The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class entered the luxury subcompact SUV scene as a compelling option, and the 2016 model year continued to build on its appeal. The GLA250, as the base model, offered a solid foundation of standard features and a range of optional packages and standalone upgrades to personalize your driving experience. Let’s delve into what made the 2016 Mercedes SUV GLA a noteworthy contender in its class.
Standard Features of the GLA 250: A Comfortable and Functional Base
The 2016 Mercedes SUV GLA 250 came well-equipped right from the start. Exterior highlights included practical and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass for rear occupants, and roof rails for added utility. Fog lamps enhanced visibility in adverse conditions, while a power liftgate added convenience to cargo access. Automatic wipers and cruise control further simplified the driving experience.
Inside the cabin, the driver benefited from a 14-way power-adjustable seat with memory settings, ensuring personalized comfort behind the wheel. The passenger seat offered 10-way manual adjustability. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provided a durable and premium feel, complemented by a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel for optimal driving position. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through expanded cargo versatility when needed.
Technology was also a key focus, featuring a 7-inch central display screen controlled by a console-mounted knob. Connectivity was comprehensive with a media interface for digital music players, Bluetooth for phone calls 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, Mercedes-Benz added hill-descent control for better off-road capability and an off-road status monitor displayed on the 7-inch screen. This monitor provided real-time information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, adding a touch of ruggedness to its sport-activity credentials.
Optional Packages: Tailoring Your GLA 2016 to Perfection
Mercedes-Benz offered a variety of packages to elevate the GLA 2016 beyond its standard offerings:
- Premium Package: This package enhanced convenience and luxury with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition for seamless vehicle access, heated front seats for colder climates, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio for superior sound quality.
- Multimedia Package: For tech enthusiasts, the Multimedia package was a must-have. It featured a larger 8-inch screen for improved visibility, a hard-drive-based navigation system for reliable guidance, voice controls for hands-free operation, a rearview camera for easier parking, an in-dash SD card reader, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates.
- Sport Package: To inject a more dynamic aesthetic, the Sport package included larger 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and more aggressively styled exterior elements.
- Night Package: Building upon the Sport package, the Night package added black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a distinctive and sporty appearance.
- Interior Package: For a more luxurious cabin experience, the Interior package provided leather seating surfaces, front sport seats for added support, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the interior atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim.
- Driver Assistance Package: Prioritizing safety and convenience, the Driver Assistance package included adaptive cruise control for maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane-departure warning to alert the driver of unintentional lane drifts, and a blind-spot monitor to enhance awareness of surrounding traffic.
Standalone Options: Further Customization
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed for even finer customization. These included many items also found within the packages, allowing buyers to pick and choose specific features. Bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights provided improved illumination and a modern look. A panoramic sunroof brought in more natural light and fresh air. Parking sensors paired with an automated parking system simplified parking maneuvers. Power passenger seat with memory mirrored the driver’s seat adjustability. A standalone blind-spot monitor was also available. Aluminum interior trim offered a sporty and sophisticated touch to the cabin.
The High-Performance AMG GLA 45: Unleashing Potent Power
For drivers craving exhilarating performance, the AMG GLA 45 represented the pinnacle of the GLA range. Standard all-wheel drive was complemented by a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system for an aggressive sound, 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 distinctive AMG styling cues, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, further set it apart. Inside, the power passenger seat and ambient lighting from the higher trim GLA models were also standard.
AMG GLA 45 Options: Performance and Aesthetics Amplified
The AMG GLA 45 offered its own set of performance and aesthetic options. Recaro sport seats provided enhanced lateral support for spirited driving. An upgraded steering wheel offered improved grip and feel. A large rear spoiler further emphasized the sporty nature and potentially improved aerodynamics. The Dynamic Plus package, replacing the previous Driver’s package, took performance even further with 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers for adjustable ride quality, a limited-slip front differential for enhanced traction, a “Race” driving mode for track days, and a higher top speed. Multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package further enhanced both performance and visual appeal.
The 2016 Mercedes SUV GLA offered a compelling blend of luxury, practicality, and performance in the subcompact SUV segment. Whether opting for the well-equipped GLA250 or the thrilling AMG GLA 45, buyers had a wide array of features and options to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences.
