SPOT.
Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes-Benz GLA

2.0 liters, 5 seats, 415 hp: the GLA 45 S.12

Researched October 26, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • WTF45 AMGCar and Driver coined it for the 2015 GLA45 AMG, questioning its crossover label and describing a raised hatchback instead.3

At a glance

0250500
107–415 hpPower
07.515
4.3–12 s0–100 km/h
0150300
190–270 km/hTop speed
0250500
200–500 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.413

Engine
1.3–2.1 L turbo I4s; GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid; 2028 hybrid/electric412
Gearbox
X156: 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT; H247: 7-/8-speed DCT4
Built at
Rastatt plant, Germany (X156/H247)4

The story

Mercedes-Benz entered the compact-SUV class with the GLA in 2013, using A-Class roots for its smallest SUV. GL comes from Geländewagen, German for off-road vehicle; A marks the small end of the range.45

2013: Concept GLA turns headlights into screens · Production GLA unveiled before Frankfurt20132016: 375-hp GLA45 gets revised gearing20162017: Detroit facelift ushers in US 2018 model20172019: December 11: a taller H24720192020: GLA 250 e: 61 km on battery power · GLA 45 S debuts with 415 hp20202023: 48-volt assistance for the GLA 25020232026: Electric GLA announced for 20282026 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176): 2012 (introduced)W176Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA: 2013Mercedes-Benz GLA (first generation) (X156): 2013–2020X156Mercedes-Benz GLA (second generation) (H247): 2019–H247Mercedes-Benz GLA (third generation) (H248 / H244): 2026– 20122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones46122527
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2012 (introduced)Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)
2013Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA
2013–2020Mercedes-Benz GLA (first generation) (X156)
2019–Mercedes-Benz GLA (second generation) (H247)
2026–Mercedes-Benz GLA (third generation) (H248 / H244)
2013Concept GLA turns headlights into screens
2013Production GLA unveiled before Frankfurt
2016375-hp GLA45 gets revised gearing
2017Detroit facelift ushers in US 2018 model
2019December 11: a taller H247
2020GLA 250 e: 61 km on battery power
2020GLA 45 S debuts with 415 hp
202348-volt assistance for the GLA 250
2026Electric GLA announced for 2028
  1. 2013

    Concept GLA turns headlights into screens

    The Shanghai concept previews a compact SUV with frameless doors, four seats and laser headlights able to project pictures or video.46

  2. 2013

    Production GLA unveiled before Frankfurt

    Mercedes-Benz reveals the production GLA in August, ahead of September's Frankfurt show, as the smallest SUV in its range.4

  3. 2016

    375-hp GLA45 gets revised gearing

    The 2016 GLA45 moves from 355 to 375 hp with revised third-to-seventh gear ratios. Dynamic Plus adds Race mode and a 269 km/h top speed.7

  4. 2017

    Detroit facelift ushers in US 2018 model

    The facelift brings new bumpers and LED headlight options. US sales begin in summer for the 2018 model year, with a GLA45 Performance Studio Package.5

  5. 2019

    December 11: a taller H247

    Unveiled on December 11, the H247 reaches European dealers in April 2020. It is 104 mm taller, with 116 mm more rear legroom than its predecessor.489

  6. 2020

    GLA 250 e: 61 km on battery power

    The GLA 250 e brings a 15.6-kWh gross battery, up to 61 km electric range (WLTP) and 0–100 km/h in 7.1 seconds; 10–80% DC charging takes 25 minutes at 24 kW.10

  7. 2020

    GLA 45 S debuts with 415 hp

    The GLA 45 S combines a 4.3-second 0–100 km/h sprint with a 35 m stop from 100 km/h; its published Autozeitung test-track lap is 1:38.70.1

  8. 2023

    48-volt assistance for the GLA 250

    The US-market 2024 GLA 250 uses a 221-hp engine and a 48-volt starter-generator offering up to 13 hp of boost.11

  9. 2026

    Electric GLA announced for 2028

    Announced in July, the 2028 GLA offers electric and 1.5-liter hybrid powertrains; US deliveries are planned for the second half of 2027.12

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class
    W1762012 (introduced)
  • Mercedes-Benz GLA (first generation)
    X1562013–2020
  • Mercedes-Benz GLA (second generation)
    H2472019–

Power over the years

From 134 hp to 415 hp in 7 years.

