The 2025 AMG GLA35 represents the pinnacle of compact luxury SUVs from Mercedes-Benz’s renowned AMG lineup. It was originally introduced as a performance-oriented alternative to the standard GLA-Class. However, the AMG GLA35 has evolved into a standout model in its own right. Now, in 2025, it is quickly becoming the standard for blending dominant road performance with practicality and cutting-edge innovations like power steering and brake assist. As a premium luxury SUV, it redefines what drivers can expect from the segment.
This high-performance compact SUV has also gained many plaudits for delivering a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and high-end in EPA fuel economy. The 2025 AMG GLA35 embodies the best of Mercedes-AMG’s vehicle configuration. While earlier iterations of the GLA struggled to balance performance with actual vehicle usability, the AMG GLA35 masterfully achieves this equilibrium. The exclusive trim package especially is a testament to Mercedes’ unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With its new, well-rounded appeal, the GLA35 continues to cement its reputation as a market leader in the luxury SUV segment. This multifaceted SUV is top-notch in many areas, which we will discuss below:
Exterior Design and Build
With its precise engineering and bold, modern styling, the 2025 AMG GLA35 may be the new standard for compact SUVs. Its exterior showcases Mercedes-AMG’s flair for sharp vehicle color and aerodynamic efficiency. The popular black front windshield trim’s low drag coefficient of 0.31 shows that the GLA35 optimizes both fuel economy and cabin quietness. The SUV’s dynamic proportions include a muscular stance, aggressive shoulder lines, and a roofline that subtly slopes.
AMG’s signature Panamericana grille dominates its front fascia. The bold lower air intakes and heated door mirrors aren’t just for aesthetics; they improve airflow for better engine cooling. Some newer models of the 2025 GLA35s also come with an optional passenger vanity mirror or added signal indicator mirrors. This attention to detail extends to the genius rain-sensing wipers. The exterior is also bolstered by sophisticated LED automatic headlights and heated mirrors, which flank the grille on both sides. These auto high-beam headlights adopt the latest delay-off headlight technology to enhance visibility.
The GLA35’s widened track width and extended wheelbase enhance its balance and agility. It comes standard with 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, but lightweight 21-inch wheels are available to boost handling precision. Aerodynamic side mirrors and a rear spoiler further refine airflow, reducing drag and adding a sporty flair. The trunk can also be augmented with personalizable cargo space lights.
At the rear, LED taillights with a striking black bumper emphasize the vehicle’s modern design, creating a visually striking look.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the 2025 AMG GLA35 seamlessly merges luxury with state-of-the-art technology. AMG’s performance DNA also means the interior prioritizes driver-focused ergonomics while maintaining a sporty yet refined feel. The cabin is adorned with premium carpet front materials and advanced digital elements, like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with 10.25-inch MBUX LCD monitors. These screens provide access to critical driving information, premium audio navigation, external memory, and AMG-specific performance metrics.
Passengers in the 2025 AMG GLA35 enjoy a luxurious experience with leather-trimmed seating and a black bodyside. For added comfort, optional AMG performance front heated seats and enhanced seat memory are available. The MB-Tex seat trim includes advanced features such as adjustable lumbar support, dynamic selection, and memory settings. Mercedes’ cutting-edge third-generation MBUX cluster display offers intuitive steering wheel controls, seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and built-in voice control for sound personalization.
Safety features like impact airbags, adaptive cruise control, overhead airbags, an auto-hotline to security service, and day-night rearview mirrors ensure a safe driving experience. Other security measures include a child-seat-sensing airbag, rear child safety locks, a rear window defroster, and a rear window wiper. These innovations make every journey safer for this true passenger vehicle.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 AMG GLA35 impresses with its dynamic engine and improved technical modifications. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four remote engine, producing 302 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 3000 rpm. This setup delivers quick acceleration and a strong brake rotor grip, even at lower speeds. The turbocharger powertrain also features electric assist technology, minimizing turbo lag and enhancing throttle response. The turbocharger uses a slip differential electric motor to pre-spin the arch liners at low speeds, virtually eliminating turbo lag. This results in a quicker throttle response, giving the GLA35 a performance edge.
The 2025 AMG GLA35 also features an electric boost system for hybrid assist and fuel efficiency. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid engine type incorporates an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a speed limiter to recover energy during braking and assist with acceleration. This allows the GLA35 vehicle type to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, with precise tuning from the 12V power plug for quicker times. The powertrain is paired with AMG’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which intelligently manages torque distribution.
This trim offers a perfect balance of refined SUV road performance and luxury driving. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers strong performance, featuring 16 engine valves and a displacement of 1991 cm³. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission also provides smooth and precise wheel-independent gear changes. This makes the 2025 AMG GLA35 a standout in both power and versatility.
Driving Experience and Handling
The 2025 AMG GLA35 combines a luxury road feel with dynamic performance in a compact SUV. Thanks to its mild hybrid system, which, like most new hybrids, boosts acceleration and fuel efficiency, it offers a refined balance between comfort and power. The electronic parking brake provides precise control, enhancing handling in restricted driving mode. The SUV’s agile yet stable dynamics create a sporty yet smooth drive.
The 2025 GLA35 features a full-time all-wheel suspension that enhances agility and engine auto stop-start control. Added Rear anti-roll bars help absorb road imperfections, whether on city streets or highways. Additionally, its dual black rear exhaust and rain sensor adjust automatically to varying road conditions. Safety is a true concern here with the eCall-Emergency system and the added radio data system.
A key highlight of the new AMG GLA35 is its advanced ABS brakes, which deliver smooth and precise traction control. This SUV even offers an improved blind spot monitor and vehicle exit warnings. The GLA35 has been carefully tuned for center 3-point handling, with remote releases ensuring a secure rear seat feel during tight turns. Mercedes-AMG has also refined the now industry-leading electric parking brake and integrated driver monitoring-alert systems.
