The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, particularly the GLA250 model, offers a blend of SUV versatility and Mercedes-Benz luxury in a compact package. This breakdown explores the standard features, optional packages, and standalone upgrades available for the GLA 2016, providing a comprehensive overview for potential owners and enthusiasts.
Standard Features of the GLA250
The base GLA250 comes well-equipped with a range of features focusing on comfort, convenience, and style. Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, roof rack, and foglamps enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. A power liftgate adds convenience for cargo access, while automatic wipers and cruise control improve the driving experience in varying conditions.
Inside, the driver benefits from a 14-way power seat with memory settings, while the passenger enjoys a 10-way manually adjustable seat. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through contribute to a comfortable and adaptable interior.
Technology features are anchored by a 7-inch central display controlled via a console-mounted knob. Connectivity options include a media interface for digital music players, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, and an audio system featuring a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, additional features cater to light off-road situations. Hill-descent control and an off-road status monitor integrated into the 7-inch display provide information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, enhancing its sport-activity vehicle credentials.
Available Packages for Enhanced Features
To further customize the GLA250, Mercedes-Benz offered several packages that grouped popular options:
Premium Package: This package elevates comfort and convenience with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, and heated front seats. Audio is upgraded with a Harman Kardon sound system including satellite radio for enhanced entertainment.
Multimedia Package: Focusing on technology upgrades, this package includes a larger 8-inch screen, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls, and a rearview camera for improved visibility. An in-dash SD card reader expands media options, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates keep drivers informed.
Sport Package: For a more dynamic appearance and driving feel, the Sport package adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and more aggressively styled exterior elements, giving the GLA250 a sportier edge.
Night Package: Building on the Sport package, the Night package adds black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a distinctive and sophisticated darker aesthetic. This package is exclusively available in combination with the Sport package.
Interior Package: Luxury and ambiance are enhanced with the Interior package, featuring leather seating, front sport seats for added support, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the cabin, and MB-Tex dash trim for a premium feel.
Driver Assistance package: Prioritizing safety and driver assistance, this package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor, providing valuable safety nets for modern driving conditions.
Standalone Options for Personalization
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed buyers to select individual features. These included items also found in packages, providing flexibility in customization. Additional standalone options consisted of bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, and parking sensors combined with an automated parking system to simplify urban maneuvering. Further options included a power passenger seat with memory, a standalone blind-spot monitor, and aluminum interior trim for a different aesthetic.
The High-Performance AMG GLA 45
For those seeking significantly enhanced performance, the AMG GLA 45 represents the high-performance variant. Standard all-wheel drive is coupled with a more powerful engine, sport exhaust, and unique 19-inch wheels. The AMG GLA 45 also features sport-tuned suspension and steering, along with upgraded brakes for a more dynamic driving experience.
Exterior styling is differentiated with bi-xenon headlights, a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes. Inside, the AMG GLA 45 includes the GLA250’s standard features, along with a power passenger seat and ambient lighting as standard.
AMG GLA 45 options largely mirrored those of the GLA250 but also included Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support, an upgraded steering wheel, and a large rear spoiler for increased downforce. The Dynamic Plus package, replacing the previous Driver’s package, added 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, a limited-slip front differential, a “Race” driving mode, and a higher top speed, further sharpening the AMG GLA 45’s performance credentials. Multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package offered additional aesthetic and performance customization.
The 2016 Mercedes GLA offered a wide array of features and customization options, ranging from the well-equipped GLA250 to the high-performance AMG GLA 45, catering to diverse preferences and needs in the compact SUV segment.
