The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class SUV offers a blend of compact SUV versatility and Mercedes-Benz luxury. The GLA250 model comes well-equipped as standard, providing a solid foundation with a range of features catering to comfort, convenience, and style.
The standard GLA250 is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its stance and visual appeal. Privacy glass adds a touch of exclusivity and helps to keep the cabin cool, while the roof rack increases practicality for carrying luggage or sports equipment. Foglamps improve visibility in adverse weather conditions, and the power liftgate offers ease of access to the cargo area. Automatic wipers contribute to driving convenience by automatically adjusting to changing weather. Cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving.
Inside, the driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat, ensuring a comfortable driving position, complemented by driver memory settings to recall preferred seat and mirror positions. The passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustability. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provides a durable and premium feel, while the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further aids driver comfort. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, with a cargo pass-through, enhance practicality and cargo flexibility.
Image showing the interior of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, highlighting the simple and clear instrumentation.
Technologically, the GLA250 includes a 7-inch central display screen operated by a console-mounted control knob, providing access to various vehicle functions. A media interface for digital music players, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an audio system with a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input are all standard.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, additional features enhance its capability. Hill-descent control aids in maintaining control on steep slopes, and an off-road status monitor displayed on the 7-inch screen provides information such as steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, adding to its credentials as a capable vehicle in varied conditions.
Several packages were available to further enhance the 2016 GLA250. The Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition for added convenience, heated front seats for cold weather comfort, and a Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio for an upgraded audio experience. The Multimedia package upgrades the central display to a larger 8-inch screen and includes a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls for various functions, a rearview camera for easier parking, an in-dash SD card reader, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates.
The Sport package delivers a more dynamic appearance with 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and more aggressively styled exterior elements. Exclusively available with the Sport package, the Night package further enhances the sporty aesthetic with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents. The Interior package elevates the cabin ambiance with leather seating, front sport seats for added support, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the interior, and MB-Tex dash trim for a touch of luxury. For advanced driver assistance features, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor.
Beyond packages, standalone options allowed buyers to customize their GLA250 further. These included options from the packages, such as bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, parking sensors combined with an automated parking system for parking convenience, a power passenger seat with memory, a blind-spot monitor, and aluminum interior trim.
At the top of the range, the high-performance AMG GLA 45 comes standard with all-wheel drive and builds upon the GLA250’s standard equipment. It boasts a more powerful engine for exhilarating performance, a sport exhaust system for an enhanced soundtrack, unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for sharper handling, and upgraded brakes to match the increased performance. Bi-xenon headlights and styling enhancements, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, are also standard, along with the power passenger seat and ambient lighting found in option packages for the GLA250.
AMG GLA 45 options largely mirrored those of the GLA250 but also included Recaro sport seats for ultimate support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel for enhanced feel, and a large rear spoiler for increased downforce and visual impact. The Dynamic Plus package, replacing the previous Driver’s package, adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers for adjustable ride and handling, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction, a “Race” driving mode for track days, and a higher top speed. Carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package further enhanced both performance and aesthetic appeal for the AMG GLA 45.
