Cheapest New Mercedes-Benz SUV Is Bigger Bargain in 2024 With New Design and Features
Much of the Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV lineup is quite expensive — and not affordable for most automotive shoppers. There’s a reasonably-priced model, though: the subcompact 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. It’s the cheapest new Mercedes-Benz SUV. And the GLA is a bigger bargain for the 2024 model year with a new design and features.
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the most affordable new Mercedes-Benz SUV
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at $37,500 MSRP, which makes it the cheapest new Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV available in America. For starting cost, it’s $2,300 less than the next most affordable one — the 2023 GLB-Class ($39,800 MSRP), which is also a subcompact.
View the cheapest new Mercedes-Benz SUVs:
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA: $37,500 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB: $39,800 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB: $52,750 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC: $54,700 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE: $57,700 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: $77,900 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS: $81,000 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: $104,400 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: $139,900 MSRP
- 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GLS: $170,000 MSRP
Some of these new Mercedes-Benz luxury SUVs have a high price, including three that cost over $100,000: the EQS SUV, G-Class, and Mercedes-Maybach GLS. However, the GLA is an affordable option for luxury SUV shoppers.
2024 GLA-Class has a new design and technologies
For the 2024 model year, the GLA-Class has a refreshed design. While not a complete overhaul, the new design gives it a stylish new look. This includes a revised grille and front bumper, as well as new headlights and taillights. Additionally, there are three new wheel choices. Plus, the affordable subcompact luxury SUV has a new exterior paint color option: Spectral Blue Metallic.
The enhancements continue into the cabin, which is more technologically advanced. It comes standard with dual 10.3-inch screens, which were optional for the outgoing model. Also, the infotainment system is more capable, courtesy of the latest generation of MBUX software. Plus, Mercedes-Benz added a new USB-C port, which has more power for charging. Additionally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are newly available features.
For interior color options, the standard 2024 GLA model offers two choices: Macchiato Beige and Black. Also, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLA35 variant offers four cabin colors.
Upgraded engine options for the 2024 GLA-Class
The 2024 GLA-Class also has upgraded engine options. The standard model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a new 48-volt hybrid system. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it generates 221 horsepower. Also, per Car and Driver, the new hybrid system, as well as a new belt-driven starter-generator, should result in more athletic driving dynamics for the subcompact luxury SUV. Customers have a choice of front-wheel drive or a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system.
Like the standard model, the AMG GLA35 variant adds a 48-volt hybrid system, augmenting power to a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Paired with an AMG 8G dual-clutch transmission, the hybrid engine churns out 302 horsepower — resulting in a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.1 seconds for the high-performance luxury SUV. All AMG GLA35 models come standard with all-wheel drive. Also, it features an AMG Performance Steering wheel, along with a specially-tuned suspension to elevate the driving excitement.
As the cheapest new Mercedes-Benz SUV, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a rare model from the German automaker that’s economically accessible for many automotive customers. The price information is not yet available for the redesigned 2024 model. However, since it’s the entry-level luxury SUV model in America, this relative affordability will undoubtedly continue.
