Let’s face it, the Mercedes GLA is a head-turner. It’s sleek, luxurious, and unquestionably a premium ride. But like any fine piece of machinery, maintaining it comes at a cost. So, if you’re considering joining the GLA club, buckle up as we delve into the world of Mercedes GLA maintenance costs.
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Cost Breakdown
1. Annual Costs
- Year 1: Expect an average of $443 for routine maintenance.
- Year 2: The cost increases slightly to $526.
- Year 3: Around $658—still manageable.
- Year 4: Brace yourself for $869 due to more extensive services.
- Year 5: At $1,045, it’s time to tighten the purse strings.
- Year 6 and beyond: Costs continue to rise, reaching $2,620 by the 10th year.
2. Major Repairs
- There’s a 42.69% chance that your GLA-Class will require a major repair during its first decade.
- While this isn’t ideal, it’s still better than similar luxury SUVs in the segment.
Maintenance Schedule
The GLA-Class follows a well-defined maintenance schedule. Here are the key milestones:
- 10,000 Miles: Rotate tires, service battery/cables, change oil and filter, and replace windshield wiper blades.
- 20,000 Miles: Similar to the 10,000-mile service, plus cabin air filter replacement and brake system flush.
- 30,000 Miles: Repeat the 10,000-mile service.
- 40,000 Miles: Add air filter replacement and transmission fluid service.
- 50,000 Miles: Back to the basics—rotate tires, service battery/cables, and change oil and filter.
- 60,000 Miles: Like the 20,000-mile service, but with fuel filter replacement.
- 70,000 Miles: Repeat the 50,000-mile service.
- 80,000 Miles: Similar to the 40,000-mile service, plus transmission fluid service.
- 90,000 Miles: Back to the basics again.
- 100,000 Miles: Similar to the 20,000-mile service, plus cooling system flush.

Break Down of Mercedes GLA Maintenance Costs:
Alright, let’s get the not-so-fun part out of the way. Here’s what you can expect to spend on maintaining your GLA over the first 10 years:
- The Big Picture: CarEdge estimates an estimated average maintenance and repair cost of $13,781. That may seem like a lot, but CarEdge estimates it as $1933 less than what would normally be spent for luxury SUVs – so while your expenses won’t be cheap, they might come out a little lower than you expect for one of these cars.
- Breaking it Down: These expenses won’t be evenly spread over a decade; in general, expect services to become more frequent (and perhaps costlier) as your GLA ages.
Case Study: The Service Schedule
Imagine you own a 2024 Mercedes GLA and here’s an idea of your service schedule:
- Year 1 & 2 (Up to 20,000 Miles): Take a deep breath! These initial services are usually complimentary. This typically covers oil changes, filter replacements, and multi-point inspections.
- Year 3 & 4 (20,000 to 40,000 Miles): Now, things might start costing a bit. Depending on your driving habits and the specific service needed, expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $700 per service.
- Year 5 and Beyond (44,000 Miles or Higher): As your GLA ages, its services could become increasingly complex and more costly. Plan to budget around $500-$1000 per service here.
Remember, these are just estimates. Your actual costs can vary depending on your location, driving habits, and the specific services your GLA requires.
Beyond Scheduled Maintenance: Unexpected Repairs
Let’s be honest, car troubles can pop up anytime. Here’s where the 42.69% chance of needing a major repair during the first 10 years (according to CarEdge) comes in. This is slightly higher than the average for luxury SUVs, this should make us aware of potential unanticipated expenses in advance.
Pro-Tip: Consider an Extended Warranty
An extended warranty can be a lifesaver, especially if you plan on keeping your GLA for a long time. It can help cover the costs of major repairs that fall outside the standard warranty period.
The Good, the Bad, and the Truth
Here’s the honest truth: Maintaining a Mercedes GLA isn’t cheap. But here’s the good news:
- The initial complimentary services are a sweet deal.
- Compared to other luxury SUVs, the average maintenance cost isn’t as high as you might think.
- An extended warranty can provide peace of mind and significant cost savings in the long run.
