2026 Mercedes GLA 35 AMG® 4MATIC® Tested: Design, Drive Modes, and Interior Tech

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 AMG® 4MATIC® beautifully fuses luxury, performance, and advanced technology in a crossover SUV package. Brian and Joshua Anderson recently took the GLA 35 out for a spin, showing off what’s new and exciting about this model.

Refined Design with AMG® Touches

On the exterior, the GLA 35 AMG® stands out with its striking “night black” color option and a refreshed fascia featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz star at the center, flanked by AMG® branding and eye-catching chrome accents. The LED high-performance headlights and daytime running lights ensure the vehicle looks sharp both day and night. True to AMG® tradition, the GLA 35 rolls on dark gray AMG® 19-inch twin-spoke wheels, accented further by striking silver AMG® brake calipers. Around the back, the dual exhaust and chrome details, together with the bold AMG® and GLA 35 badging, deliver a sporty finish.

Power and Performance

Beneath the hood lies an enhanced inline four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque—plenty of spirit for a compact SUV. The AMG® drive delivers a smooth ride in Comfort mode, but unleash its full capability in Sport Plus mode, and you’ll feel sports car performance that almost makes you forget you’re in an SUV. The responsive handling and sharp acceleration left Brian describing the drive as smooth and exciting, especially with the array of available drive modes.

Multiple Drive Modes for Every Condition

The GLA 35’s versatility shines through its variety of drive modes. Joshua Anderson points out that you have Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual (where you customize your own settings), and even a Snow mode for challenging conditions. Whether you’re after a smooth daily commute or an engaging weekend drive, the GLA 35 adapts to your preferences at the touch of a dial.

Smart, Well-Appointed Interior

Step inside and you’re greeted by a sage gray AMG® interior with durable yet stylish materials. Rear passengers enjoy ample space, ventilation, USB-C fast charging, and the expansive panoramic sunroof, making the cabin airy and spacious. Up front, twin 10.25-inch digital displays offer both the instrument cluster and infotainment, backed by features like ambient lighting with 64 color options, puddle lights, and robust smartphone connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety and convenience are also paramount—a suite of tech includes a large backup camera with projected lines and an “aura view,” plus active safety features like blind-spot monitoring. The AMG® Performance app even lets you monitor engine output, consumption, and suspension settings in real time.

On the Road and Ownership

Driving the GLA 35 AMG® is a pleasure. The steering wheel integrates the AMG® drive mode selector for quick changes on the fly, while the instrument cluster can be configured for classic, sports, or safety-focused displays. For peace of mind, the vehicle comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Shop for a 2026 Mercedes GLA 35 AMG® 

Final Thoughts

The 2026 GLA 35 AMG® 4MATIC® doesn’t just bring AMG® firepower to the compact SUV segment—it adds style, comfort, and technology that make it stand out in a crowded field. Whether you’re after daily luxury or weekend thrills, this crossover brings the best of both worlds. If you want to know more, Joshua Anderson invites you to reach out to Bud Smail Motor Cars or explore the lineup online at smailmercedesbenz.com.