2023 Mercedes GLA Trim Levels and Standard Features Explained
The 2023 Mercedes GLA is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to combining luxury, performance, and practicality in a compact SUV. This compact SUV is the entry-level model in the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV range and the eighth model in the global compact-car family. Despite being shorter than its predecessor, the new GLA offers a more spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and space in a compact package.
2024 Mercedes GLA: A Detailed Exploration
EXTERIOR
The exterior of the 2023 Mercedes GLA is characterized by its powerful overall proportions with short overhangs at the front and rear. The front section flows over the A-pillar into the visually compact greenhouse. The GLA features powerful shoulders and coupe-like lines of the side windows, giving the car its dynamically elegant flair. The doors reach over the sills, improving ease of access and keeping the door frames free of dirt. The protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasizes the vehicle’s off-road character.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 2023 Mercedes GLA is a blend of moderness and high quality. The instrument panel, available in two variants, and the MBUX infotainment system, which comes as standard, add to the car’s luxurious feel. The round air vents, designed in a high-quality turbine look, and the door center panel that flows seamlessly into the armrest, further enhance the interior’s aesthetic appeal. The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than in the predecessor model, and thus more typical of an SUV.
TECHNOLOGY
The 2023 Mercedes GLA is outfitted with state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, offering cooperative support to drivers and setting a high bar for active safety in the compact car segment. The Driver Assistance Package, available as an option, encompasses a suite of advanced features designed to enhance safety and ease of driving. In addition, the GLA introduces a unique car wash function, a first for vehicles in this category.
COMPETITION
The 2023 Mercedes GLA faces competition from other luxury compact SUVs in the market. However, with its blend of luxury, performance, and practicality, it has managed to carve a niche for itself. The high demand for Mercedes-Benz’s SUVs, including the GLA, shows that the brand can offer the right model for all of its customers in this segment. The GLA’s unique features and high-quality design set it apart from its competitors, contributing significantly to the brand’s success in the compact SUV segment.
The 2023 Mercedes GLA: A Comprehensive Review
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact crossover SUV that comes in three distinct trim levels: the GLA 250, the AMG GLA 35, and the AMG GLA 45. These trims can be viewed as offering mild, medium, and hot performance levels respectively. The GLA 250 offers an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, while this feature comes standard on the performance-focused AMG models.
STANDARD FEATURES
Now let’s go over the MSRP, standard features and available packages for the 2023 Mercedes GLA starting with the base model GLA 250 which has a starting MSRP of $37,500.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 – $37,500
The entry level GLA 250 boasts an array of standard features that elevate its performance and driving experience.
PERFORMANCE
- 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
- ECO Start/Stop system
- 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- DYNAMIC SELECT (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)
- 4-wheel independent suspension
- Electromechanical power steering
- Torque Vectoring Brake
DESIGN
- LED headlamps and taillamps
- LED Daytime Running Lamps
- LED front foglamps
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear-window wiper with auto-on in Reverse
- Heated power side mirrors
- Aluminum roof rails
- Power liftgate
LUXURY
- Electric parking brake
- Cruise control
- Rearview camera
- Power front seats with 3-position memory
- 4-way manually adjustable steering column
- 40/20/40-split folding/reclining rear seats
- Outside temperature display
- Illuminated entry system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Steering-wheel Touch Control Buttons
- SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
MULTIMEDIA
- 1 year of Mercedes me connect services
- Over-the-air software updates
- Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
- Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display
- Touchpad controller
- HD Radio receiver
- Hands-free Bluetooth interface
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Four USB-C ports
- USB-C adapter cable
SAFETY
- Electronic Traction System
- Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Program
- Antilock Braking System
- Active Brake Assist
- Crosswind Assist
- Blind Spot Assist
- Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- Adaptive braking technology
- Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC – $39,500
The GLA 250 4MATIC has an MSRP of $39,500 and includes all the features of the GLA 250, plus:
PERFORMANCE
- 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- Off-Road Engineering Package
SAFETY
- 4-wheel Electronic Traction System
- Downhill Speed Regulation
Available Packages
There are seven available packages for the Mercedes GLA 250.
