“It is a good balance between cost, class and functionality. It was important to have superior safety features, all wheel drive, HID-headlights / LED taillights and a turbo. When paired with the Mercedes finish and overall cost was competitive with Subaru it was a easy decision. When some exterior and interior finishing were also included it was a done deal.”
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a light comfort-and-tech update, led by more standard equipment and a larger 7-inch central display. It is not a redesign, and the high-performance GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC leaves the lineup.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA
1st generation GLA (X156), second U.S. model year
Mercedes-Benz pitches the GLA as a compact luxury SUV that brings SUV style, flexible cargo space, and premium-brand features into a city-friendly footprint. The emphasis is on sporty turbo power, easy maneuverability, a higher seating position than a sedan or hatchback, and a cabin that feels upscale without moving to a larger SUV. Against rivals, its main draw is that it feels more athletic and more style-led than boxier small crossovers.
The GLA 250 is a small luxury crossover with a 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a power liftgate, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. The GLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive, an off-road mode, downhill speed control, and an off-road information display for extra confidence on slippery or unpaved roads.
What changed, by category
Tech
Keyless start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and front-seat cushion-length adjustment become standard. The central display grows to 7 inches, the media interface gains Garmin Map Pilot navigation prewiring, and DYNAMIC SELECT adds multiple drive modes.
Lineup
The high-performance GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is dropped, leaving the GLA 250 and all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4MATIC.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch | Auto, 7-Spd Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | 208 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 43.6 cu-ft | 43.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.1 in | 27.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA a redesign?
No. The 2016 GLA remains part of the first generation and keeps the same basic body structure and powertrains as the prior year. Its changes focus on comfort and technology.
What equipment became standard on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Keyless start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and adjustable front-seat cushion length became standard for 2016. The GLA also received a larger 7-inch central display and an updated media interface with Garmin Map Pilot navigation prewiring.
Did the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA get a new engine?
No. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC kept their 208-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. The main driving change was the addition of DYNAMIC SELECT modes.
Was the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC offered for 2016?
No. The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC was dropped for 2016, leaving the front-wheel-drive GLA 250 and all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4MATIC in the lineup.
What is the main difference between the 2016 GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC?
The 2016 GLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive, while the regular GLA 250 uses front-wheel drive. The 4MATIC model also has an off-road mode, downhill speed control, and an off-road information display.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
4.1
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA
(214 reviews)
“This vehicle is fun & has all the technology that you can get! It's stylish & tough.”
“Good vehicle for the price offered. Great mix of features we were looking for and fun to drive as well.”