The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 stands out as a versatile and luxurious compact SUV, perfectly blending city maneuverability with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned sophistication. This model year offers a compelling package of standard features, customizable options, and performance capabilities that cater to a diverse range of drivers. Whether you prioritize comfort, technology, or sporty driving dynamics, the 2017 Mercedes Gla 250 provides a solid foundation with ample opportunity for personalization.
Standard Features of the 2017 GLA 250
The base 2017 GLA 250 is generously equipped, ensuring a premium experience from the moment you get behind the wheel. Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels that provide a confident stance and smooth ride. Privacy glass adds a touch of exclusivity and enhances passenger comfort, while fog lights improve visibility in adverse weather conditions. Automatic wipers offer convenience during rain, and the power liftgate simplifies cargo access. Cruise control is standard for relaxed highway driving, and dual-zone automatic climate control allows for personalized comfort settings for both driver and passenger.
Inside, the driver benefits from a 14-way power-adjustable seat with 4-way power lumbar support, ensuring optimal driving posture. The passenger seat is a 10-way manual adjustable unit with a fold-flat feature for enhanced cargo versatility. Driver memory settings recall preferred seat and mirror positions, adding convenience for multiple drivers. A driver information display keeps essential vehicle data readily accessible, and selectable driving modes allow drivers to tailor the GLA 250’s performance to different conditions or preferences. MB-Tex premium vinyl upholstery provides a durable and luxurious feel, complemented by ambient interior lighting that sets a refined mood. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel ensures a comfortable driving position for various body types, and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks with a cargo pass-through accommodate both passengers and longer items.
On the technology front, the 2017 GLA 250 includes a 7-inch central display controlled by a console-mounted knob, serving as the hub for infotainment functions. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming, while the six-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, SD card reader, and two USB ports offers diverse entertainment options. Select Mercedes’ Mbrace telematics system features, such as a Wi-Fi hot spot and concierge services, are available via subscription.
GLA 250 4MATIC: Enhanced Capability
For those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather confidence, the 2017 GLA 250 4MATIC is the all-wheel-drive variant. Beyond the standard features, the 4MATIC model gains hill descent control, which aids in maintaining controlled speeds on steep declines. An off-road status monitor, integrated into the 7-inch display, provides drivers with real-time information on steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, enhancing awareness during light off-pavement adventures. These additions give the GLA 250 4MATIC genuine sport-activity vehicle credentials.
Available Packages for the 2017 GLA 250
To further customize the 2017 GLA 250, Mercedes-Benz offered several appealing packages:
- Premium Package: This popular package elevates the GLA 250 with a rearview camera for easier parking maneuvers and blind-spot monitoring for increased safety on the road. Keyless entry and ignition add convenience to daily use, while heated front seats provide extra comfort in colder climates. The package also upgrades the audio system to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system with satellite radio for superior sound quality.
- Multimedia Package: For tech-savvy buyers, the Multimedia package is a must-have. It upgrades the central display to a larger 8-inch screen and incorporates a navigation system for turn-by-turn directions. Voice controls enhance hands-free operation, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows seamless access to smartphone apps and features through the car’s infotainment system.
- Sport Package: Visually and dynamically enhance your GLA 250 with the Sport package. This package includes larger 19-inch wheels for a more aggressive stance and upgraded brakes for improved stopping power. It also adds more aggressive exterior styling elements to further distinguish the vehicle.
- Night Package: Available exclusively with the Sport package, the Night package adds a striking aesthetic with black wheels and gloss-black exterior accents, creating a distinctive and sporty appearance.
- Interior Package: Elevate the cabin ambiance with the Interior package, featuring luxurious leather seating and front sport seats for enhanced support. Upgraded ambient interior lighting further refines the interior atmosphere, and MB-Tex dash trim adds a touch of sophistication to the dashboard.
- Driver Assistance Package: Prioritize safety and driver aid technology with the Driver Assistance package. This includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and lane departure warning, alerting the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane unintentionally.
- Convenience Package: Enhance everyday practicality with the Convenience package, which includes auto-dimming mirrors to reduce glare from headlights and a garage door opener integrated into the vehicle for added ease of use.
Standalone Options
Beyond packages, the 2017 GLA 250 offered a range of standalone options, allowing buyers to select individual features to suit their specific needs and preferences. These included some of the packaged items available individually, as well as xenon headlights and LED taillights for improved illumination and modern styling. A panoramic sunroof brings an open and airy feel to the cabin. Parking sensors combined with an automated parking system simplify parking in tight spaces, and a 14-way power passenger seat with memory mirrors the driver’s seat adjustability and convenience.
AMG GLA 45: High-Performance Variant
For drivers craving exhilarating performance, the AMG GLA 45 represents the high-performance variant of the GLA. Standard with all-wheel drive, the AMG GLA 45 builds upon the GLA 250’s standard features and adds a significantly more powerful engine, a sport exhaust system for an engaging engine note, and unique 19-inch wheels. The AMG model also features a sport-tuned suspension and steering for sharper handling, as well as upgraded brakes to match the increased performance. Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a power passenger seat are also standard. MB-Tex/simulated-suede upholstery and unique styling tweaks, including a more aggressive front fascia, flared wheel arches, and quad tailpipes, further differentiate the AMG GLA 45.
Options for the AMG GLA 45 largely mirror those of the GLA 250, but also include performance-oriented choices such as 20-inch wheels, Recaro sport seats for enhanced lateral support, an upgraded steering wheel, a large rear spoiler for increased downforce, and a performance exhaust system for an even more aggressive sound. Notably, the AMG GLA 45 is not available with the Sport or Night packages. Unique 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 a higher top speed. Carbon-fiber exterior trim and Aerodynamics packages further enhance the performance aesthetic, while the AMG Dinamica package adds sporty interior accents.
Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 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 selection. In independent testing, the GLA 250 4Matic demonstrated impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, outperforming Mercedes’ own estimate of 7.1 seconds.
The AMG GLA 45 takes performance to another level, utilizing a hand-built version of the 2.0-liter engine to generate a remarkable 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, allowing drivers to fine-tune the level of electronic intervention, and launch control for optimized acceleration from a standstill. Mercedes-Benz estimates the AMG GLA 45 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.3 seconds.
Both the GLA 250 and AMG GLA 45 incorporate an automatic stop-start function to enhance fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive GLA 250 achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway), while the GLA 250 4Matic is rated at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). Even the high-performance AMG GLA 45 delivers respectable fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined (22 city/28 highway).
Conclusion
The 2017 Mercedes GLA 250 offers a compelling entry point into the luxury compact SUV segment. With its comprehensive standard features, a wide array of available packages and standalone options, and potent engine choices including the thrilling AMG GLA 45, the 2017 GLA 250 caters to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you seek refined daily driving, enhanced all-weather capability, or exhilarating performance, the 2017 Mercedes GLA 250 provides a well-rounded and customizable ownership experience.
