The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class marked a significant entry into the compact luxury crossover segment, blending the practicality of a hatchback with the elevated driving position and styling cues of an SUV. This model year offered a compelling package for drivers seeking a vehicle that was both versatile and refined, carrying the prestigious Mercedes-Benz badge. Let’s delve into the specifics of the GLA Class 2016, exploring its powertrain, performance, features, and overall appeal.
Powertrain and Performance of the 2016 GLA Class
Under the hood of the standard GLA250 model resided a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. This powerplant delivered a substantial 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, ensuring brisk acceleration and responsive driving dynamics. Paired with a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GLA250 provided seamless gear changes and efficient power delivery. Drivers had the choice between front-wheel drive and the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, catering to varying driving needs and preferences. While a manual transmission was not offered, the standard start-stop system, designed to enhance fuel efficiency, could be deactivated for those preferring a more traditional driving experience. Mercedes-Benz officially quoted a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.4 seconds, highlighting the GLA250’s nimble performance, with a top speed reaching 145 mph.
For enthusiasts craving even greater performance, the 2016 model year boasted the high-performance GLA45 AMG variant. This model took the already potent 2.0-liter turbo engine and significantly amplified its output to an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This power surge translated to a dramatically reduced 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of a mere 4.3 seconds, placing it firmly in sports car territory. The GLA45 AMG also introduced a new Race mode, among other performance-oriented upgrades, further sharpening its focus on dynamic driving.
On and Off-Road Capabilities: Versatility of the GLA 2016
While not intended for extreme off-roading in the vein of a dedicated Jeep, the 2016 GLA Class with the available 4Matic all-wheel-drive system demonstrated surprising capability in challenging conditions. Its AWD system provided enhanced traction in snow, on loose dirt, and gravel roads, making it a confident choice for drivers encountering varied terrains. Beyond simply navigating slippery surfaces, the GLA 4Matic was equipped with Downhill Speed Regulation and an off-road transmission mode, further aiding control and stability in more demanding situations.
Despite its taller ride height compared to a standard hatchback, which could induce slightly more body roll in sharp corners, the GLA Class leveraged its CLA sedan underpinnings to deliver roadholding and handling characteristics more akin to a passenger car than a typical SUV. This ensured a comfortable and engaging driving experience on paved roads. A newly implemented electromechanical steering system was engineered to work in harmony with the stability control system, further enhancing driver control and responsiveness.
Interior and Comfort: A Refined Cabin Experience
Stepping inside the 2016 GLA Class, occupants were greeted with a well-appointed cabin. The power-adjustable front seats offered excellent bolstering and comfort, even on extended journeys. However, the rear seat space remained somewhat limited, mirroring the CLA sedan in terms of legroom. Taller front-seat occupants pushing their seats back would further compromise rear legroom. On a positive note, the GLA offered notably improved rear headroom compared to the CLA sedan, a benefit of its crossover design that mitigated the coupe-like roofline’s compromise in the sedan.
Mercedes-Benz designers placed a strong emphasis on minimizing aerodynamic drag and wind noise in the GLA Class. Features such as a tailgate spoiler extending the roofline, underbody panels to reduce turbulence, and aerodynamically sculpted door-mirror housings contributed to a commendably quiet interior and refined ride quality. The steeply raked liftgate, while contributing to the sleek profile, did impact cargo volume, offering 46 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. This confirmed the GLA as a compact AWD hatchback utility vehicle, ideally suited for couples or smaller families rather than those requiring maximum cargo capacity.
Features and Options: Technology and Safety in the GLA 2016
The 2016 GLA250 came standard with a generous list of features including 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, and power front seats with memory. The 4Matic version further added hill descent control and other off-road driving assistance programs to its standard equipment. An extensive options list allowed buyers to personalize their GLA, with highlights including the COMAND vehicle information and infotainment system, bi-xenon headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of advanced electronic active-safety systems.
Safety was a paramount consideration in the GLA Class, with eight standard airbags headlining a comprehensive array of standard and optional safety features. Notably, it offered features rarely seen in its class, such as Attention Assist drowsy-driver detection. Radar-based forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking aimed to prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions, functioning from 4 mph up to 31 mph. Opting for active cruise control upgraded the system to Collision Prevention Assist Plus, capable of automatic braking at speeds up to 124 mph to lessen crash severity. Additional safety extras included parking assist for automated parallel and perpendicular parking, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. It’s worth noting that a rear-view camera was offered as an optional extra, rather than standard.
Pricing and Fuel Economy: Considerations for Ownership
The base front-wheel-drive GLA250 started at a price point slightly above $30,000, while upgrading to 4Matic all-wheel drive added approximately $2,000 to the base price. As with many luxury vehicles, the extensive options list meant that it was entirely possible to significantly increase the GLA’s price, potentially adding $10,000 or more in extras. The high-performance GLA45 AMG commanded a substantial premium, starting at over $15,000 more than the base GLA250.
Fuel economy figures for the GLA250 with 4Matic all-wheel drive were rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Choosing the front-wheel-drive version could improve fuel efficiency by approximately 2 mpg, resulting in ratings of 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Conclusion: The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class – A Balanced Choice
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class presented a compelling option in the burgeoning compact luxury crossover market. It successfully blended Mercedes-Benz refinement with hatchback versatility and SUV-inspired styling. Whether opting for the standard GLA250 or the exhilarating GLA45 AMG, buyers appreciated the GLA’s performance, handling, and feature set. While rear passenger and cargo space were compact, the GLA Class excelled as a stylish and capable vehicle for individuals and smaller households prioritizing driving dynamics and premium features in a smaller footprint.
