Mercedes-AMG GLA 35

Core summary

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC is the performance-oriented version of Mercedes-Benz’s compact GLA SUV. In the United States, the current model is listed as the 2026 AMG GLA 35 SUV. Its formula combines a 302-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, a 48-volt hybrid starter-generator, an eight-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz quotes a 5.1-second 0–60-mph time. The five-seat cabin retains the GLA’s compact exterior dimensions while adding AMG-specific displays, controls, seats, steering-wheel trim and chassis tuning. Standard equipment includes AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with three-stage damping, AMG high-performance brakes, 19-inch AMG wheels and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. The GLA 35 occupies the accessible end of the AMG SUV range, below the more powerful GLA 45 variants in markets where those models are offered. Equipment, naming and availability vary by region; the specification card here uses the current U.S. configuration.

History & generations

The GLA nameplate began with the X156 generation, introduced for the 2014 model year as Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV line. The second-generation H247 GLA was announced on December 11, 2019, and entered European markets in spring 2020, followed by U.S. availability in summer 2020. Mercedes-AMG announced the GLA 35 4MATIC on December 11, 2019, completing its compact 35-series performance range. The first GLA 35 used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 306 PS and 400 Nm, with AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G transmission and variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The current U.S. model retains the H247 platform and adds a 48-volt hybrid starter-generator to the AMG-enhanced engine. Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLA family’s mid-cycle update for model-year 2024 in the United States, with revised lighting, equipment and electrification details. The 2026 combustion-powered AMG GLA 35 remains listed alongside the newly announced electric GLA models.

Body, platform & design

The AMG GLA 35 applies performance-specific details to the upright, compact proportions of the H247 GLA. Its exterior specification includes AMG body styling, an AMG grille, aluminum roof rails, a panoramic roof and 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels. The U.S. model measures 174.6 inches long, 79.5 inches wide including mirrors and 62.5 inches high, with a 107.4-inch wheelbase. The AMG treatment is functional as well as visual: the wider-looking stance, dedicated bumpers, larger wheels and performance braking hardware distinguish it from regular GLA versions. Buyers can select from AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus, AMG Aerodynamics Package and AMG Design Plus Package options. Wheel choices extend across 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch designs, depending on configuration. The Aerodynamics Package adds a prominent rear wing. Paint choices in the current U.S. listing include solid, metallic and MANUFAKTUR finishes, including Polar White, Night Black, Mountain Grey and Patagonia Red.

Engine & drivetrain

The current U.S. AMG GLA 35 uses an AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine with turbocharging and hybrid assist. Output is 302 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, while peak torque is 295 lb-ft from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm. A 48-volt hybrid starter-generator supports the combustion engine with electric assistance and enables the ECO Start/Stop system. The engine drives through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes-AMG programs the transmission for rapid shifts, paddle operation, rev-matched downshifts and partial ignition interruption during upshifts. AMG Performance 4MATIC distributes drive torque between the axles through an electronically controlled system. The U.S. model has a 5.1-second manufacturer-quoted 0–60-mph time. Its listed fuel requirement is premium unleaded gasoline, and its fuel tank holds 13.5 gallons. European-market specifications use metric output and may show different certified consumption figures, emissions values, speed limits or equipment combinations.

Trim differences

The current U.S. range presents the AMG GLA 35 as a distinct AMG model rather than a broad ladder of separately named trims. Standard equipment includes AMG body styling, AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension, AMG high-performance braking hardware, AMG Performance 4MATIC, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, AMG DRIVE UNIT controls, AMG sport exhaust, AMG Performance steering-wheel trim, carbon-structure interior trim and 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels. Available appearance and equipment packages include AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus, AMG Aerodynamics Package and AMG Design Plus Package. Optional wheels range from 18 to 21 inches, with several AMG designs and finishes. Steering-wheel choices include Nappa leather or Nappa leather with microfiber grips. The U.S. model page lists individual options and packages, while other markets may organize equipment into different lines, packages or homologated combinations. Regional availability should therefore be read from the local Mercedes-Benz configurator.

