Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 or GLA 45 AMG®: which fits Manchester, NH drivers?
The GLA 250 fits Manchester drivers who want the lower starting price and the better EPA fuel economy for everyday commuting. The GLA 45 AMG® fits drivers who want the most power in the GLA line, and Mercedes-Benz of Manchester sells both.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Manchester. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
GLA 250 for daily Manchester driving, GLA 45 AMG® for maximum power
The AMG® GLA 35 SUV has the most published power in the GLA line, at 302 hp, and it starts at $58,550 for the 2026 model year (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026). For a daily driver in Manchester, the GLA 250 SUV’s $41,500 starting price and 29 mpg combined rating make the stronger case. Mercedes-Benz of Manchester sells the GLA line at 875 Gold St, Manchester, NH 03103, so a buyer can compare both trims in one visit.
Mercedes-Benz USA’s 2026 specifications list the GLA 250 SUV at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The AMG® GLA 35 SUV lists 302 hp and 295 lb-ft. That gap in output is what the higher price buys. A driver who wants the quickest car in the line pays for it. A driver who wants a lower price and better mileage does not need it.
How do the GLA 250 and GLA 45 AMG® compare on price, power and mileage?
The GLA 250 SUV is the lowest-priced GLA trim, at $41,500 for 2026, according to Mercedes-Benz USA’s published specifications. The table sets the three 2026 trims side by side.
| Trim | Starting MSRP (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026) | Horsepower and torque (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026) | EPA combined mpg (EPA, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 250 SUV | $41,500 | 221 hp, 258 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
| GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV | $43,500 | 221 hp, 258 lb-ft | 28 mpg |
| AMG® GLA 35 SUV | $58,550 | 302 hp, 295 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
The AMG® GLA 35 SUV carries 302 hp against 221 hp for the GLA 250 SUV. Its EPA combined rating is 25 mpg, against 29 mpg for the GLA 250 SUV. Both GLA 250 trims carry the same 221 hp and 258 lb-ft, so the choice between them comes down to drivetrain and price.
What does a GLA 250 cost compared with a GLA 45 AMG® in New Hampshire?
We offer upfront pricing, so you know the number before you visit. The 2026 GLA 250 SUV starts at $41,500 and the GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV at $43,500. The AMG® GLA 35 SUV starts at $58,550, all according to Mercedes-Benz USA’s published 2026 specifications.
The price is not the whole cost of a new car in New Hampshire. Registering a vehicle is a two-part process, with fees due to both the town or city and to the State, plus an $8.00 plate fee the first time you order plates (New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, 2026). A municipal permit fee applies as well, set at 18 mills on each dollar of the maker’s list price for a current model year vehicle (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, RSA 261:153, 2026). Budget for those fees on top of the starting price.
How much fuel economy does each GLA offer on the EPA rating?
The GLA 250 SUV has the highest combined EPA rating of the three trims, at 29 mpg, with 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
The combined figure is a weighted average. EPA weights the city rating at 55% and the highway rating at 45% (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2026). These are EPA certified figures, so they are the numbers to compare when the question is fuel use.
What drivetrain does each GLA offer for Manchester winters?
Two of the three 2026 trims are all-wheel drive. The GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV has all-wheel drive at $43,500, and the AMG® GLA 35 SUV has it at $58,550.
A buyer who wants all-wheel drive for Manchester winters has two trims to choose from, and the 4MATIC® option is the lower-priced of the two. A buyer who does not need all-wheel drive can choose the front-wheel GLA 250 SUV and keep the lowest starting price in the line.
How much room do the GLA 250 and GLA 45 AMG® give daily drivers?
All three 2026 trims carry 41.0 inches of front-row legroom and 38.0 inches of second-row legroom, according to Mercedes-Benz USA’s published specifications. The GLA 250 SUV and the GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV each offer 50.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
For a daily driver who hauls gear, the GLA 250 trims give you the cargo figure in the published specifications, so you can check it against your own loads before you visit.
When is each GLA the wrong choice for a Manchester driver?
The GLA 250 is the wrong choice for a driver who wants the most horsepower in the GLA line. The AMG® GLA 35 SUV is published at 302 hp, against 221 hp for the GLA 250 SUV (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026).
The AMG® is the wrong choice for a driver who puts price and mileage first. At $58,550 and 25 mpg combined, it asks more on both counts than the GLA 250 SUV at $41,500 and 29 mpg. If the AMG®’s price does not fit the budget, the GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV keeps all-wheel drive at $43,500.
FAQ
What warranty comes with a new GLA 250 and a new GLA 45 AMG®?
The basic warranty for the GLA line is 4 years or 50,000 miles (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026). It applies to the model line as a whole, so it covers the GLA 250 SUV and the AMG® GLA 35 SUV alike.
Does the GLA 250 come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV is all-wheel drive and starts at $43,500 for the 2026 model year.
What comes standard on a GLA 250 and on a GLA 45 AMG®?
Mercedes-Benz USA lists extra-cost packages for the GLA 250 SUV, marked optional and priced from $450 to $5,400. They are not standard equipment, so price them separately from the $41,500 starting price (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026).
What are the dimensions and ground clearance of each GLA?
The GLA 250 SUV measures 173.6 inches long, 72.2 inches wide and 63.5 inches high, on a 107.4-inch wheelbase (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026). Compare those measurements with your garage and parking space before you choose.
How much does each GLA weigh?
The GLA 250 SUV has a curb weight of 3,604 pounds, and the AMG® GLA 35 SUV weighs 3,869 pounds (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026).
What fuel does each GLA take?
The EPA record lists the GLA 250 SUV, the GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV and the AMG® GLA 35 SUV all as hybrids. Each has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission (EPA, 2026).
Can I get a certified pre-owned GLA in Manchester?
To qualify for the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, a vehicle must be a model 6 years or newer with less than 75,000 miles, and it must pass a 165-plus point inspection (Mercedes-Benz USA, 2026). Qualifying vehicles then carry 12 more months of coverage with unlimited miles under the Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty. We sell new GLA models at 875 Gold St, Manchester, NH 03103.
Shop the GLA 250 and GLA 45 AMG® at Mercedes-Benz of Manchester
Our Google record is 4.6 stars across 2,251 reviews, and 84% of those reviews are five-star, as of October 2026.
In a December 2024 Google review, Craig R. wrote: “Wonderful dealership with a large inventory. Zero pressure, knowledgeable and just great to do business with. We found our new favorite dealership. Bravo team Manchester Mercedes! Our rep was Kara. Very authentic and attentive.”
In an August 2026 Google review, Scott A. wrote: “Chris in sales is awesome, we have been working with him for 15 years. Jenny in Service is equally awesome. If you shop/service at Manchester MB you need to work with these two.”
New and pre-owned vehicles can be bought online through AcceleRide®, and those purchases can be delivered. AcceleRide® buyers can have their current vehicle appraised for trade-in and picked up at delivery. We offer a secure online finance application.
Sales hours run 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday to Thursday and to 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. Parts hours match the service hours.
Because the GLA 250 SUV starts at $41,500 and the AMG® GLA 35 SUV at $58,550, you can set your budget before you visit. To start, visit Mercedes-Benz of Manchester or come to 875 Gold St, Manchester, NH 03103.
Mercedes-Benz of Manchester answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Manchester showroom, or call 603-792-2460.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Mercedes-Benz of Manchester for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
