car is suitable for consumers who want the fun of performance driving while also needing to cater to daily family use—such as young families aged 30-40, or individual users pursuing luxury branding and a sporty feel.

In conclusion, the 2024 AMG GLA 35 4MATIC is a "versatile" high-performance compact SUV that balances performance, luxury, and practicality. It can satisfy your occasional driving passion while meeting daily family needs. If you're looking for a less "extreme" performance car and value brand and features, it’s a great choice.