The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2016 is a cross between the compact GLC and the medium-sized GLE. It can also be a five-door hatchback version of the CLA compact sedan. While not the most spacious crossover on the market, it has the luxurious GL badge and is the best choice for the ideal city vehicle due to its sophisticated exterior and interior design.
The 2016 model year is the only second year on the market, but has already received a number of minor features and option upgrades.
The GLA is taller than its predecessor and sits high on 18- or 19-inch wheels. It has a curvy body and exaggerated headlights and taillights. As a crossover, it is 8 cm shorter than the CLA sedan. At just 174 inches in length, it feels like a small car.
Mercedes’ goal for the GLA is to attract young and first-time buyers to a family-friendly, but traditional-looking compact commercial vehicle.
Inside the GLA, the cabin and dashboard are similar to the CLA-Class. It has a horizontal shelf layout with five circular air vents and rounded details, a look that is now also used by the S-Class and C-Class. The screen, a vertical plane of its own, sits on top of the dashboard – a look that experts and Merc fans alike loved.
The powertrain is a 2.0-liter inline-4, turbocharged, producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission on either the front wheels or all four wheels. A manual transmission is not available for this class.
Mercedes claims the GLA can go between 0 and 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. The rating is 24 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the all-wheel drive GLA250 4MATIC.
The basic version of the GLA costs $ 30,000, but adding the 4MATIC costs an additional $ 2,000. Other options can add $ 10,000 to $ 15,000.
