Motivating the GLA 250 4MATIC is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent primarily to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, but can be transferred to the rear-wheels through a variable 4Matic all-wheel drive system if wheel slip is detected by either front wheel.
This adds up to a claimed 0-60 MPH time of 7.1 seconds; not bad for a crossover that also returns 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. But not all is well with the drivetrain. Despite the turbo engine’s willingness to build boost, the transmission lets it down. Delayed to react from a dead stop, the seven-speed is less than smooth at low speeds. Combined with the default start/stop system, it becomes tiresome always momentarily waiting for the GLA to move from a complete stop. I will say though, once underway, the transmission provides smooth, quick shifts.