0200400600 201220142016201820202022202420262028 hp 2013 · 134 hp · GLA 200 CDI2013 · 154 hp · GLA 2002013 · 168 hp · GLA 220 CDI2013 · 208 hp · GLA 2502014 · 355 hp · GLA 45 AMG2016 · 375 hp · GLA45, 2016 model year2020 · 215 hp · GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid2020 · 221 hp · GLA 250, M 2602020 · 302 hp · GLA 35, M2602020 · 382 hp · AMG GLA 45, M1392020 · 415 hp · GLA 45 S 4Matic+2028 · 349 hp · GLA 350 4MATIC Electric (announced) 415 hp GLA 45 S 4Matic+ 134 hp GLA 200 CDI
471214151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2013134GLA 200 CDI
2013154GLA 200
2013168GLA 220 CDI
2013208GLA 250
2014355GLA 45 AMG
2016375GLA45, 2016 model year
2020215GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid
2020221GLA 250, M 260
2020302GLA 35, M260
2020382AMG GLA 45, M139
2020415GLA 45 S 4Matic+
2028349GLA 350 4MATIC Electric (announced)

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • SE / Sport / AMG Line (Mk1)

    Standard

    SE / Sport / AMG Line (Mk1)

  • Standard

    Sport / Sport Executive (Mk2)

  • AMG Line / Executive / Premium / Premium Plus (Mk2)

    Standard

    AMG Line / Executive / Premium / Premium Plus (Mk2)

  • AMG GLA35 4Matic

    Performance

    AMG GLA35 4Matic

    2024

    302 hp
  • AMG GLA 45 / GLA 45 S (second generation)

    Performance

    AMG GLA 45 / GLA 45 S (second generation)

  • Special

    WhiteArt Edition / Urban Edition (Mk1)

  • Special

    GLA Edition 1

  • Special

    AMG GLA45 Performance Studio Package

    2018

    375 hp
  • GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Edition 1 (Japan)

    Limited

    GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Edition 1 (Japan)

    2014

    355 hp

  • Limited

    GLA250 4MATIC Edition 1 (Japan)

    2014

  • Limited

    AMG GLA 35 4MATIC Black Masterpiece

    2026

How to spot one

Look for

  • X156: hatchback-like body, swept-back headlights and a two-bar grille around the star.424
  • X156: large, protruding rear lights visually linked by a chrome bar.424
  • H247: upright nose, short overhangs and protective cladding around the body.425
  • H247: strong shoulders and coupe-like side-window lines.425

Year by year

  1. 2017; US model year 2018

    Facelift brings a new grille, reshaped bumpers and wheel designs; LED headlamps replace the optional bi-xenons.45

  2. 2020

    H247 arrives with a taller roof and chunkier, more upright proportions than its low-slung predecessor.49

  3. 2023; US model year 2024

    Facelift: revised grille with vertical louvers and a horizontal fin, power-dome hood, new front bumper and LED signatures.11

  4. October 2023

    Updated GLA 45 S gets an AMG hood crest, body-color arch extensions instead of black ones, and new LED light signatures.13

  5. 2028 (announced)

    Electric GLA gets an illuminated mesh grille; the hybrid uses a chrome-star grille. Optional running lights have star-shaped signatures.12

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLA
    GLA
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz GLB
    Mercedes-Benz GLB

    Mercedes-Benz GLB

    Look for the GLB's square, boxy shape; the second-generation GLA has softer edges and a lower roofline.4926

  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class

    Second-generation GLA: thicker, rounder headlights distinguish its nose from the A-Class hatchback.49

Against its rivals

  • GLA vs BMW X1 xDrive28i (2021)

    Price as tested lower is better

    GLA$50,395
    BMW X1 xDrive28i (2021)$43,295
    28
  • Audi RS Q3 Sportback (2021)

    GLA vs Audi RS Q3 Sportback (2021)

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    GLA4.5 s
    Audi RS Q3 Sportback (2021)5 s
    2

