The 2016 GLA Class Mercedes-Benz offers a compelling entry into the luxury compact SUV market, blending Mercedes-Benz sophistication with versatile functionality. This model year presents a range of features and options designed to cater to diverse preferences, from everyday practicality to sporty performance.
The standard GLA250 model is well-equipped, starting with exterior enhancements like 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, and roof rack rails for added utility. Fog lamps improve visibility, while a power liftgate adds convenience to cargo access. Automatic wipers and cruise control enhance the driving experience in varying conditions.
Inside the GLA250, comfort and adjustability are prioritized. The driver benefits from a 14-way power seat with memory settings, while the passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustments. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provides a durable and refined feel, complemented by a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through enhance cargo flexibility.
Technologically, the 2016 GLA Class includes a 7-inch central display controlled via a console-mounted knob. Media connectivity is comprehensive, featuring a media interface for digital music players, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input.
For those seeking enhanced capability, the GLA250 4Matic all-wheel-drive variant adds hill-descent control and an off-road status monitor integrated into the 7-inch display. This monitor provides real-time information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, adding a layer of sport-activity capability.
Several packages were available to further customize the 2016 GLA Class. The Premium package elevates comfort and convenience with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio.
The Multimedia package focuses on technology upgrades. It includes a larger 8-inch screen, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls, a rearview camera for easier parking, an in-dash SD card reader, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates.
For a sportier aesthetic and driving experience, the Sport package adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and more aggressive exterior styling cues. The Night package, exclusively available with the Sport package, further enhances the sporty look with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents.
The Interior package focuses on cabin refinement, featuring leather seating, front sport seats for added support, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the interior atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim for a premium touch.
Safety and driver assistance are addressed with the Driver Assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane-departure warning to help prevent unintentional lane drifts, and a blind-spot monitor to alert drivers to vehicles in adjacent blind spots.
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed buyers to further personalize their 2016 GLA Class. These included items from the packages mentioned above, as well as bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof to enhance the sense of spaciousness, parking sensors combined with an automated parking system for stress-free parking, a power passenger seat with memory for added passenger comfort, a standalone blind-spot monitor option, and aluminum interior trim accents.
At the top of the range, the AMG GLA 45 delivers high-performance thrills. Standard with all-wheel drive, it builds upon the GLA250’s features with a more powerful engine for exhilarating acceleration, a sport exhaust system for an enhanced sound, unique 19-inch AMG wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for sharper handling, and upgraded brakes to match the increased performance. Distinctive bi-xenon headlights and AMG styling tweaks, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, further differentiate the AMG GLA 45. Inside, a power passenger seat and ambient lighting are also standard.
AMG GLA 45 options largely mirror those of the GLA250 but also include performance-oriented upgrades such as Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support, an upgraded steering wheel for improved grip and feel, and a large rear spoiler for added downforce at higher speeds. The Dynamic Plus package, an evolution of the previous Driver’s package, adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers to adjust to driving conditions, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction during cornering, a “Race” driving mode for track-focused performance, and an increased top speed. For visual and performance enhancements, multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package were also available.
In conclusion, the 2016 GLA Class Mercedes-Benz provides a versatile and luxurious option in the compact SUV segment. Whether opting for the well-equipped GLA250 or the high-performance AMG GLA 45, this model year offered a compelling blend of Mercedes-Benz engineering, style, and personalization options.
