2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: New Car Review

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a premium compact crossover SUV. Except that it’s smaller than the company’s other compact crossover, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC. So it rivals all-terrain toddlers from other premium brands like the BMW X1 and the upcoming Audi Q3. Based on the same platform as the CLA compact sedan, it comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive (4Matic, in Mercedes-speak) is an option in the GLA250 and standard in the hotter GLA45 AMG. The range starts at $33,425 (including $925 destination charge).

What's New For 2016

The GLA was all new for 2015, but Mercedes-Benz has still been busy with some updates. Dual-zone climate control and push-button start/stop are now standard in the GLA250, along with an upgraded infotainment system. The display has been increased from 5.8 inches to seven, and the vehicle is pre-wired for Garmin MapPilot. The rearview camera receives the ability to show 180 degrees; power adjustment of the front passenger seat is a standalone option; two-tone black/beige leather replaces the grey leather selection; Dynamic Select is an upgraded suspension mode feature; Kryptonite Green replaces Universe Blue; multicolor ambient lighting joins the options list; front seat cushion length can now be adjusted. In the GLA45 AMG (as well as changes mentioned above like the upgraded infotainment system), the engine is boosted by 20 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque; the fenders get “Turbo 4Matic” badging; packages now include a limited-slip front differential; adaptive suspension, “race” mode and a top speed of 167 mph.

Exterior Design

Naturally, this is subjective, but it seems that Mercedes-Benz has succeeded in adding a touch of elegance to what could otherwise have been a bulky and boxy vehicle. It’s also neither too masculine nor too feminine, but harmoniously integrates aspects of both. Chrome roof rails are standard, along with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Features

Climb behind the steering wheel to discover that elevated driving position loved by many. All around the cabin are high-quality materials, even MB-Tex, which is the name of the company’s standard-issue fake leather and is actually quite nice. The center-mounted touchscreen display for the infotainment system looks like a detachable tablet, but is in fact fixed. Even the entry level model has power-adjustable front seats with memory settings — extremely useful when two people often use the vehicle. For a little extra pizazz, the AMG version has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports seats and carbon fiber trim accents.

Trim Levels

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t do trim levels in the conventional sense. Instead, the company produces the GLA250, GLA250 4Matic (with all-wheel drive) and the GLA45 AMG. Buyers can then augment their vehicles with options. For example, a panoramic sunroof is $1,480 and a bi-xenon/LED lighting package is $850.

Comfort & Cargo Capacity

Despite its compact dimensions, the GLA can accommodate two average-sized adults in the rear quarters and they’ll remain content for quite a while. Up front, things are comfortable and supportive. Even the sports seats in the AMG version are bearable for longer trips and enthusiasts will also like the way they hug the sides of the torso. The rear seats fold down completely to make 42 cubic feet of load space, which is accessed easily thanks to a low loading sill and a wide tailgate that opens automatically. With the rear seats up, there’s still 11.8 cubic feet for luggage/shopping/whatever. In both cases, that’s not as much as an X1, but not stingy by any means.

Safety

Eight airbags join all the mandatory safety features like anti-lock brakes and stability/traction control. Driver attention assist and collision prevention assist with autonomous braking are standard through the range, while rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping, intelligent cruise control and parking assistance are all optional. The AMG version has bigger brake discs and a three-mode stability/traction control system — so enthusiastic drivers can have a little more leeway before the electronic safety net kicks in.

Engines

A turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine propels the GLA250 with a healthy 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. On the other side of that coin is fuel consumption of 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the front-drive version, or 24/32/27 in the 4Matic. It’s the same number of cylinders, same displacement and method of forced induction in the GLA45 AMG, but output in this case is a mischievous 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. There are no EPA figures yet, but the slightly less powerful 2015 version returned 23/29/25. Both engines are linked to seven-speed automatic transmissions.

Performance

Although not particularly thrilling, the GLA250 handles tidily and the engine has a decent punch to it. Considering its center of gravity is higher than that of a sedan, it still feels super-composed. The all-wheel drive system is fully variable, meaning torque is sent not only from axle to axle but also from wheel to wheel for maximum traction. Let’s assume no one will use their GLA250 4Matic for recreational off-roading, but it might still be handy to know that ground clearance is eight inches and it can climb a 65-percent grade. The AMG version sits closer to the road and feels more like a performance hatch than a crossover. It now takes just 4.3 seconds to sprint from standstill to 60 mph, compared with 7.1 seconds for the GLA250 4Matic. That’s half a second better than 2015’s GLA45. It also has a stiffer suspension than the GLA250, which is great for fast corners but not so welcome on rough and noisy stretches of freeway.

Pros & Cons

: Out of the GLA250 and the GLA45 AMG, the former is a more well-rounded package with broader appeal; last year’s AMG was fun, so bring on the more powerful 2016 version. : AMG version occupies a specific niche; options packages can push the price up considerably.