2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Once in a while a car really strikes a chord--and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class sure has. We were lucky enough to test out a GLA45 AMG last year, and it was it a blast. Needless to say, we're quite happy to see the GLA-Class return for 2016.
Launched in 2015, the GLA is a beefed up crossover version of Stuttgart's wildly popular CLA. To create it, Mercedes-Benz took the basic underpinnings of the CLA, lifted them up, and added a wagon body. The result is a raucous little 4-door, 5-seat crossover that can hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
New for 2016, the GLA gets an updated COMAND infotainment system with a 7-inch color display. Automatic dual-zone climate control and keyless ignition will also come standard.
Buyers considering the GLA will have 3 trims to choose from—the GLA250, GLA250 4MATIC, and GLA45 AMG. Pick either GLA250 trim and you'll be treated to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine pumping out 208 hp, with front-wheel drive (FWD) on the GLA250 and 4-wheel drive (4WD) on the GLA250 4MATIC. Opt for the GLA45 AMG and you'll find a sublime hand-crafted 2.0-liter 4-cylinder sending 375 hp to all four wheels. All GLA-Class trims employ a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
GLA250 owners can expect to see fuel mileage numbers of 25 mpg city/35 highway/29 combined, while GLA250 4MATIC owners should expect 24/32/27. The rambunctious GLA45 AMG clocks in at 23/29/25.
Hop into the GLA250 or GLA250 4MATIC and you'll get a standard power liftgate, leatherette seats, split-folding rear seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 14-way power driver's seat. The GLA250 and GLA250 4MATIC will also boast new Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing you to customize your driving experience. If you're looking for a more sporty ride, they also offer option packages like the Sport Package, which touts perforated front brakes, 19-inch AMG wheels, and sport body styling. You can also select the Night Package, which includes the Sport Package plus black 19-inch AMG wheels and black exterior accents. Those looking for luxury can add a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights with LED taillights. There is even an optional illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the front grille, for $550.
Sportier types will want to consider the 2016 GLA45 AMG, which should be as much of a thrill to drive as the 2015 version was. On the inside, look for leatherette/Dinamica suede seats with 12-way power front seats. Other perks include a power liftgate, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing windshield wipers, AMG sport suspension, AMG sport exhaust, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. For a few extra dollars, you can also add a panoramic sunroof, red brake calipers, a rear spoiler, and, of course, an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star in the grille. Package options include the AMG Night Package, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, and Aerodynamics Package.
Safety-wise, all GLAs come with Mercedes' Collision Prevention Assistant Plus, which automatically applies the brakes when it judges a collision to be imminent. Brake Assist, also a standard feature, applies maximum pressure to the brakes in emergency braking situations. These features work with the car's electronic stability control and traction control to prevent an accident by all means. If you are involved in an accident, however, it's reassuring to know the GLA Class sports dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front side airbags.
All in all, the GLA is a fun little car the deserves some consideration if you're in the market for an entry-level luxury ride that can fit you, up to 4 friends, and up to 14.9 cubic feet of cargo—46.3 cubic feet if you kick 3 friends out.
User reviews for 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA
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by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2025
I love my new car. It has all kinds of special extra packages and was deal to boot.Jan 03, 2025
by Jean T
Aug 15, 2023
Siėge avant droit pas ajustable en hauteur si pas électrique, manque despace pour la tête et difficile daccès.Aug 15, 2023
by Mocha M
Jul 15, 2022
Being a fast car guy, I got my wife the AMG GLA 45. Great on gas, AWD, dual clutch, hatchback, with 375hp. Subarus STIs are dead for me. And in case you were wondering, I got a 22 M4 Comp., xDrive Jul 15, 2022
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2025
I love my new car. It has all kinds of special extra packages and was deal to boot.Jan 03, 2025
by Jean T
Aug 15, 2023
Siėge avant droit pas ajustable en hauteur si pas électrique, manque despace pour la tête et difficile daccès.Aug 15, 2023
by Mocha M
Jul 15, 2022
Being a fast car guy, I got my wife the AMG GLA 45. Great on gas, AWD, dual clutch, hatchback, with 375hp. Subarus STIs are dead for me. And in case you were wondering, I got a 22 M4 Comp., xDrive Jul 15, 2022
by Jean C
Jun 21, 2020
Love the car but difficult to find a good deal.Jun 21, 2020
by kim-beatrice s
Jun 01, 2020
A sport crossover that handles like a dream, has the best ergonomic seats I have ever driven in....well all of the Benz models do. Germans know how to design and engineer. Gets best gas mileage out of the SUVs overal in its class or even overall. You can load this car, sleep in this car, have fun in this car, ....giant sun roof...and overall be a happy buyer, you are buying quality.Jun 01, 2020
What users have asked
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2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing
Original MSRP
$32,500 to $49,580Price range
$13,337 to $14,267Average price on CG
$13,738YoY price change
$13,959 to $13,738Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.60
Engine
Alternator: 115 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 14
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60
Engine
Alternator: 115 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Yelp · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.13
Engine
Alternator: 115 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Instrument cluster screen size: 4.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse