The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 stands as a compelling entry in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz sophistication, versatile functionality, and engaging driving dynamics. This model year provided a well-rounded package appealing to a broad spectrum of drivers seeking a premium experience in a smaller footprint. Let’s delve into the standard features, available packages, performance specifications, and high-performance AMG variant of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250.
Standard Features of the 2017 GLA 250
The GLA 250 comes generously equipped right from the base model, ensuring a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2017 GLA 250 is characterized by its stylish and practical features. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and includes privacy glass for enhanced passenger comfort and a sleek appearance. Foglights improve visibility in inclement weather, while automatic wipers add convenience during rainy conditions. A power liftgate simplifies cargo access, and cruise control enhances driver comfort on longer journeys.
Interior
Inside, the 2017 GLA 250 focuses on providing a premium and comfortable cabin. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows personalized temperature settings for the driver and passenger. The driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat with 4-way power lumbar support, while the passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustability and a fold-flat feature for increased cargo flexibility. Driver memory settings recall preferred seat and mirror positions. A driver information display keeps essential vehicle data readily available. Selectable driving modes allow customization of the driving experience based on conditions or preferences. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery offers a refined feel, complemented by ambient interior lighting for a touch of elegance. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel ensures an optimal driving position, and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through enhance cargo versatility.
Technology & Convenience
Technologically, the 2017 GLA 250 is well-equipped for connectivity and entertainment. A 7-inch central display, controlled via a console-mounted knob, serves as the infotainment hub. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming. A six-speaker audio system includes a CD player, HD radio, an SD card reader, and two USB ports for various media sources. Select Mercedes-Benz 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 GLA 250 4Matic, additional features catered to light off-road scenarios. Hill descent control aids in controlled descents on steep slopes, and an off-road status monitor displayed on the 7-inch screen provides information like steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage.
Optional Packages for Enhanced Luxury and Performance
Mercedes-Benz offered a range of packages for the 2017 GLA 250 to tailor the vehicle to individual preferences and needs.
Premium Package
The Premium package significantly enhances convenience and safety, adding a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats for cold-weather comfort, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio for superior sound quality.
Multimedia Package
For those prioritizing in-car technology, the Multimedia package upgrades the central display to a larger 8-inch screen and incorporates a navigation system. Voice controls offer hands-free operation of certain functions, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provides seamless connectivity for compatible devices.
Sport Package & Night Package
The Sport package visually and dynamically enhances the 2017 GLA 250 with 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for improved stopping power, and more aggressively styled exterior elements. For an even bolder aesthetic, the Night package, available exclusively with the Sport package, adds black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents.
Interior Package
The Interior package elevates the cabin ambiance with leather seating, front sport seats for increased lateral support, upgraded ambient interior lighting with a wider range of customization, and MB-Tex dash trim for a touch of luxury on frequently touched surfaces.
Driver Assistance & Convenience Packages
Safety and convenience are further enhanced with the Driver Assistance and Convenience packages. The Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and lane departure warning, alerting the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. The Convenience package adds auto-dimming mirrors to reduce nighttime glare and a garage door opener integrated into the rearview mirror.
Standalone options allowed for further customization, including individual items from the packages, xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, parking sensors combined with an automated parking system for easier maneuvering in tight spaces, and a 14-way power passenger seat with memory for enhanced passenger comfort.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 delivers a balanced performance suitable for daily driving and occasional spirited runs.
Engine and Transmission
Powering the 2017 GLA 250 is 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 manual gear selection.
Driving Performance
In Edmunds track testing, the GLA 250 4Matic demonstrated impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, surpassing Mercedes’ estimated time of 7.1 seconds. This performance is commendable for the compact SUV segment, offering responsive acceleration and confident highway merging and passing.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a strong point for the 2017 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). These figures are competitive within the luxury compact SUV class, making the GLA 250 an economical choice for daily commuting and longer trips. Both GLA 250 models incorporate an automatic stop-start function to further conserve fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
The High-Performance AMG GLA 45
For driving enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance, the AMG GLA 45 represents the high-performance variant of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class.
AMG GLA 45 Key Features
The AMG GLA 45 comes standard with all-wheel drive and builds upon the GLA 250’s standard features with a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system for an aggressive sound, unique 19-inch AMG wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for enhanced handling, and upgraded brakes for superior stopping power. Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights provide improved illumination and a distinctive appearance. The power passenger seat, MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery, and unique AMG styling cues, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, further differentiate the AMG GLA 45.
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirrored those of the GLA 250, with additions like 20-inch AMG wheels, Recaro sport seats for ultimate lateral support, an upgraded AMG steering wheel, a large rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics, and a performance exhaust system for an even more pronounced engine note. The AMG GLA 45 could be ordered with most of the GLA 250’s packages, excluding the Sport and Night packages, as it already incorporates those themes in its standard configuration. The unique Dynamic Plus package for the AMG GLA 45 added adaptive suspension dampers, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction, a Race driving mode for track-focused performance, and an increased top speed. Carbon-fiber exterior trim, an Aerodynamics package, and the AMG Dinamica package further enhanced both performance and visual appeal.
AMG GLA 45 Performance
The AMG GLA 45 boasts an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque from its enhanced 2.0-liter engine. A quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission channels power to all four wheels. The AMG GLA 45 also features a three-mode stability control system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of electronic intervention, and includes launch control for optimal acceleration from a standstill. Mercedes-Benz states a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.3 seconds for the AMG GLA 45, placing it firmly in the sports car realm in terms of acceleration. Despite its high performance, the AMG GLA 45 still achieves a respectable EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).
In conclusion, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, in both its standard and AMG guises, offers a compelling blend of luxury, versatility, and performance within the compact SUV segment. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfortable features in the GLA 250 or seeking exhilarating power in the AMG GLA 45, the 2017 GLA Class provides a premium driving experience with a wide range of customization options to suit individual preferences.
