The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class emerges as a compelling option in the compact SUV segment, blending Mercedes-Benz luxury with versatile functionality. This model year offers a range of features and packages designed to cater to diverse driver preferences, from everyday practicality to sporty performance. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of what the 2016 GLA Class provides.
The base GLA250 model is well-equipped right from the start, emphasizing both convenience and style. Exterior features include standard 18-inch alloy wheels that provide a solid stance and visual appeal. Privacy glass enhances passenger comfort and security, while a roof rack adds practicality for carrying extra cargo. Foglamps improve visibility in adverse weather conditions, and a power liftgate offers easy access to the cargo area. Automatic wipers contribute to driving convenience by automatically adjusting to changing weather. Cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving.
Inside the GLA250, the driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat, ensuring a comfortable driving position for various body types. The passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustability. Driver memory settings allow for personalized seat and mirror positions. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provides a durable and premium feel, while a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further enhances driver comfort. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through add versatility for managing passengers and cargo.
Interior view of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class showcasing the dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment screen.
Technology in the GLA250 centers around a 7-inch central display, controlled by a console-mounted knob. This system includes a media interface for connecting digital music players, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, and an audio system featuring a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input, providing a range of entertainment options.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, additional features enhance its capability. Hill-descent control assists in maintaining controlled speeds on steep declines, and an off-road status monitor integrated into the 7-inch display provides real-time information such as steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage. These features subtly bolster the GLA250 4Matic’s sport-activity credentials.
To further personalize the GLA250, Mercedes-Benz offered several packages. The Premium package elevates the comfort and convenience with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition for seamless vehicle access, and heated front seats for colder climates. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the upgraded Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio included in this package.
The Multimedia package focuses on enhancing the infotainment experience. It upgrades the central screen to a larger 8-inch display and incorporates a hard-drive-based navigation system for reliable route guidance. Voice controls add hands-free operation for certain functions, and a rearview camera aids in parking and maneuvering. An in-dash SD card reader expands media options, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates keep drivers informed on the go.
For a sportier aesthetic and driving dynamics, the Sport package is available. This package includes larger 19-inch wheels and upgraded brakes for enhanced stopping power. It also adds more aggressively styled exterior elements, giving the GLA250 a more dynamic appearance. Building upon the Sport package, the Night package offers further visual distinction with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a more dramatic and personalized look.
The Interior package focuses on cabin refinement, featuring leather seating surfaces for a luxurious feel and front sport seats for enhanced support. Multi-color ambient lighting allows for customization of the interior atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim adds a touch of sophistication to the dashboard.
For drivers prioritizing advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane-departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, and a blind-spot monitor warns of vehicles in adjacent blind spots, enhancing safety on the road.
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed buyers to customize their GLA250 further. These included individual items from the packages, such as bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility, and a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel. Parking sensors combined with an automated parking system simplify parking maneuvers. A power passenger seat with memory mirrors the driver’s seat adjustability on the passenger side, and a standalone blind-spot monitor was also offered. Aluminum interior trim provided another option to customize the cabin’s aesthetics.
At the top of the 2016 GLA Class lineup sits the high-performance AMG GLA 45. This model comes standard with all-wheel drive and builds upon the GLA250’s standard features with significant performance enhancements. A more powerful engine delivers exhilarating acceleration, complemented by a sport exhaust system for an aggressive sound. Unique 19-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension and steering sharpen handling and responsiveness. Upgraded brakes provide increased stopping power to match the enhanced performance.
Exterior distinctions for the AMG GLA 45 include bi-xenon headlights and styling tweaks such as a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, visually signaling its performance capabilities. Inside, the power passenger seat and ambient lighting from the GLA250’s option list become standard.
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA250, but also include performance-oriented upgrades. Recaro sport seats offer enhanced lateral support for spirited driving, and an upgraded steering wheel provides a sportier feel. A large rear spoiler further enhances the AMG GLA 45’s aggressive styling and potentially improves aerodynamics. The Dynamic Plus package, succeeding the previous Driver’s package, adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers for adjustable ride quality, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction, a “Race” driving mode for track-focused performance, and an increased top speed. For visual and weight reduction enhancements, multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package are also available.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class offers a blend of luxury, versatility, and performance within the compact SUV category. Whether opting for the well-rounded GLA250 or the high-performance AMG GLA 45, buyers could tailor this model to their specific needs and preferences through a comprehensive array of features and options.
