The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class presents a compelling entry into the luxury compact SUV segment, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz sophistication and versatile functionality. For those considering a pre-owned luxury SUV, understanding the features and options available for the Benz Gla Class 2016 is crucial. This model year provides a range of configurations, from the well-equipped GLA250 to the high-performance AMG GLA 45, ensuring a variant for diverse preferences.
The standard GLA250 model is generously equipped, starting with 18-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass, enhancing both aesthetics and privacy. Practicality is addressed with a roof rack and power liftgate, while foglamps improve visibility in adverse conditions. Comfort and convenience features include automatic wipers, cruise control, and a 14-way power driver seat with memory settings, ensuring personalized driving positions. The passenger enjoys a 10-way manually adjustable seat. Both front occupants benefit from MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through for enhanced cargo flexibility. Technologically, the GLA250 incorporates a 7-inch central display controlled via a console-mounted knob, a media interface for digital music players, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, and an audio system complete with a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, Mercedes-Benz adds hill-descent control and an off-road status monitor integrated into the 7-inch display. This system provides drivers with real-time information including steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, adding to the vehicle’s sport-activity credentials and providing useful data for light off-road scenarios.
To further personalize the GLA250, Mercedes-Benz offered several packages. The Premium package elevates comfort with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, and heated front seats, desirable features for everyday convenience. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio included in this package. For enhanced technology, the Multimedia package upgrades the central display to a larger 8-inch screen and integrates a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice controls. It also adds a rearview camera for easier parking, an in-dash SD card reader, and provides five years of real-time traffic and weather updates, crucial for navigation and trip planning.
Sportier aesthetics and performance are available through the Sport package, which includes 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for improved stopping power, and more aggressively styled exterior elements. Exclusivity can be further amplified with the Night package, available only in conjunction with the Sport package, adding black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a distinctive and stealthy appearance. Luxury-focused buyers might consider the Interior package, which introduces leather seating, front sport seats for enhanced support, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the cabin atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim for a more premium feel. For advanced safety and driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor, all contributing to a safer and more relaxed driving experience.
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allowed buyers to cherry-pick individual features. These included bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin, and parking sensors coupled with an automated parking system for effortless parking maneuvers. Further convenience options included a power passenger seat with memory, a standalone blind-spot monitor, and aluminum interior trim for a touch of sporty elegance.
At the top of the range, the high-performance AMG GLA 45 comes standard with all-wheel drive and builds upon the GLA250’s standard features. It boasts a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system for an exhilarating sound, unique 19-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension and steering for sharper handling. Upgraded brakes further enhance performance. Visually, the AMG GLA 45 is distinguished by bi-xenon headlights and unique styling cues including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes. Inside, a power passenger seat and ambient lighting are also standard.
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA250, but also include performance-oriented upgrades like Recaro sport seats for superior lateral support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel for enhanced feel and control, and a large rear spoiler for increased downforce and aggressive styling. The Dynamic Plus package, an evolution of 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 enthusiasts, and a higher top speed, maximizing the vehicle’s performance potential. For further personalization, multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package are available, adding both performance and aesthetic enhancements. The benz gla class 2016 truly offers a spectrum of choices, ensuring a configuration to meet varied needs and desires within the luxury compact SUV market.
