Across every vehicle segment and type in America, there exists a hot-rod version. The AMG GLA 35 from Mercedes-Benz is a sports-car version of a subcompact luxury crossover. If you are looking for an upscale small SUV that can really scoot, this vehicle may be a great match for your priorities.

The AMG GLA 35 is an unusual vehicle. This is a sports car hiding in crossover clothing. If performance is your top priority and you want a healthy dose of luxury along with that, this is a vehicle you will enjoy. We’d say that the vehicle is about 50% sporty and 50% luxury. The sportiness comes with some compromises, so we would strongly suggest a test drive before committing to this specialty model.

With over four decades of doling out trusted automotive advice and extensive vehicle knowledge, both behind the wheel and under the hood, Car Talk's founder and original Tappet Brother Ray Magliozzi shares his first-hand experience test driving the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35.

If the sporty part of the AMG GLA 35 is your primary interest, there is a vehicle with the same shape and similar performance that costs 50% less. That would be the $40K 2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus Blacktop AWD. Like the AMG, the Hornet also uses a 2.0-liter turbo but has a more livable transmission. Its 0-60 MPH time is within a fraction of a second of the AMG’s. We realize that Dodge is not Mercedes-Benz. For example, Dodge earned an above-average score on the 2024 J.D Power Dependability Study, and Mercedes-Benz is far below average. Both are built in Europe.

The Tonale is a sort of a fancier version of the Dodge Hornet GT. It features a plug-in hybrid-electric powertrain. Those who want a green vehicle in this small segment should check it out. Prices are in the $50K range.

At just under $40K, Mazda’s feature-packed CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus offers a very high level of refinement we feel would impress many Mercedes-Benz shoppers. This includes a multi-information head-up display. Mazda’s CX-30 Turbo also offers more torque than the AMG, and that torque is delivered at a much better place in the rev band. The CX-30 Turbo is not as punchy as the AMG, but in normal driving, it feels smoother and equally satisfying.

Mercedes-Benz offers a GLA 35 starting at around $45K. However, it markets its AMG models as if they are separate from the MB models. The AMG GLA 35 starts at around $58K without any special paint or options. Our media test vehicle had all the options checked and was priced at $63,475.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

The 2024 AMG GLA 35 has a fresh design. The front fascia is new, and an AMG logo is atop the hood. The wheel designs are new for the 2024 model year.

The driving experience of the AMG GLA 35 is defined by its powertrain. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a whopping 302 peak hp. The engine is not tuned for “low-end” torque but needs to be “revved up” a bit to make that power. We checked the specs and found that the peak torque is only produced between 3,000 and 4,000 RPM. That is unusual. Most modern small turbos have their torque peak at about 1,500 RPMs. The result is what feels like lag when you drive maturely in normal conditions.

Compounding the unusual sensations from the engine is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Although it is an automatic, the transmission identifies as a manual. Starting off is a bit weird unless you have driven DCTs in the past and are accustomed to the feeling. Once underway, the transmission treats every shift like a challenge to see how abruptly it can do its job. As we said above, just be sure in an extended test drive that you like this feeling.

Given some room to stretch its legs, the AMG GLA 35 is brilliant. All of its odd tendencies fall away, and it feels like a small sports coupe. Acceleration is very quick, with Mercedes-Benz saying that 0-60 MPH is 5.1 seconds. It feels faster than that off the line to us. Its standard AWD can put all that power to the ground, and 0-30 MPH is impressive if you hammer the throttle. The specs also mention the vehicle has a top speed of 155 MPH. It's not just a measly 150 MPH like those lesser vehicles you read about.

The suspension is sporty, but not in any negative way. It’s precise. The low-profile tires do not spoil the ride comfort. Our tester had dedicated winter tires fitted, and they allowed us to enjoy the vehicle safely in the 30-35 F temps we experienced. Be aware that your AMG GLA 35 may come fitted with summer-only tires when delivered.

The standard seats are comfortable and adjust in a wide range of ways beyond the expected. There are optional AMG Performance seats we did not test. Beware of performance seats until you have tried them. We find that they can be uncomfortable. Our seats were just right for this 6’ 200 lb tester and felt right-sized, not small. Best of all, they were upholstered with synthetic MB-Tex and microfiber suede. We’d choose this combination over real (mundane) leather any day for the richness of the surfaces and the look.

The steering wheel of the AMG GLA 35 is an important feature. It has an incredible number of functions available, and the drive mode changer is perhaps the best in any vehicle we have driven in terms of ease of use.

Neither IIHS nor NHTSA have rated the GLA class. The low volume of sales (exclusivity) is likely why. We would say that the driver is the key here. This is a small, very sporty vehicle. If you drive it like a rally car, there may be some unhappy consequences.

Due to its low volume (exclusivity), Consumer Reports offers no data on the 2024 AMG GLA 35. In its 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, J.D. Power ranked Mercedes-Benz in the bottom quarter of brands.

Our media test vehicle had two packages we feel are important to this model and they total $3,050. The first is the high-tech steering wheel with all of its nifty controls. The second is the Driver Assistance Package. Since they add up to less than 5% of the vehicle’s cost, we would suggest shoppers opt-in. Any vehicle found in stock is sure to have both. One option we would caution shoppers to try first would be the performance seats.

The warranty on a new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a bit above average for the segment. As with most competitors, roadside assistance is included.

• Basic: 4 years / 50k miles
• Powertrain: 4 years / 50k miles
• Mercedes-Benz offers extended warranties for some certified pre-owned cars.
• If buying used, look at our best extended warranties

Finding a used Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 35 may be tricky due to its low volume (exclusivity). We would suggest buying a certified pre-owned version and to own the vehicle only while under its warranty.

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