The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA emerges as a compelling option in the compact SUV segment, blending Mercedes-Benz’s renowned luxury with versatile functionality and spirited performance. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on weekend adventures, the GLA offers a premium driving experience. Let’s delve into the details of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA, exploring its features, options, and what makes it a standout choice.
Unpacking the GLA 250: Standard Features and Available Enhancements
The foundation of the 2017 GLA lineup is the GLA 250, which comes generously equipped with a range of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and style.
Core Standard Features of the GLA 250
From the outside, the GLA250 makes a statement with its 18-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass. Functionality meets elegance with features like foglights, automatic wipers, and a convenient power liftgate. Cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control ensure a comfortable ride, while the 14-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar support and driver memory settings provides personalized comfort. The front passenger also benefits from a 10-way manual seat that folds flat, enhancing cargo versatility.
Inside, a driver information display keeps you informed, and selectable driving modes allow you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. 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 further enhance practicality.
On the technology front, the GLA 250 includes a 7-inch central display controlled by a console-mounted knob, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, an SD card reader, and two USB ports. Select Mercedes Mbrace telematics system features, including Wi-Fi hotspot and concierge services, are available via subscription.
GLA 250 4Matic: Adding All-Wheel Drive Capability
For those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather capability, the GLA250 4Matic variant adds all-wheel drive along with features tailored for light off-road scenarios. Hill descent control assists in maintaining control on steep declines, and an off-road status monitor integrated into the 7-inch display provides real-time information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage.
Elevating the GLA 250: Exploring Package Options
Mercedes-Benz offers a variety of packages to customize the GLA 250 to your specific needs and desires.
Premium Package
The Premium package enhances both convenience and luxury with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and ignition, and heated front seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the upgrade to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio, providing an immersive sound experience.
Multimedia Package
For advanced infotainment features, the Multimedia package is the ideal choice. It upgrades the central display to a larger 8-inch screen and adds a navigation system for seamless route guidance. Voice controls further simplify interactions with the system, while smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures connectivity with your mobile devices.
Sport and Night Packages
For a more athletic aesthetic, the Sport package includes 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and more aggressive exterior styling cues. The Night package, exclusively available with the Sport package, amplifies the sporty look with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents.
Interior, Driver Assistance, and Convenience Packages
The Interior package elevates cabin luxury with leather seating, front sport seats, enhanced ambient interior lighting, and MB-Tex dash trim. For added safety and driver assistance, the Driver Assistance package incorporates adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Lastly, the Convenience package adds practical features such as auto-dimming mirrors and a garage door opener.
Standalone Options
Beyond packages, a range of standalone options allows for further personalization, including items from the packages mentioned above. Additional standalone options include xenon headlights and LED taillights for enhanced visibility, a panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin, parking sensors with an automated parking system for easier maneuvering, and a 14-way power passenger seat with memory for ultimate passenger comfort.
AMG GLA 45: Unleashing High-Performance Dynamics
For drivers craving exhilarating performance, the AMG GLA 45 represents the high-performance pinnacle of the GLA lineup. It builds upon the GLA 250’s standard features and adds a potent powertrain and sport-tuned components.
Standard AMG GLA 45 Features
The AMG GLA 45 comes standard with all-wheel drive and boasts a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system, unique 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and steering, and upgraded brakes. Exterior enhancements include xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a power passenger seat, and MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery. Distinctive AMG styling cues include a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes.
AMG GLA 45 Options and Packages
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA 250, but also include performance-oriented upgrades such as 20-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats, an upgraded steering wheel, a large rear spoiler, and a performance exhaust system. Notably, the Sport or Night packages are not available for the AMG GLA 45.
Exclusive to the AMG GLA 45, the Dynamic Plus package adds adaptive suspension dampers, a limited-slip front differential, a Race driving mode, and increases the top speed. Further enhancing performance and aesthetics are available carbon-fiber exterior trim, Aerodynamics package, and AMG Dinamica package.
Performance and Efficiency: Engine and Driving Dynamics
Potent Engines and Transmissions
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual gear selection.
The AMG GLA 45 elevates performance with a hand-built version of the 2.0-liter engine, delivering an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. A quicker-shifting version of the seven-speed transmission channels power to all four wheels. The AMG GLA 45 also features a three-mode stability control system and available launch control for optimized acceleration.
Acceleration and Fuel Economy
In Edmunds track testing, the GLA250 4Matic demonstrated brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, outperforming Mercedes’ estimated 7.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 is significantly quicker, with Mercedes-Benz claiming a 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds.
Both GLA variants 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 delivers respectable fuel economy at 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA – A Compact SUV with Big Appeal
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a compelling blend of luxury, versatility, and performance in a compact SUV package. From the well-equipped GLA 250 to the exhilarating AMG GLA 45, there’s a GLA model to suit a range of preferences and driving styles. With its comprehensive features, available packages, and efficient yet powerful engines, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA stands as a strong contender in its class, promising a premium driving experience that lives up to the Mercedes-Benz legacy.