AMG Line Package ($2700)
- AMG body styling
- 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels
- Aluminum shift paddles
- AMG floor mats
- Brushed stainless steel pedals
- Sport steering wheel
- Chrome diamond-block grille
- Sport front seats
- Direct-Steer
AMG Line w/Night Package ($3,100)
- AMG body styling
- Gloss Black exterior accents
- 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels w/black accents
- Aluminum shift paddles
- AMG floor mats
- Brushed stainless steel pedals
- Sport steering wheel
- Chrome diamond-block grille
- Sport front seats
- Direct-Steer
Exterior Lighting Package ($900)
- Active LED headlamps
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Premium Package ($1850)
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display
- 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display
- Auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors
- Power-folding side mirrors
- KEYLESS-GO
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS
- Household-type 115V power outlet
Multimedia Package ($1300)
- MB Navigation
- Augmented video for navigation
- No-charge navigation map updates for 1 year
- Speed Limit Assist
Driver Assistance Package ($1,700)
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
- Active Steering Assist
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Active Speed Limit Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
- PRE-SAFE PLUS
- PRE-SAFE Sound
- Route-based Speed Adaptation
Parking Assistance Package ($1,090)
- Surround View System
- PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
Standalone Options
There are seven standalone options for the 2023 Mercedes GLA 250:
- Burmester Surround Sound System w/12 speakers and 590 watts
- MBUX Interior Assistant
- Inductive wireless charging and NFC pairing
- Garage door opener
- Rear-seat side-impact air bags
- Wheel locking bolts
- First-aid kit
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 – $49,500
The AMG GLA 35, positioned above the 250 trim level with an MSRP of $49,500, epitomizes automotive excellence by seamlessly integrating exhilarating performance with upgraded luxury features that include:
PERFORMANCE
- AMG-enhanced 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft)
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- AMG DYNAMIC SELECT (Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+ and Individual)
- 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
- AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- AMG RIDE CONTROL Sport Suspension with 3-stage damping
- AMG Sport Exhaust System
DESIGN
- Heated windshield washer system
LUXURY
- Sport front seats w/deeper side bolsters
MULTIMEDIA
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display
- 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display
- Household-type 115V power outlet
SAFETY
- 3-stage Electronic Stability Program
Available Packages
There are eight available packages for the Mercedes AMG GLA 35. The Exterior Lighting, Multimedia, Driver Assistance, and Parking Assistance Packages offered on the GLA 250 are identical to those available for this model.
AMG Performance Seat Package ($3,270)
- AMG Performance front seats
- Heated front seats
- Multicontour front seats
AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced ($3,470)
(Gets the same features as the AMG Performance Seat Package minus heated seats.)
- AMG Performance front seats
- Multicontour front seats
Premium Package ($950)
- SiriusXM 6-month Platinum Plan trial subscription
- Auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors
- Power-folding side mirrors
- KEYLESS-GO
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS
KEYLESS-GO Package ($550)
- KEYLESS-GO
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Standalone Options
- KEYLESS-GO
- Burmester Surround Sound System
- SiriusXM 6-month Platinum Plan trial subscription
- MBUX Interior Assistant
- Inductive wireless charging and NFC pairing
- AMG Head-Up Display
- Garage door opener
- Rear-seat side-impact air bags
- AMG Track Pace
- Wheel locking bolts
- First-aid kit
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45 – $56,650
With a price tag of $56,650, the AMG GLA 45 commands attention as the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, fusing uncompromising power and refined sophistication into a single dynamic package. Additional features above the AMG GLA 35 include a more powerful:
PERFORMANCE
- Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine (382-hp / 354 lb-ft)
DESIGN
- Auto-dimming driver-side and inside rearview mirrors
- Power-folding side mirrors
LUXURY
- Heated front seats
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS
- KEYLESS-GO
Available Packages
There are seven available packages for the Mercedes AMG GLA 45. Six of them are the same as on the AMG GLA 35.
AMG Dynamic PLUS Package ($2,050)
- AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa/microfiber
- RACE mode
- AMG DRIVE UNIT
- AMG Track Pace
- AMG High-performance Composite Braking System
Standalone Options
The AMG GLA 45 gets the same standalone options and the AMG GLA 35 minus the KEYLESS-GO as it comes standard on this model.
Which Mercedes GLA to Buy
As for which 2023 Mercedes GLA trim level to buy, the decision ultimately depends on your specific priorities and driving preferences. If you prioritize speed and performance above all else, the AMG trims are undoubtedly the ideal choice. However, if you seek a balance between performance and practicality, the GLA 250 with 4MATIC is a compelling option.
The GLA 250 with 4MATIC offers several notable advantages. Firstly, it incorporates the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, ensuring optimal power distribution to all four wheels for enhanced traction and stability. Even if you don’t necessarily require all-wheel drive, the 4MATIC version comes with an Off-Road Engineering Package, providing features such as Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), which automatically maintains a preset crawl speed during descents. This package also includes an off-road driving mode that adapts key vehicle parameters for off-road conditions. Additionally, the GLA 250 4MATIC is slightly faster than its front-wheel-drive counterpart, delivering a more exhilarating driving experience.
To further enhance your ownership experience, I would recommend considering the addition of the Premium package, which offers larger displays for an enhanced visual experience. Additionally, the Driver Assistance package provides extra driver aids to enhance safety and convenience.
It is worth noting that even with the inclusion of these recommended packages, the overall price of the GLA 250 with 4MATIC remains significantly lower than that of the AMG versions. Therefore, if you are seeking a combination of performance, practicality, and affordability, the GLA 250 with 4MATIC is a compelling choice.
Paint Colors
Lastly, let’s go over the paint colors for the 2023 Mercedes GLA trim levels. There are 10 available colors. Not every color is available on every trim level.
- Polar White
- Night Black
- Digital White
- Cosmos Black
- Denim Blue
- Iridium Silver
- Mountain Grey
- Rose Gold
- Patagonia Red
- Mountain Grey Magno
Wrapping Up
Okay, that’s it. I’m going to wrap this up. I went over the trim levels, MSRP, standard features, available packages, standalone options, which trim level to buy and the paint colors for the 2023 Mercedes GLA trim levels. If you found this helpful, informative, or entertaining, please like, share, and subscribe to my channel.