Interior & seating

The GLA 35 has a five-seat cabin with AMG-specific presentation layered onto the H247 GLA interior. The U.S. specification lists 39.0 inches of front headroom, 41.0 inches of front legroom, 55.9 inches of front shoulder room, 38.1 inches of rear headroom, 38.0 inches of rear legroom and 54.8 inches of rear shoulder room. Dual 10.25-inch displays provide the digital instrument cluster and central multimedia interface, with AMG-specific instruments, readouts and menus. MBUX voice assistance is included in the model presentation. Standard equipment includes an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, carbon-structure trim, AMG floor mats and brushed stainless-steel pedals. Heated power sport front seats are offered, while AMG Performance seats are available. A head-up display is available in suitable equipment configurations. Materials, upholstery, steering-wheel finishes and multimedia functions vary by market and selected package.

Efficiency & range

U.S. EPA figures list 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Safety & equipment

Standard U.S. safety equipment includes Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, a rearview camera, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and seven airbags. The equipment list also includes ATTENTION ASSIST, Crosswind Assist, electronic stability control, ABS, Brake Assist, 4-ETS traction control and tire-pressure monitoring. Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service is listed among the standard features. Driver-assistance availability and operating functions can vary with market, model year, subscription status and selected equipment. The AMG GLA 35’s performance hardware adds braking and stability systems, but those systems do not replace attentive driving or the driver’s responsibility for vehicle control.

Strengths

The GLA 35’s strongest attributes are its compact footprint, quick acceleration, standard all-wheel drive and useful seating capacity. Its 302-horsepower engine gives it substantially more performance than regular GLA versions, while the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission supports both relaxed driving and rapid gear changes. AMG RIDE CONTROL adds selectable damping, and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT allows the driver to alter powertrain, steering, suspension and stability settings. The upright SUV body provides easier entry and a higher seating position than AMG sedans or coupes of similar size. Its standard 19-inch wheels, AMG interior controls and dedicated body styling also give the model a clear identity without requiring the top-tier GLA 45 specification.

Considerations

The GLA 35 is a performance SUV, so its large wheels, sport suspension, performance brakes and premium-fuel requirement can increase running costs compared with a regular GLA. The compact body limits rear-seat and cargo flexibility relative to the larger GLB 35. Ride comfort depends strongly on wheel size, tire choice and the selected damping mode. The 48-volt system is a mild hybrid assist arrangement, not a plug-in hybrid system and not a battery-electric driving system. U.S. and European versions differ in measurement units, certified fuel-consumption testing, equipment packaging and sometimes model naming. Buyers should also distinguish the current combustion AMG GLA 35 from the separate electric GLA models announced for the next GLA family.

Recommended use

The AMG GLA 35 suits drivers who want compact dimensions, a raised seating position and strong acceleration in one vehicle. It works well as an urban commuter because its exterior footprint remains relatively short and its elevated seating position improves access. AMG Performance 4MATIC and selectable drive modes also make it appropriate for wet-weather touring and spirited paved-road driving. The five-seat layout supports ordinary family use, though the larger GLB offers more space for passengers and cargo. The GLA 35 is best viewed as a fast road-going crossover rather than a dedicated off-road vehicle. Its low-profile performance-oriented tires, road-focused suspension and AMG braking system favor paved surfaces and controlled driving over rough-terrain travel.

FAQ

Q: What is the exact vehicle name? A: Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC is the global AMG model name. The U.S. listing calls it AMG GLA 35 SUV.

Q: How powerful is the current U.S. model? A: It produces 302 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Q: How fast is the AMG GLA 35? A: Mercedes-Benz quotes 5.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for the current U.S. model.

Q: Does the GLA 35 have all-wheel drive? A: Yes. It uses AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Q: Is the GLA 35 a plug-in hybrid? A: No. Its 48-volt system is a hybrid starter-generator mild-hybrid arrangement.

Q: How many people can it seat? A: The current U.S. specification seats five people.

Sources & updates

Research for this Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.

Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.

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Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.