The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 stands out as a versatile compact SUV, blending luxury with practicality. It comes well-equipped right from the base model, offering a range of features designed for comfort, convenience, and style. Let’s delve into what makes the standard GLA 250 a compelling choice and explore the available packages and standalone options that allow for further customization.
The exterior of the GLA 250 is defined by its 18-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass, giving it a sophisticated and slightly sporty stance. Practicality is enhanced with a roof rack and foglamps, while the power liftgate adds ease of access to the cargo area. Automatic wipers contribute to driver convenience in varying weather conditions.
Inside, the 2016 GLA 250 prioritizes driver and passenger comfort. The driver enjoys a 14-way power seat, complete with memory settings, while the passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustability. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provides a durable and premium feel, complemented by a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel for finding the perfect driving position. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, featuring a cargo pass-through, enhance cargo flexibility.
Technologically, the 2016 GLA 250 is equipped with a 7-inch central display controlled by a console-mounted knob. Connectivity features include a media interface for digital music players, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, and an audio system with a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic, additional features cater to more adventurous driving. Hill-descent control becomes standard, along with 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, enhancing the vehicle’s sport-activity credentials.
To elevate the GLA 250 further, Mercedes-Benz offers several packages. The Premium package adds sought-after features such as auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition for enhanced convenience, and heated front seats for comfort in colder climates. The audio experience is significantly upgraded with a Harman Kardon sound system, including satellite radio.
The Multimedia package focuses on enhancing the infotainment system. It upgrades the central screen to a larger 8-inch display and incorporates a hard-drive-based navigation system. Voice controls are added for ease of use, along with a rearview camera for improved parking and maneuvering. An in-dash SD card reader and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates further enhance the system’s capabilities.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Sport package is available, featuring 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for enhanced performance, and more aggressively styled exterior elements. Building upon the Sport package, the Night package adds black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a distinctive and bolder look.
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.
Safety and driver assistance are addressed with the Driver Assistance package. This package includes adaptive cruise control for maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane-departure warning to help prevent unintentional lane drifts, and a blind-spot monitor to increase awareness of surrounding traffic.
Beyond packages, the 2016 GLA 250 offers standalone options, allowing buyers to select individual features. These include bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and a modern look, a panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin, and parking sensors combined with an automated parking system for effortless parking. A power passenger seat with memory is available, mirroring the driver’s seat functionality. For added safety, a standalone blind-spot monitor can be selected. Aluminum interior trim provides a different aesthetic choice for the cabin.
For those seeking high-performance, the AMG GLA 45 is the ultimate iteration. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and includes the GLA 250’s standard features, then significantly ramps up performance with a more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system, and unique 19-inch wheels. The suspension and steering are sport-tuned, and upgraded brakes provide enhanced stopping power. The AMG GLA 45 also features bi-xenon headlights, distinctive styling cues including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes. Inside, it includes a power passenger seat and ambient lighting as standard.
AMG GLA 45 options largely mirror those of the GLA 250 but include Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support, an upgraded steering wheel for a sportier feel, and a large rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics and visual impact. The Dynamic Plus package, an evolution of the previous Driver’s package, adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers for adjustable ride quality, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction, a “Race” driving mode for track enthusiasts, and a higher top speed. Carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package are available to further enhance both performance and aesthetics.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 offers a compelling entry into the luxury compact SUV segment, with a strong base of standard features and a wide array of packages and options to tailor it to individual preferences and needs. Whether prioritizing comfort, technology, sporty styling, or high-performance, the GLA 250 provides a solid foundation with ample opportunity for personalization.