Fuel Economy
The GLA35’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, 20 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway. It records an unrivaled fuel tank efficiency rating and fuel flaps for a compact SUV. This makes it perhaps the most favorably EPA-rated electric range model in Mercedes extensive fleet of SUVs. It is truly a marvel in fuel-conscious engineering and auto manufacturing. The mild hybrid system improves both fuel economy and acceleration, helping the GLA35 achieve a strong EPA Greenhouse Gas score.
Mercedes-Benz has prioritized optimizing capacity fuel consumption without compromising the dynamic driving experience. The 2025 GLA35 is a versatile option for daily commutes and longer journeys.
Dimensions
The 2025 AMG GLA35 has a wheel arch of 107.4 inches, a length of 179.1 inches, a disc brakes of 74.4 inches, and a height of 63.2 inches. It provides 92 ft³ of passenger space and a 19.4 ft³ cargo box that expands to 50.5 ft³ of total cargo area length. The curb weight is approximately 4,140 lbs, and the vehicle maintains a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, ensuring balanced handling and stability.
The AMG GLA35’s front tires are 235/55R-19, and the rear all-season tires are 255/50R-19. Its high-strength steel frame, combined with lightweight independent suspension, enhances tire pressure warnings and weight efficiency.
Shortcomings of the 2025 AMG GLA35
The 2025 AMG GLA35’s sport-tuned suspension is excellent for sharp handling but sometimes sacrifices comfort on uneven roads. Without any liftover height adjustment, passengers may feel every bump, making long drives less pleasant. Other competitor models sport 4-way lumbar support and 4-way power lumbar support.
Also, despite being an SUV, the AMG GLA35 falls short in practicality. The newer bucket seats lack sufficient legroom and headroom, which limits their comfort for family use. Additionally, the cargo area is smaller than rivals like the Audi Q3 or BMW X1, and has no accompanying luggage nets. This restricts storage for larger items. This tight interior makes it less suitable for families. This GLA35 lacks multiple memory seats and a power driver seat. Some trims even come without split-folding rear seats and rear seat belts.
Owning an AMG GLA35 can be a financial burden due to its high maintenance expenses. Routine services, replacement parts, and the general upkeep of frivolous add-ons like the multi-color ambient lighting are notably costlier than those of a non-AMG model group. While this is expected of a performance brand, the long-term ownership costs can surprise some buyers.
Furthermore, the 2025 GLA35 doesn’t always uphold its luxury feel promise. Hard plastics on the lower dashboard, separate headrests, and pull-out sun visor reduce the interior’s premium appeal. Adding to the issue, many desirable features, such as advanced driver assistance systems and premium air filtration, are pricey options rather than standard. This lack of value is notable when looking at the lack of safety and security solutions found in other models. It lacks features like emergency communication, messaging service, occupant sensing airbags or Hermes communications in premium brands.
At higher speeds, the GLA35’s cabin doesn’t maintain the level of refinement expected in a luxury SUV. Wind noise, rear fog lights, and intermittent wipers can become prominent. This detracts from the overall driving experience, especially during long-distance trips.
There is also the problem of the entry systems. The automated power window, illuminated entry, illuminated ignition switch, and remote keyless entry sometimes falter. In fact, some tech aspects fall short, like the lack of additional USB ports. The MBUX multimedia has only 4 USB-C ports, which sometimes may not be enough.
Competitive Analysis
How does the 2025 GLA35 compare to many of its competitors? It does very well in this regard. The 2025 AMG GLA35 sets itself apart in the competitive luxury compact SUV market. It takes on rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X2, and Volvo XC40 with a distinct performance-driven edge. Combining the classic AMG identification labels of advanced MBUX Entertainment and dynamic handling, the GLA35 offers a unique balance of luxury and sportiness. Its versatility and everyday practicality further solidify its place as a standout contender in its class.
The performance benchmarks for the AMG GLA35 are even more impressive within the registered mark compact SUV segment. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine camshaft that delivered 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in its first trial period. This power propels the GLA35 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, a strong figure for its class. It boasts a top speed of 155 mph and braking distances of approximately 160 feet from 70 mph, underscoring its capability. This speed is remarkable for a compact SUV, even compared to some sedans. The GLA35 also stands out with its unique rear tire size and styling, advanced navigation system, and drum diam. These offer driving precision and ease of use above its rivals.
While pricier competitors like the BMW X2 M35i may boast sharper handling, the GLA35 compensates with a wealth of features and utility belts in the instrument cluster, including blind spot assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree audio controls, and an all-new trunk/hatch auto-latch. It also features a touchscreen multimedia display, an AMG performance steering wheel, and an optional Anti-theft alarm system upgrade.
Pricing
The 2025 AMG GLA35 starts at $51,000, a steal in the luxury compact SUV market. This reasonable price includes premium features like the MBUX status display with a 10.25-inch 9th-generation touchpad, brake ABS, hill hold control, automatic temperature control, intuitive speed control, and a central temperature display. However, the actual dealer price may vary depending on destination charges, model availability, and optional installation charges, but ask an AMG dealer for details.
The 2025 GLA35 is more competitively priced than rivals like the BMW X2 M35i and Audi SQ2. However, it sacrifices neither quality nor performance. The model’s exclusive features, like the dynamic driver vanity mirror option and AMG brake rotor diam, make it an attractive choice.
Used 2025 AMG GLA35 models understandably have competitive pricing options like monthly payments or lease deals. Many pre-owned models are anticipated to be available for around $45,000, offering a more affordable floor to seat entry point to experience its luxury features and high-performance capabilities.
