The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV is a compelling entry in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz sophistication and versatile functionality. This model comes generously equipped right from the base level, ensuring a premium experience for drivers and passengers alike.
Standard features on the GLA 250 start with exterior enhancements and practical elements. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and includes privacy glass for rear occupants. Fog lamps enhance visibility in adverse conditions, while roof rails add to the vehicle’s adventurous aesthetic and provide a base for roof-mounted cargo solutions. A power liftgate adds convenience for loading and unloading cargo. Automatic wipers respond to changing weather conditions, and cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed on longer drives.
Inside the cabin, comfort and convenience are prioritized. Ten-way power front seats, complete with four-way power lumbar support, allow for personalized driving and passenger positions. Driver memory settings recall preferred seat and mirror positions. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery provides a luxurious feel while being durable and easy to maintain. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further aids in finding the ideal driving posture. The 60/40-split-folding rear seat, featuring a pass-through, enhances cargo flexibility, accommodating longer items without sacrificing rear passenger space.
On the technology front, the 2015 GLA 250 is equipped with a 5.8-inch central display, managed by the COMAND interface, serving as the hub for many vehicle functions. mbrace2 telematics and smartphone integration provide connectivity features. Bluetooth phone and audio streaming are standard, along with a sound system that includes a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input for various media sources. For those seeking to venture off the beaten path, hill-descent control and an off-road transmission mode add to the GLA 250’s sport-activity credentials.
For those desiring even more features, Mercedes-Benz offered a range of optional packages for the 2015 GLA 250. The Premium package elevates comfort and convenience with auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized temperature settings, a compass, and heated front seats for colder climates. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Harman Kardon audio system, which also includes satellite radio and an iPod interface.
The Multimedia package enhances the infotainment system with a larger 7-inch central display for improved visibility. It also adds a navigation system, voice controls for various functions, a rearview camera to aid in parking and maneuvering, and a 10GB music server for storing digital music. For a sportier appearance and driving dynamics, the Sport package includes 19-inch wheels, a more aggressively styled front fascia and side sills, and upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power.
The Interior package focuses on cabin luxury, featuring leather seating, front sport seats for added bolstering, a black headliner, and MB-Tex dash trim for a refined ambiance. Safety and driver assistance are addressed with the Driver Assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, lane departure warning to alert the driver of unintentional lane drifts, and blind spot warning to enhance awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Individual stand-alone options further allow for customization of the 2015 GLA 250. These include bi-xenon headlamps for improved nighttime visibility, a panoramic sunroof to bring in natural light and fresh air, adaptive cruise control as a standalone option, and an illuminated grille emblem for a distinctive front-end appearance. Parking sensors combined with an automated parking system simplify parking maneuvers, while keyless ignition and entry add convenience. Heated front seats, wood interior trim, a lower-cost navigation system integrated into the standard 5.8-inch display, an iPod/media player interface, satellite radio, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system are also available as individual options.
For a truly exclusive touch, a limited run of 750 GLA 250 models were offered with the “Edition 1” package. This package combined a unique aesthetic with premium features, including white paint, a distinctive two-tone brown leather/cloth interior, bi-xenon headlamps, gloss black 19-inch wheels and body trim, a panoramic sunroof, blind spot assist, the illuminated grille emblem, aluminum interior accents, and the contents of the Premium, Multimedia, and Interior packages.
At the top of the GLA range sits the high-performance GLA 45 AMG. Building upon the GLA 250’s standard features, the AMG variant significantly boosts performance with a more powerful engine. It also features unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for sharper handling, upgraded brakes for increased stopping power, bi-xenon headlights, and AMG-specific styling cues including a more aggressive front fascia and lower body metallic accents.
Options for the GLA 45 AMG largely mirror those of the GLA 250, but also include performance-oriented choices such as Recaro seats for enhanced support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel with suedelike trim for improved grip, a performance exhaust system for a more aggressive sound, a large rear spoiler for added downforce, and an Aerodynamics package with further exterior styling enhancements. The Driver’s package for the AMG includes 20-inch wheels, a firmer suspension setup, and red brake calipers. Various body styling packages with unique colors and trim options were also available to personalize the GLA 45 AMG further. Other options are consistent with those offered on the GLA 250, allowing buyers to tailor their high-performance SUV to their exact preferences.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV stands out as a well-equipped and versatile luxury compact SUV, offering a wide array of standard features and a comprehensive list of optional packages and stand-alone options to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing luxury, technology, sporty aesthetics, or high performance with the AMG variant, the GLA 250 provides a compelling entry point into the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.
