2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: What's Changed
- Most significant changes: Keyless start, dual-zone climate control now standard
- Price change: TBA
- On sale: Mid-October
- Which should you buy, 2015 or 2016? 2016
CARS.COM — Small SUVs are a hot spot in the luxury market these days, and Mercedes joined the fray for 2015 with the GLA-Class, a derivative of the CLA sedan, to challenge rivals such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
This pint-size SUV is available with front- or all-wheel drive as the GLA250 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or as the bad-boy GLA45 AMG 4Matic model with a 355-horsepower version of that engine.
The 2016 edition adds some niceties standard including keyless start and dual-zone climate control. The standard multimedia system gets a 7-inch display, which is up from 5.8 inches,, an iPod and MP3 interface, and prewiring for Garmin Map Pilot. The optional rearview camera now shows a 180-degree view as well.
A mini-SUV is something premium brands are compelled to offer nowadays, but the GLA lacks some traditional SUV traits — such as abundant interior and cargo room — and has an unfinished sound and feel on the road that is out of character for Mercedes.
The 2015’s starting price of $32,225 looks attractive but does not include leather upholstery, a backup camera or heated front seats, all of which are optional and will remain so for 2016. In its favor, standard safety features include forward collision warning with auto braking, drowsy driver detection and eight airbags.
While the 2016 gets relatively minor but useful improvements, they’re worth the wait for those looking at the base model, and all buyers will benefit from a newer model year that will help resale value.
