The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 stands as a compelling entry point into the luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of Mercedes-Benz refinement and versatile functionality. This model year provides a range of standard features and customizable options to tailor the vehicle to individual preferences. For those considering a pre-owned luxury SUV, understanding the specifications of the 2016 GLA 250 is crucial.
The GLA250 comes equipped standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its athletic stance and ride quality. Privacy glass adds a touch of exclusivity and enhances passenger comfort by reducing sunlight and increasing privacy. A roof rack expands cargo-carrying capabilities, making it suitable for active lifestyles. Foglamps improve visibility in adverse weather conditions, contributing to safer driving. The inclusion of a power liftgate adds convenience for loading and unloading cargo. Automatic wipers respond to changing weather conditions, ensuring optimal visibility without driver intervention. Cruise control enhances comfort during long drives, maintaining a set speed.
Inside the cabin, the driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat, allowing for personalized comfort settings, while the passenger seat offers 10-way manual adjustability. Driver memory settings recall preferred seat and mirror positions, a convenient feature for multiple drivers. MB-Tex vinyl upholstery provides a durable and premium feel to the seating surfaces. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel further aids in finding the ideal driving position. The 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, complete with a cargo pass-through, offer flexibility in passenger and cargo configurations.
Technologically, the 2016 GLA 250 features a 7-inch central display, controlled via a console-mounted knob, serving as the infotainment hub. A media interface caters to digital music players, while Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity enables hands-free communication and wireless audio streaming. The audio system includes a CD player, HD radio, and a USB audio input for diverse 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, adding to its sport-activity credentials.
Several packages were available to further customize the 2016 GLA 250. The Premium package elevates the luxury experience with auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition for added convenience, heated front seats for comfort in colder climates, and a Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio for superior sound quality and expanded entertainment. The Multimedia package upgrades the infotainment system with a larger 8-inch screen, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice controls for hands-free operation, a rearview camera for enhanced parking and reversing, an in-dash SD card reader, and five years of real-time traffic and weather updates.
The Sport package enhances the GLA 250’s visual appeal and performance with 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes for improved stopping power, and more aggressively styled exterior elements. Exclusively available with the Sport package, the Night package further refines the exterior aesthetics with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents. The Interior package focuses on cabin ambiance, featuring leather seating, front sport seats, multi-color ambient lighting to personalize the interior atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim for a touch of sophistication. For advanced safety and driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor.
Standalone options offered further personalization beyond packages. These included bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved illumination and modern styling, a panoramic sunroof to enhance the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin, parking sensors combined with an automated parking system for ease of parking, a power passenger seat with memory, a standalone blind-spot monitor option, and aluminum interior trim.
The high-performance variant, the AMG GLA 45, comes standard with all-wheel drive and builds upon the GLA250’s standard features. It boasts a more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system for an exhilarating sound, unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering for enhanced handling, and upgraded brakes for superior performance. Visually, the AMG GLA 45 distinguishes itself with bi-xenon headlights, a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes. Inside, it includes the power passenger seat and ambient lighting as standard.
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA250, but also include Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support, an upgraded steering wheel, and a large rear spoiler for increased downforce and sporty aesthetics. The Dynamic Plus package, evolving from the previous Driver’s package, adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers for adjustable ride characteristics, a limited-slip front differential for improved traction, a “Race” driving mode for track-focused performance, and a higher top speed. Multiple carbon-fiber trim packages and the Aerodynamics Package further enhance both performance and visual appeal.
In conclusion, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 offers a well-rounded package of luxury, features, and customization. Whether prioritizing standard comforts, opting for enhanced packages, or seeking the high-performance AMG variant, the 2016 GLA 250 provides a compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV market.
