The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class emerges as a compelling option in the luxury compact SUV segment, delivering a blend of Mercedes-Benz sophistication, versatile functionality, and engaging performance. This model year offers a range of trims and options to cater to diverse preferences, from the well-equipped GLA250 to the high-performance AMG GLA 45. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the 2017 GLA Class a noteworthy contender.
GLA 250: Standard Features and Package Options
The base 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is generously equipped with a host of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and style. Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, and fog lights, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. Automatic wipers and a power liftgate add to the convenience factor, while cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control ensure a comfortable driving experience.
Inside the GLA250, the driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat with 4-way power lumbar support, while the passenger enjoys a 10-way manually adjustable seat with a fold-flat feature for enhanced cargo versatility. Driver memory settings, a driver information display, and selectable driving modes further personalize the driving experience. Premium MB-Tex vinyl upholstery and ambient interior lighting create an upscale cabin ambiance. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through enhance practicality for everyday use.
Technologically, the GLA250 features a 7-inch central display controlled via a console-mounted knob, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, SD card reader, and two USB ports. Select Mercedes-Benz Mbrace telematics services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and concierge services, are available via subscription.
For those opting for the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic, additional features like hill descent control and an off-road status monitor displayed on the 7-inch screen are included, enhancing its capability in varied driving conditions. This monitor displays steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, providing valuable information for off-road or challenging terrains.
To further customize the GLA250, Mercedes-Benz offers several appealing packages:
- Premium Package: Adds essential upgrades like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio for enhanced entertainment.
- Multimedia Package: Upgrades the infotainment system with a larger 8-inch screen, navigation, voice control, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity and navigation capabilities.
- Sport Package: Enhances the GLA250’s sporty appeal with 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and more aggressive exterior styling elements.
- Night Package: Available exclusively with the Sport package, further enhances the sporty aesthetic with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents for a distinctive and assertive look.
- Interior Package: Elevates the cabin ambiance with leather seating, front sport seats, upgraded ambient interior lighting, and MB-Tex dash trim, adding a touch of luxury and sporty flair.
- Driver Assistance Package: Incorporates advanced safety and convenience features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, enhancing driver assistance and safety on the road.
- Convenience Package: Adds practical features such as auto-dimming mirrors and a garage door opener for added convenience in daily driving.
Standalone options allow for further individualization, including select items from the packages, along with xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved visibility, a panoramic sunroof for an open and airy cabin feel, parking sensors with an automated parking system for ease of parking in tight spots, and a 14-way power passenger seat with memory for enhanced passenger comfort.
AMG GLA 45: High-Performance Variant
For drivers seeking exhilarating performance, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 stands out as the high-performance variant. Standard with all-wheel drive, the AMG GLA 45 builds upon the GLA250’s features, adding a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system for an aggressive sound, unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for enhanced handling, and upgraded brakes for superior stopping power. Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a power passenger seat are also standard. The interior features MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery and unique styling tweaks, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, visually signaling its performance pedigree.
AMG GLA 45 options largely mirror those of the GLA250, but also include performance-oriented upgrades such as 20-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel for a more tactile feel, a large rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics, and a performance exhaust system for an even more pronounced engine note. Notably, the Sport or Night packages from the GLA250 are not available on the AMG GLA 45, reflecting its distinct performance focus.
The exclusive Dynamic Plus package for the AMG GLA 45 adds adaptive suspension dampers, a limited-slip front differential for enhanced traction, a Race driving mode for optimized track performance, and a higher top speed, further amplifying its performance capabilities. Carbon-fiber exterior trim, an Aerodynamics package, and the AMG Dinamica package offer additional performance and aesthetic customization options.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is powered by a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual gear control. In Edmunds testing, the GLA250 4Matic demonstrated brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, outperforming Mercedes’ own estimate of 7.1 seconds and showcasing its competitive performance within the compact SUV class.
The AMG GLA 45 elevates performance to a new level, utilizing a hand-built version of the 2.0-liter engine to deliver an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. A quicker-shifting iteration of the seven-speed transmission channels power to all four wheels. The AMG GLA 45 also incorporates a three-mode stability control system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of electronic intervention, and includes launch control for optimized acceleration from a standstill. Mercedes-Benz estimates an exhilarating 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds for the AMG GLA 45, placing it firmly in sports car territory in terms of acceleration.
Both the GLA250 and AMG GLA 45 models incorporate an automatic stop-start function to enhance fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive GLA250 achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway), while the GLA250 4Matic achieves 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). Even the high-performance AMG GLA 45 manages a respectable 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway), demonstrating a commendable balance of power and efficiency across the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class lineup.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class presents a well-rounded and appealing package for buyers in the compact luxury SUV market. From the refined and feature-rich GLA250 to the thrillingly powerful AMG GLA 45, the GLA Class offers a model to suit various needs and driving styles. With its blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury, versatile functionality, and engaging performance, the 2017 GLA Class remains a compelling choice for those seeking a premium compact SUV.
