Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e review: a little short of star quality

While Mercedes-Benz has a formidable engineering reputation, its history with small vehicles has been spotty, while its recent history of plug-in hybrids has been somewhat inconsistent.

Both of which immediately put the GLA 250e on the back foot being, as it is, both small and a plug-in hybrid.

The GLA 250e combines a 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 160kW and 450Nm of torque, promising both performance and efficiency.

However, past experiences with the brand's PHEVs, apart from a surprisingly excellent GLC plug-in hybrid, have left me somewhat cautious. The GLA itself has often felt like a slightly compromised entry into the Mercedes family, struggling to project the same level of luxury as its larger siblings.

The question is, does this $90k-plus compact plug-in manage to deliver a true Mercedes-Benz experience? Spoiler alert: the answer is no, it really doesn’t…

On the outside: what are the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e's main design features?

The GLA 250e looks, well, like a GLA. It embodies the modern Mercedes-Benz design language, but the signature cues don't seem to coalesce as harmoniously on this compact, jacked-up hatchback form as they do on larger models.

It’s a perfectly acceptable and inoffensive-looking vehicle, but it lacks a certain spark or visual excitement and our test car was finished in a vibrant red, an optional extra that, frankly, does the car no favours. It’s a colour that Mercedes seems fond of, but it just doesn't quite suit the brand's aesthetic.

Ultimately, the exterior design is unexceptional; it’s a car that will blend into the background rather than turn heads, which might be exactly what some buyers are looking for, but it does little to stir the soul.

OVERVIEW

On the inside: what's the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e's cabin like?

Stepping inside, the cabin is immediately recognisable as a modern Mercedes. The now-ubiquitous "jet engine" style air vents are present, and while they were cool upon their debut, they're starting to feel a bit overused.

How many logos do you really need? The one on the steering wheel should surely suffice.

The general fit and finish are good, and it feels well put together. However, for a car commanding a price tag of around $90,000, the material choices are hard to swallow. Many of the surfaces you regularly touch are fine, but the leather doesn't feel particularly convincing.

The most divisive feature, by a long shot, is the dash and door trim adorned with hundreds of tiny, illuminated Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logos. While it creates a somewhat interesting effect at night, during the day it just feels like overkill. How many logos do you really need? The one on the steering wheel should surely suffice.

It’s Mercedes business as usual, but it doesn't quite hit the premium mark you'd expect for the money.

INTERIOR

On the road: what's the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e like to drive?

This is where the GLA 250e unfortunately falls short.

To put it bluntly, the powertrain integration is dismal. The transitions between the petrol engine and the electric motor are clunky and very pronounced, which is simply not acceptable in a car at this price point, while the small petrol engine itself is coarse when it kicks in.

In its pure EV mode, which offers a respectable range of around 60-65 kilometres, the GLA is smooth and pleasant. However, like many PHEVs that use a conventional transmission, the noticeable gear changes in EV mode feel unnatural.

The real disappointment is when that petrol engine fires up, which it does frequently unless you lock it into EV-only mode. It’s baffling that a brand with the engineering might of Mercedes-Benz can't get this right on its smaller cars, especially when we know they can produce fantastic PHEV systems for other models.

It's not all bad news, though. When you push it, the GLA 250e has a surprising amount of grunt and actually handles remarkably well. The steering is direct and well-weighted, and the car feels responsive, agile, and well-balanced. It can be an engaging thing to hustle along a winding road, even if the powertrain is doing its best to spoil the party.

However, another significant letdown is the brakes - they are grabby and lack any real feel, making them difficult to modulate smoothly. It’s yet another area where the car feels less refined than its price tag suggests.

SPECIFICATIONS

On ownership: what's the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e's warranty and servicing situation?

The GLA 250e is covered by Mercedes-Benz's standard 5-year/Unlimited kilometre warranty, with an 8-year/160,000km warranty on the high voltage battery. Service intervals are every 12 months or 25,000km.

On the whole: what do we think of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e?

The GLA 250e is a car that leaves us feeling conflicted and ultimately disappointed.

It’s not a car we hate, but it does absolutely nothing to convince us that it's worth its near-$100,000 asking price. The powertrain is unrefined, the interior materials don't feel special enough, and details like the noisy reversing camera mechanism and poorly modulated brakes detract from the premium experience.

While it handles well and is pleasant enough in pure EV mode, these positives aren't enough to overcome the fundamental flaws.

For $93,000 before options, the level of refinement is simply not there. It’s a shame, as the GLA has potential, but in this 250e guise, it feels like a product that simply isn't up to the high standards we expect from a car wearing the three-pointed star.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e FAQs

What kind of car is the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e?

A premium compact SUV.

Does the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e have hybrid or EV technology?

The GLA 250e is a plug-in hybrid powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 13kWh battery with a single electric motor.

What’s the fuel economy of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e?

Mercedes-Benz claims a combined average fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e safe? 

The GLA is currently unrated by ANCAP, with the prior 5 Star rating having expired in December 2025. It features 9 airbags, including dual front, side and torso airbags, curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag.

What safety and assistance features does the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e have?

What are the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e's main rivals?

• BMW X1xDrive25e ($98,200): slightly more expensive, but considerably better.
• Audi Q3 e-hybrid ($90,990): larger, cheaper, more powerful and considerably newer.
• Lexus UX 300h Limited ($78,700): not a PHEV, but still more economical. Better interior too.
• Smart #1 Brabus ($74,990): a full EV with Mercedes tech. Brabus power for much less money too.
• Volvo EX30 Ultra P5 ($64,990): minimalist euro-luxury full EV for considerably less money.