Interior

Fans of Mercedes-Benz expect nothing short of an incredible cabin, and that's exactly what the Mercedes-Benz GLA provides. Despite its small footprint, the cabin feels spacious, plus it looks stylish and has a clean layout. Top-shelf materials are used throughout, plus innovations such as a power liftgate and dual-zone automatic climate control add convenience. Drivers enjoy straightforward controls and gauges, making your experience behind the wheel something that's hard to forget in all the right ways. Behind the rear seats is 43.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is plenty for hauling all kinds of items.

Technology

When it comes to the latest innovations, Mercedes-Benz does not hold back with the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

• 7-inch full-color infotainment screen
• Bluetooth phone and audio streaming
• Mercedes-Benz mbrace smartphone app
• USB port for MP3 players
• 80GB hard drive navigation system
• Advanced voice controls

Performance

Despite its small size, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a real performance machine. The standard 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine puts out a healthy 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, while 4Matic all-wheel drive is available for superior control. With the AMG GLA45, the engine is handcrafted and tuned to be even more robust, whipping out 375 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

Handling is superb, thanks in part to the electromechanical power steering, which provides quick response and enables tight maneuvers in low-speed situations. The four-wheel independent suspension has been designed to provide a balance of comfort and performance.

Safety

A solid reputation has been built up when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz brand and safety, and the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA is no exception.

• Attention Assist monitors for signs of drowsy driving
• Distronic Plus cruise control automatically makes changes based on traffic flow
• Collision Prevention Assist Plus with autonomous braking
• Blind Spot Assist constantly monitors for hidden vehicles
• Lane Keeping Assist gently guides the SUV back within lane markings

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