The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class stands as a versatile and stylish compact SUV, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. This model year provides a range of configurations and options to cater to diverse driving needs and preferences. Let’s delve into the specifics of the 2018 GLA Class, exploring its key features, trim levels, and available packages.
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250: Core Features and Standard Equipment
The foundation of the GLA Class lineup is the GLA250, powered by a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, ensuring brisk acceleration and confident highway cruising. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive.
Even in its base configuration, the GLA250 is well-equipped. Exterior highlights include stylish 18-inch alloy wheels and a convenient power liftgate for easy cargo access. Inside, the driver benefits from a power-adjustable seat, allowing for personalized comfort behind the wheel. Mercedes-Benz’s Dynamic Select system provides three distinct driving modes, enabling drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their liking. Premium touches include imitation leather upholstery and a versatile 60/40-split folding rear seatback with a center pass-through, enhancing both passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.
Technologically, the 2018 GLA250 is modern and connected. An 8-inch central display serves as the command center, operated via a user-friendly dial-and-button control system. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming, while a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, SD card reader, and two USB ports provides ample entertainment options. Furthermore, select features of Mercedes’ Mbrace telematics system, including Wi-Fi hotspot capability and concierge services, are accessible through subscription.
GLA 250 4Matic: Enhanced for All-Weather and Light Terrain
For those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather confidence, the GLA250 4Matic model is an excellent choice. Building upon the GLA250’s features, the 4Matic version adds Mercedes-Benz’s renowned all-wheel-drive system. This system not only improves grip in slippery conditions but also adds light off-road capability. To further assist in varied terrains, hill descent control is included, along with an off-road status monitor. This monitor provides real-time data on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, keeping the driver informed during adventurous drives.
Customizing Your GLA 250: Optional Packages
Mercedes-Benz offers a variety of option packages for the GLA250 and GLA250 4Matic, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles with enhanced comfort, technology, and style.
Premium Package
The Premium package elevates the GLA250’s comfort and convenience with several desirable features. Blind-spot monitoring enhances safety by alerting the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes. Keyless entry and ignition provide seamless vehicle access and start-up. Heated front seats ensure warmth in colder climates, and the hands-free liftgate open and close function adds further convenience when loading cargo.
Interior Package
For a more luxurious cabin ambiance, the Interior package is available. This package upgrades the upholstery to supple leather and adds sporty front seats for enhanced support. Ambient cabin lighting creates a sophisticated and customizable interior atmosphere.
Multimedia Package
Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the Multimedia package, which integrates advanced navigation and smartphone connectivity. A navigation system with voice controls ensures easy route guidance. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows seamless access to mobile apps, music, and contacts through the vehicle’s infotainment system. Real-time satellite traffic and weather information keeps drivers informed and prepared for changing conditions.
Driver Assistance Package
Safety and driver aids are further enhanced with the Driver Assistance package. Adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane keeping assist helps prevent unintentional lane departures.
Convenience Package
The Convenience package adds practical features such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, reducing glare from headlights behind the vehicle.
Parking Assist Package
Maneuvering in tight spaces is made easier with the Parking Assist package. This package includes a surround-view camera, providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle, and a self-parking system, which can automatically steer the vehicle into parking spaces.
AMG Line Exterior Package & Night Package
For a sportier aesthetic, the AMG Line Exterior package delivers a high-performance appearance with 19-inch AMG wheels, AMG body styling, and a black headliner. The Night package further enhances this look with black wheels, trim, and side mirror caps for a more aggressive and distinctive style.
Individual Options for Further Personalization
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options allows for even greater customization. Many features from the packages, such as blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated front seats, are available individually. Upgrades like a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights for improved visibility, ambient cabin lighting, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system are also offered to tailor the GLA250 to individual tastes.
The Performance-Oriented AMG GLA 45
At the top of the 2018 GLA Class range sits the AMG GLA 45, a high-performance variant that significantly elevates power and driving dynamics. It retains the all-wheel-drive system and standard features of the GLA250 but boasts a substantially more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Visually and mechanically, the AMG GLA 45 distinguishes itself with 19-inch wheels, a sport exhaust system for a more aggressive sound, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for sharper handling, upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power, and distinctive LED headlights. Inside, a power passenger seat is added to match the driver’s seat adjustability. The options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA250, allowing for similar levels of customization.
AMG Dynamic Plus Package & AMG Performance Studio Package
For the ultimate performance experience, the AMG Dynamic Plus package for the GLA 45 includes adaptive dampers that adjust to driving conditions, a limited-slip differential for improved cornering traction, a Race driving mode for track-focused performance, and an increased top speed. The AMG Performance Studio package is a bold styling upgrade, featuring 20-inch wheels, a unique body kit, a rear spoiler, sport seats, and various interior and exterior components trimmed in black and yellow for a striking and sporty appearance. Additional aesthetic packages are also available to further personalize the AMG GLA 45’s look, both inside and out.
In conclusion, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class offers a compelling entry into the luxury compact SUV segment. With its range of models, extensive features, and numerous customization options, the GLA Class provides a blend of style, performance, and practicality that appeals to a wide range of drivers seeking a premium and versatile vehicle.
