The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class SUV presents itself as a compelling option in the compact luxury SUV segment. This model year offers a blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury, practical SUV functionality, and a range of features to cater to diverse preferences. Let’s delve into the standard and optional features available for the 2016 GLA Class, focusing on what makes it a noteworthy vehicle.
The base GLA250 model is equipped with a solid set of standard features that emphasize both comfort and convenience. Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels that provide a stylish stance, privacy glass for enhanced passenger comfort and discretion, and a functional roof rack for added cargo versatility. Foglamps improve visibility in adverse weather conditions, while a power liftgate adds convenience to cargo access. Automatic wipers contribute to driving ease by automatically adjusting to changing weather conditions. For driver and passenger comfort, cruise control is standard, along with a 14-way power driver seat ensuring a customizable driving position, and a 10-way manual passenger seat. Driver memory settings allow for personalized seat and mirror adjustments, while MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provides a durable and refined interior surface. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhances driver comfort and ergonomics. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, complete with a cargo pass-through, maximize cargo and passenger flexibility.
Stepping inside the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class SUV, the interior is characterized by a design philosophy of attractive simplicity. The instrumentation is large and clear, ensuring essential driving information is readily accessible to the driver. The central console features a 7-inch display screen, controlled via a console-mounted knob, serving as the hub for infotainment and vehicle settings. Electronic features are comprehensive, including a media interface designed for digital music players, Bluetooth connectivity for both phone calls and audio streaming, and an audio system that includes a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic variant, additional features enhance its capability as a sport-activity vehicle. Hill-descent control aids in maintaining controlled speeds on steep declines, while an off-road status monitor, integrated into the 7-inch display, provides drivers with real-time information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, further bolstering its credentials for light off-road adventures.
To further personalize the 2016 GLA250, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of packages. The Premium package elevates the luxury feel with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition for added convenience, and heated front seats for comfort in colder climates. The inclusion of a Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio significantly upgrades the in-car entertainment experience. The Multimedia package focuses on technology enhancements, featuring a larger 8-inch screen for improved display clarity, a hard-drive-based navigation system for reliable route guidance, and voice controls for hands-free operation of various vehicle functions. A rearview camera enhances safety and ease of parking, while an in-dash SD card reader expands media options, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates keep drivers informed and prepared.
For a sportier aesthetic and driving dynamics, the Sport package is available, adding 19-inch wheels for a more aggressive stance, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and more aggressively styled exterior elements. Building upon the Sport package, the Night package further refines the exterior appearance with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents, creating a distinctive and sophisticated look. The Interior package focuses on cabin refinement, featuring leather seating surfaces, front sport seats for enhanced support during spirited driving, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the interior atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim for a touch of added luxury. For drivers prioritizing safety and advanced driving aids, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane-departure warning to alert drivers of unintentional lane drifts, and a blind-spot monitor to enhance awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Beyond packages, a selection of standalone options allowed buyers to further customize their 2016 GLA Class. These included individual items from the packages, such as bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof to enhance the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin, and parking sensors combined with an automated parking system for stress-free parking maneuvers. A power passenger seat with memory mirrors the driver’s seat functionality for the front passenger, while a standalone blind-spot monitor was also available. Aluminum interior trim offered another option to personalize the cabin’s aesthetics.
At the top of the 2016 GLA Class range sits the high-performance AMG GLA 45. This model comes standard with all-wheel drive and incorporates the GLA250’s standard features as a foundation. However, it distinguishes itself with a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system that amplifies the driving experience, unique 19-inch wheels that complement its performance-oriented nature, and a sport-tuned suspension and steering system for sharper handling. Upgraded brakes ensure confident stopping power to match the increased performance. Visually, the AMG GLA 45 features bi-xenon headlights and styling enhancements including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, signaling its high-performance capabilities. Inside, a power passenger seat and ambient lighting are also standard.
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA250, allowing for similar personalization. However, unique performance-focused options include Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel for improved feel and control, and a large rear spoiler that adds to both aesthetics and aerodynamics. The Dynamic Plus package, succeeding the previous Driver’s package, elevates performance further with 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers that adjust to driving conditions, a limited-slip front differential for enhanced traction, a “Race” driving mode to optimize performance for track driving, and an increased top speed. For those seeking to further emphasize the performance aesthetic, multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package are available.
In summary, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class SUV offers a wide spectrum of features and options, ranging from the well-equipped GLA250 to the high-performance AMG GLA 45. Whether prioritizing luxury, practicality, or performance, the 2016 GLA Class provides a compelling entry point into the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.
