The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 stands out as a versatile and well-equipped compact SUV, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. This model year presents a compelling option for buyers seeking a premium vehicle in a smaller, more agile package. Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes the 2017 GLA 250 a noteworthy contender in its class.
Standard Features of the 2017 GLA 250
The base 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is generously equipped with a range of features designed for comfort, convenience, and style. Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a solid stance and refined appearance. Privacy glass adds a touch of exclusivity and enhances passenger comfort, while fog lights improve visibility in adverse weather conditions. Automatic wipers contribute to driving ease, and a power liftgate adds convenience for cargo access. Cruise control is standard for comfortable highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger.
Inside the cabin, the driver benefits from a 14-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar support, promoting optimal driving posture. The front passenger enjoys a 10-way manual seat with a practical fold-flat feature, enhancing cargo versatility. Driver memory settings allow for personalized seat and mirror positions. A driver information display keeps essential vehicle data readily available, and selectable driving modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their preferences.
The interior of the 2017 GLA 250 is appointed with MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery, offering a durable and luxurious feel. Ambient interior lighting sets a sophisticated mood within the cabin, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel ensures a comfortable driving position for various body types. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, complete with a cargo pass-through, further enhance the vehicle’s practicality, allowing for flexible passenger and cargo configurations.
For in-car technology, the 2017 GLA 250 includes a 7-inch central display controlled by a console-mounted knob. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, SD card reader, and two USB ports provides various entertainment options. Select Mercedes’ Mbrace telematics system features, such as a Wi-Fi hot spot and concierge services, were available via subscription.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive 2017 GLA 250 4Matic, additional features enhance its capability. Hill descent control assists in maintaining controlled speeds on steep declines, 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 sport-activity vehicle credentials.
Optional Packages for Enhanced Features
To further personalize and enhance the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, several optional packages were available. The Premium package was a popular choice, adding desirable features such as a rearview camera for easier parking and maneuvering, and blind-spot monitoring to enhance safety. Keyless entry and ignition provide added convenience, and heated front seats increase comfort in colder climates. The package also upgraded the audio system to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio, delivering a richer audio experience.
The Multimedia package focused on technology upgrades, featuring a larger 8-inch screen for improved visibility and interface. It also included a navigation system for route guidance, voice controls for hands-free operation, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Sport package offered 19-inch wheels and upgraded brakes for enhanced performance and visual appeal. More aggressive exterior styling elements further contributed to a dynamic look. Exclusively available with the Sport package, the Night package added black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a distinctive and sophisticated appearance.
The Interior package elevated the cabin ambiance with leather seating, front sport seats for enhanced support, upgraded ambient interior lighting, and MB-Tex dash trim, creating a more luxurious and sporty interior environment.
For advanced driver assistance features, the Driver Assistance package included adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and lane departure warning, alerting the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. Lastly, the Convenience package added auto-dimming mirrors and a garage door opener for increased everyday convenience.
Standalone Options
Beyond packages, the 2017 GLA 250 offered a range of standalone options, allowing buyers to select individual features. These included some items also available in packages, plus xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern aesthetics. A panoramic sunroof brought in more natural light and enhanced the open feel of the cabin, while parking sensors combined with an automated parking system simplified parking in tight spaces. A 14-way power passenger seat with memory was also available as a standalone option, mirroring the driver’s seat adjustability.
Performance and Engine Specs
Under the hood, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for a more engaging driving experience. In Edmunds track testing, the GLA250 4Matic impressively outperformed Mercedes’ estimated 0-60 mph time, achieving it in 6.8 seconds, showcasing its sprightly performance for the segment.
Fuel economy is also a strong point for the GLA 250. The front-wheel-drive model achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway), while the GLA 250 4Matic earns 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). Both models feature an automatic stop-start function to further enhance fuel efficiency in city driving.
The High-Performance AMG GLA 45
For buyers seeking even greater performance, the high-performance AMG GLA 45 variant was available. This model comes standard with all-wheel drive and builds upon the GLA 250’s standard features with a significantly more powerful version of the 2.0-liter engine, producing a remarkable 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It features a quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission, sport exhaust, unique 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and upgraded brakes. Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a power passenger seat, MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery, and AMG-specific styling tweaks, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, are also standard.
The AMG GLA 45 offers thrilling performance, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds. Despite its high performance, the AMG GLA 45 still achieves a respectable EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirrored those of the GLA 250 but also included performance-oriented choices like 20-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats, an upgraded steering wheel, a large rear spoiler, and a performance exhaust. Unique to the AMG GLA 45 was the Dynamic Plus package, adding adaptive suspension dampers, a limited-slip front differential, a Race driving mode, and a higher top speed. Carbon-fiber exterior trim, an Aerodynamics package, and the AMG Dinamica package further enhanced both performance and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 offers a compelling entry point into the luxury SUV segment. With its generous standard features, available packages and standalone options, and efficient yet capable engine, it caters to a wide range of buyers. Whether you prioritize comfort and technology, or sporty aesthetics and enhanced performance with the AMG GLA 45, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup provides a premium and versatile driving experience in a compact form.