So, is a Mercedes GLA worth the maintenance cost?
Absolutely, if you can manage it! The luxurious comfort, stylish design, and overall driving experience can be well worth the investment. Just factor in the maintenance costs when budgeting for your dream car.
Conclusion
Owning a Mercedes GLA is a luxurious experience, and with proper planning and budgeting, the maintenance costs can be manageable. So, if you’re ready to turn heads on the road, go for it! Just remember, take good care of your GLA, and it will take good care of you (and your driving pleasure) for years to come.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!
What are the reviews and ratings of the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class receives praise for its composed handling, well-appointed interior, and appealing aesthetics. However, it has a full suite of safety tech that costs more, offers only two interior color options, and its infotainment system looks better than it works.
What are the safety features of GLA?
Airbags, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, High-Beam Assist, Seat Belt Warning, Child Lock, Anchor Points for Child Seat (ISOFIX), Overspeed Warning, Speed Sensing Door Lock, Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer, Middle Rear Three-Point Seatbelt, Flashing Emergency Brake Light, Central Locking and Puncture Repair Kit.
How does it perform in crash tests?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has an impressive safety record. According to Euro NCAP tests, it received a 5-star safety rating. Here are the details:
Adult Occupant Safety: 96% score, Child Occupant Safety: 90% score, Pedestrian Safety: 79% score, Safety Assist Features: 75% score.
What about GLA’s trunk space?
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers 50.5 cubic feet of maximum trunk space when you fold down the rear seats. With the seats up, you still get a respectable 15.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
What about the rear legroom?
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers ample rear legroom, ensuring comfort for passengers in the back seat. Whether you’re driver or a passenger in a car, the GLA’s spacious interior ensures everyone has room to stretch out and enjoy the ride!
What are some other comfort features of GLA?
Some other comfort features of GLA are Dual-Zone Climate Control, Heated Seats, Power-Adjustable Seats, Panoramic Sunroof, Ambient Lighting, Keyless Entry and Start, Premium Sound System and Leather Upholstery.
What about the GLA’s ride quality?
The GLA’s ride quality is Comfort, Agility and Quiet Cabin.
What are some driving modes available in GLA?
The driving modes available in GLA are ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
What about the GLA’s all-wheel drive system?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features the 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Performance: The 4MATIC system provides better traction and stability, especially in unfavorable weather conditions or on slippery surfaces.
2. Torque Distribution: It dynamically adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. In normal situations, it sends power primarily to the front wheels for efficiency. However, when needed, it can instantly engage the rear wheels for better grip.
3. Off-Road Mode: The GLA’s 4MATIC system includes an off-road mode, optimizing performance for rugged terrain. It adjusts throttle response, transmission, and stability control settings.
4. Enhanced Handling: Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off the beaten path, the 4MATIC system ensures confident handling and control.
So, whether it’s rain, snow, or a mountain road, the GLA’s all-wheel drive has your back!
What are GLA’s engine options?
1. GLA 200: Equipped with a 1,332cc turbo petrol engine, it produces 161bhp and 250Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it delivers a spirited performance.
2. GLA 220d and GLA 220d 4MATIC: These variants feature a 1,920cc diesel engine, generating 187bhp and 400Nm of torque. The eight-speed DCT ensures smooth power delivery and efficiency.
What about GLA’s fuel efficiency?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers impressive fuel efficiency:
City Mileage: Approximately 24 miles per gallon (mpg).
Highway Mileage: An outstanding 34 mpg.
What about GLA’s hybrid options?
1. Plug-In Hybrid (GLA 250 e): Exclusive to the GLA, this plug-in hybrid combines a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. It provides impressive efficiency and allows for electric-only driving in short distances.
2. Mild-Hybrid Technology: Across all petrol engine options, the GLA features a 48V mild-hybrid system. This technology enhances performance and efficiency by assisting the combustion engine during acceleration and deceleration.
What about GLA’s electric-only range?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e—the plug-in hybrid variant—offers an electric-only range of approximately 30 miles. This means you can drive emission-free for short distances, making it an eco-friendly choice for city or local rides!