The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, particularly the GLA250 model, presents a compelling entry into the luxury compact SUV market. It comes generously equipped as standard, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and technology that appeals to discerning drivers. Let’s delve into the standard features and explore the available packages and standalone options that allow for personalization and enhanced driving experience.
Standard Features of the GLA 250
The GLA250 is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a stylish and sturdy stance. Privacy glass ensures passenger comfort and security, while foglamps enhance visibility in adverse weather conditions. Roof rails add practicality and versatility for carrying extra cargo. A power liftgate offers ease of access to the cargo area, a valuable feature for daily convenience. Automatic wipers take the hassle out of driving in the rain, and cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed on longer journeys.
Inside, the GLA250 prioritizes comfort and adjustability with 10-way power front seats including 4-way power lumbar support, ensuring optimal driving and passenger posture. Driver memory settings recall preferred seat and mirror positions, beneficial for multiple drivers. MBTex premium vinyl upholstery provides a refined feel and durability, while the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows drivers to find their ideal driving position. The 60/40-split-folding rear seat with a pass-through enhances cargo flexibility, accommodating both passengers and longer items.
On the technology front, the GLA250 includes a 5.8-inch central display managing the COMAND interface, which serves as the central control for vehicle functions. mbrace2 telematics and smartphone integration bring connectivity to the forefront, while Bluetooth phone and audio streaming enables hands-free communication and entertainment. A sound system featuring a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input provides various audio entertainment options. For those seeking adventure, hill-descent control and an off-road transmission mode highlight the GLA250’s sport-activity capabilities, offering enhanced control in varied terrains.
Available Packages for Enhanced Features
To further personalize and enhance the GLA250, Mercedes-Benz offers several packages. The Premium package elevates comfort and convenience with auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized temperature settings, and a compass for navigation assistance. Heated seats provide added comfort in colder climates, and a Harman Kardon audio system, including satellite radio and an iPod interface, delivers a superior audio experience.
The Multimedia package focuses on advanced technology and navigation. It includes a navigation system displayed on a larger 7-inch central screen, voice controls for easier system operation, a rearview camera for enhanced parking and reversing safety, and a 10GB music server for storing digital music.
For a sportier aesthetic and performance, the Sport package upgrades the wheels to 19-inch, adds a more aggressive front fascia and side sills for a dynamic appearance, and includes upgraded brakes for improved stopping power.
The Interior package enhances the cabin’s ambiance with leather seating, front sport seats for added support, a black headliner for a sporty feel, and MBTex dash trim for a touch of luxury.
The Driver Assistance package prioritizes safety and driver aids. It includes adaptive cruise control to automatically maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, lane departure warning to alert the driver of unintentional lane drifts, and blind spot warning to help avoid lane-change collisions.
Stand-Alone Options for Customization
Beyond packages, a range of stand-alone options allows for highly customized configurations. These include bi-xenon headlamps for brighter and more efficient lighting, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, and adaptive cruise control available individually. An illuminated grille emblem adds a distinctive visual touch, while parking sensors combined with an automated parking system simplify parking maneuvers. Keyless ignition and entry add convenience to daily use, and heated front seats can be selected independently. Wood interior trim offers a classic and elegant cabin aesthetic, while a lower-cost navigation system integrated into the standard 5.8-inch display provides navigation functionality at a different price point. An iPod/media player interface, satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system are also available as individual options, catering to specific entertainment preferences.
Limited “Edition 1” Package
For a distinctive and exclusive offering, a limited run of 750 GLA250 models were available with the “Edition 1” package. This exclusive package combined white paint with a unique two-tone brown leather/cloth interior. It also included bi-xenon headlamps, gloss black 19-inch wheels and body trim, a panoramic sunroof, blind spot assist, the illuminated grille emblem, and aluminum interior accents. Furthermore, it incorporated the comprehensive Premium, Multimedia, and Interior packages, representing a fully loaded and visually striking variant.
The High-Performance GLA 45 AMG
At the top of the range, the GLA 45 AMG delivers high performance. Building upon the GLA250’s standard features, the AMG variant boasts a more powerful engine, unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for enhanced handling, and upgraded brakes for superior stopping power. Bi-xenon headlights and AMG-specific styling tweaks, including a more aggressive front fascia and lower body metallic accents, distinguish it visually. Options largely mirror the GLA250 but also include Recaro seats for enhanced support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel with suedelike trim for improved grip, a performance exhaust for a more aggressive sound, a large rear spoiler for aerodynamic enhancement, and an Aerodynamics package for further exterior styling enhancements. The Driver’s package adds 20-inch wheels, firmer suspension, and red brake calipers for even more focused performance. A variety of body styling packages with unique colors and trim are also available, allowing for a highly personalized high-performance SUV.
In conclusion, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class, especially the GLA250 and GLA 45 AMG models, offers a wide range of features and customization options. From standard comforts and technology to available packages and stand-alone options, buyers can tailor a GLA Class to meet their specific needs and preferences, making it a versatile and appealing choice in the luxury compact SUV segment.
