The 2017 Mercedes-benz Gla Suv stands out in the compact luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury, versatile SUV capabilities, and sporty performance. This model year presents two compelling options: the GLA250 and the high-performance AMG GLA 45. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV a noteworthy choice for discerning drivers.
Exploring the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV
The GLA250 serves as the entry point into the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV lineup, but it’s far from basic. It comes generously equipped with a range of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and style.
Standard Features of the GLA 250
On the exterior, the GLA250 boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its athletic stance. Privacy glass adds a touch of exclusivity and keeps the cabin cooler, while fog lights improve visibility in challenging conditions. Automatic wipers and a power liftgate bring convenience to everyday tasks. Cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized comfort for both driver and passenger.
Inside, the driver enjoys a 14-way power-adjustable seat with 4-way power lumbar support, while the passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustments and a practical fold-flat feature. Driver memory settings, a driver information display, and selectable driving modes allow for a customized driving experience. The cabin is appointed with MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery and ambient interior lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through enhance versatility.
For technology and entertainment, the GLA250 includes a 7-inch central display controlled via a console-mounted knob. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calls and audio streaming, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, SD card reader, and two USB ports provides ample media options. Select Mercedes’ Mbrace telematics system features, such as 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 integrated into the 7-inch display enhance its sport-activity vehicle credentials, providing information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage.
Optional Packages and Features for the GLA 250
To further personalize the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV, several packages and standalone options are available.
The Premium package elevates the GLA250 with desirable features like a rearview camera for easier parking, blind-spot monitoring for enhanced safety, keyless entry and ignition for convenience, heated front seats for cold weather comfort, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio for audiophiles.
The Multimedia package upgrades the infotainment system with a larger 8-inch screen, a navigation system to guide your journeys, voice controls for hands-free operation, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity.
For a sportier aesthetic, the Sport package adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for improved stopping power, and more aggressive exterior styling cues. Complementing the Sport package, the Night package further enhances the visual appeal with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents.
The Interior package focuses on luxury and comfort, featuring leather seating, front sport seats for added support, upgraded ambient interior lighting to personalize the cabin ambiance, and MB-Tex dash trim for a refined touch.
For advanced driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control to maintain a set following distance and lane departure warning to help prevent unintentional lane drifts. Lastly, the Convenience package adds practical features such as auto-dimming mirrors and a garage door opener.
Standalone options offer further customization, including select packaged items available individually, xenon headlights and LED taillights for enhanced visibility, a panoramic sunroof to bring in natural light, parking sensors paired with an automated parking system for stress-free parking, and a 14-way power passenger seat with memory for ultimate passenger comfort.
Performance and Engine Specs of the GLA 250
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, complete with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for a more engaging driving experience. In independent testing, the GLA250 4Matic demonstrated impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, outperforming Mercedes’ own estimate.
Unleashing Power: The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 SUV
For drivers craving exhilarating performance, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 SUV is the ultimate choice. Building upon the foundation of the GLA250, the AMG GLA 45 elevates every aspect of performance and driving dynamics.
Standard and Upgraded Features of the AMG GLA 45
The AMG GLA 45 includes all the standard features of the GLA250 and then amplifies the experience with a more potent 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. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive (4Matic).
Further standard enhancements include xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a power-adjustable passenger seat, MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery for a sporty yet luxurious feel, and distinctive AMG styling tweaks such as a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, visually signaling its high-performance nature.
Options and Packages for the AMG GLA 45
The AMG GLA 45 offers a similar range of options to the GLA250, with some AMG-specific additions. These include 20-inch wheels for an even bolder look, Recaro sport seats for ultimate lateral support during spirited driving, an upgraded steering wheel for improved grip and feel, a large rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics, and a performance exhaust system for an even more visceral sound experience. Notably, the Sport or Night packages available for the GLA250 are not offered on the AMG GLA 45, as it already embodies a sporty and aggressive aesthetic.
Exclusive to the AMG GLA 45 is the Dynamic Plus package, which adds adaptive suspension dampers for adjustable ride firmness, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction during cornering, a Race driving mode for track-focused performance, and an increased top speed, further underlining its performance pedigree. For visual distinction, a carbon-fiber exterior trim package, Aerodynamics package, and AMG Dinamica package are available, adding both performance and aesthetic enhancements.
Performance and Engine Power of the AMG GLA 45
The heart of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is a hand-built AMG-enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. A quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission, optimized for AMG performance, sends power to all four wheels. The AMG GLA 45 also features a three-mode stability control system, allowing drivers to tailor the level of electronic intervention, and includes launch control for maximum acceleration off the line. Mercedes-Benz states the AMG GLA 45 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds, placing it firmly in high-performance territory.
Fuel Efficiency Across Models
Both the GLA250 and the AMG GLA 45 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 earns 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 that performance and efficiency can coexist in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV lineup.
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV – A Versatile and Powerful Choice
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV offers a compelling entry into the luxury compact SUV segment, with the GLA250 providing a well-rounded blend of luxury and practicality, and the AMG GLA 45 delivering exhilarating performance. Whether you prioritize refined comfort and efficiency or crave high-octane thrills, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV range provides options to meet diverse driving preferences, all while upholding the prestigious Mercedes-Benz brand promise. For owners looking to maintain and optimize their 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV, access to the right software and diagnostic tools is essential, ensuring these vehicles continue to perform at their best for years to come.