Prices

Value today $12.4K–$26.4K32

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 20142016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $12,400–$26,400 2015 · $34,225 · US base, GLA250 4MATIC2015 · $49,225 · US base, GLA45 AMG2015 · $67,695 · US as-tested, GLA45 AMG2017 · $32,850 · US GLA250 FWD, excl. delivery2017 · $34,850 · US GLA250 4MATIC, excl. delivery2017 · $49,900 · US AMG GLA45, excl. delivery2020 · $42,400 · UK GLA200 Sport, £32,640; approx USD2021 · $39,280 · US base, GLA250 4MATIC2024 · $57,600 · US base, AMG GLA35 4Matic2024 · $75,050 · US as-tested, AMG GLA35 4Matic 2015 · $34,225 · US GLA250 4MATIC base, 2015 model year 2024 · $12,400 · 2014 GLA 45 AMG, £9,562; approx USD, Hampson Auctions2025 · $20,200 · 2014 X156 GLA, £15,544; approx USD, Collecting Cars2025 · $16,777 · 2015 GLA45 AMG, 53k miles, BaT2026 · $25,100 · 2018 AMG GLA 45, £19,296; approx USD, PistonHeads2026 · $26,000 · 2018 GLA45 4MATIC, 58k miles, BaT2026 · $14,250 · 2015 GLA45 AMG, Weistec turbo kit, 71k miles, BaT $26.0K BaT, 2026
392024263234373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2015Launch price$34,225US GLA250 4MATIC base, 2015 model year
2015Price when new$34,225US base, GLA250 4MATIC
2015Price when new$49,225US base, GLA45 AMG
2015Price when new$67,695US as-tested, GLA45 AMG
2017Price when new$32,850US GLA250 FWD, excl. delivery
2017Price when new$34,850US GLA250 4MATIC, excl. delivery
2017Price when new$49,900US AMG GLA45, excl. delivery
2020Price when new$42,400UK GLA200 Sport, £32,640; approx USD
2021Price when new$39,280US base, GLA250 4MATIC
2024Price when new$57,600US base, AMG GLA35 4Matic
2024Price when new$75,050US as-tested, AMG GLA35 4Matic
2024Auction sale$12,4002014 GLA 45 AMG, £9,562; approx USD, Hampson Auctions
2025Auction sale$20,2002014 X156 GLA, £15,544; approx USD, Collecting Cars
2025Auction sale$16,7772015 GLA45 AMG, 53k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$25,1002018 AMG GLA 45, £19,296; approx USD, PistonHeads
2026Auction sale$26,0002018 GLA45 4MATIC, 58k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,2502015 GLA45 AMG, Weistec turbo kit, 71k miles, BaT
2026Value today$12,400–$26,400

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “191 hp from every liter”
    • “Mario drove the GLA in 'GO! GLA'”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ H247 specs, 0-60, quarter mile, lap times - FastestLaps.com fastestlaps.com
  2. 2021 Audi RS Q3 v Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S comparison review whichcar.com.au
  3. Dive Planes! Huge Spoiler! Mercedes GLA45 AMG Tested! caranddriver.com
  4. Mercedes-Benz GLA - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  6. Mercedes GLA revealed | evo evo.co.uk
  7. More power! 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45, GLA45 goosed to 375 hp autoweek.com
  8. Mercedes-Benz H 247 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  9. New 2020 Mercedes GLA prices announced | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e (2020) | Información general - km77.com km77.com
  11. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  12. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  13. Mercedes-AMG wertet Spitzenmodell der kompakten Performance-SUV-Familie umfangreich auf media.mercedes-benz.be
  14. Mercedes-Benz GLA debuteert ook als exclusieve Edition 1 media.mercedes-benz.nl
  15. Used Mercedes GLA (Mk2, 2020-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 Shows AMG's Wild Side caranddriver.com
  17. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  18. Used Mercedes GLA buying guide: 2013-present (Mk1) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  19. Used Mercedes GLA (Mk1, 2013-2020) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 First Test: The Wrong AMG Survives? motortrend.com
  21. 「GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Edition 1」を限定発売 media.mercedes-benz.jp
  22. メルセデス「GLA」に日本導入を記念した限定車 【ニュース】 - webCG webcg.net
  23. メルセデス・ベンツ、黒で統一した特別仕様車「メルセデスAMG GLA 35 4MATIC ブラックマスターピース」 全国限定80台で価格1000万円 - Car Watch car.watch.impress.co.jp
  24. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  25. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  26. Tested: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic Drops the Hatchback Act caranddriver.com
  27. Mercedes-Benz X 156 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  28. BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: Luxury Subcompact SUVs Compared motortrend.com
  29. Nintendo adds three Mercedes-Benz cars and enhancements to Mario Kart 8 from 27th August | News | Nintendo UK nintendo.com
  30. 新型GLAクラスのテレビCM「GO! GLA」篇　5月30日オンエア開始 media.mercedes-benz.jp
  31. Le nouveau GLA dévoilé | Drive mercedes-benz-mag.fr
  32. Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG For Sale & Price Guide | TCV theclassicvaluer.com
  33. Mercedes GLA Interior, Satnav, Dashboard & Options | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  34. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  35. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  36. 2021 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GLA Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  37. No Reserve: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $26,000 on June 30, 2026 (Lot #250,158) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,250 on May 12, 2026 (Lot #242,166) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,777 on September 11, 2025 (Lot #209,542) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • fastestlaps.com
  • whichcar.com.au
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.mbusa.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • autoweek.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • km77.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.be
  • media.mercedes-benz.nl
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • motortrend.com

Photo credits

Other car files