2016 Mercedes Benz Gla250 4matic

So, you’re thinking about a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC. Let me guess—you want the three-pointed star prestige, but you also need to parallel park without hiring a crane operator, right? You’re in luck, because this little crossover is basically a luxury hatchback that’s been hitting the gym and doing squats.

The Tall Boy Hatchback

First, let’s get the elephant—or rather, the tiny rhinoceros—out of the room. The GLA250 is small. I mean, it’s so small that you could accidentally sneeze and think you’ve bumped into a Smart Car.

But here’s the trick: Mercedes raised the suspension and slapped on some plastic cladding, so it looks like it could conquer a mountain. In reality, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive is more “confident in a Costco parking lot during a drizzle” than “Rubicon Trail crusher.”

Surprising fact: Despite its SUV disguise, this thing shares its bones with the Mercedes A-Class and B-Class. That’s right—it’s a family hatchback wearing a fake beard and flannel.

Under the Hood: A Surprisingly Sassy Engine

Pop the hood, and you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 208 horsepower. That’s not a lot in Mercedes-land, where AMG monsters roam with 500-horsepower roars.

But here’s the joke: this little engine punches way above its weight. It’s like a chihuahua that doesn’t know it’s not a Rottweiler. Floor it, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) snaps off shifts like a caffeinated drummer.

Surprising fact: The GLA250 can hit 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. That’s faster than a 1980s Porsche 944. So, yeah, you’ll smoke your dad’s old sports car while he’s still adjusting his driving gloves.

Inside the Cockpit: Where Mercedes Magic Lives

Climb inside, and you’ll find a cabin that screams “I have my life together, mostly.” The seats are upholstered in a fabric that feels like a sweater from a fancy yarn store, and the dashboard is a delightful mess of analog gauges and a tiny screen.

Wait, did I say tiny? Yes, the infotainment screen is about the size of a Post-it note. But it’s controlled by a rotary dial that feels like you’re operating a spaceship’s navigation console. Pure theater.

Surprising fact: The rear seats fold flat, and with them down, you can fit a full-size mountain bike—with the wheels on. Not that you’ll ever mountain bike, but you could pretend to be an outdoorsy person for Instagram.

The 4MATIC: All-Wheel Drive for the Clumsy

The “4MATIC” system is Mercedes’ fancy name for all-wheel drive. In the 2016 GLA250, it’s a front-biased system that sends power to the rear wheels only when the front ones start spinning like a figure skater.

Here’s the truth: you will never notice it working. But that’s the point. It’s like a good butler—silent, invisible, and saves you from looking like a fool when you try to accelerate on a wet leaf.

Surprising fact: The system can send up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. That’s plenty if you’re escaping a parking garage with a slippery ramp. It is not enough for a snow-covered logging road unless you’re okay with being the star of a rescue video.

Driving It: The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious

On the road, the GLA250 feels like a go-kart that ate a bowl of caviar. The steering is sharp and light, making it a dart in city traffic. You’ll weave through SUVs that are double its size and giggle as they honk.

But here’s the kicker: the ride is firm. Not “sporty firm,” but “your chiropractor will know you by name” firm. Hit a pothole, and you’ll feel it in your fillings. Mercedes tuned it for handling, but they forgot that most GLA owners also have internal organs.

Surprising fact: The 2016 model has a manual mode for the transmission, but it uses little paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. They’re plastic. And they feel like they came off a toy game console. Still, you’ll use them once to feel like Lewis Hamilton, then swear off manual shifting forever.

The Ugly Truth: What You Sacrifice

Let’s be real: this car has cargo space that makes a Miata look like a delivery van. The trunk is 43.6 cubic feet with the seats down, but that’s only if your luggage is made of origami.

Also, the back seat is a punishment zone for adults with legs. Your tall friend will sit back there with their knees in their chin, mumbling, “I’m fine, really.” They are not fine.

Surprising fact: The fuel economy is decent—about 25 mpg combined. But if you drive it enthusiastically (because the turbo is addictive), you’ll be visiting the gas station more often than your own mother. Sorry, mom.

Final Verdict: Buy It If…

You want a Mercedes badge without selling a kidney. The 2016 GLA250 4MATIC is the entry-level prince of the lineup. It’s perfect for singles, couples, or people who hate carrying more than a backpack.

It’s also a surprisingly fun little beast. It corners like a roller skate and makes you feel like you’re driving a much faster car. Plus, it’s quirky enough that you’ll never blend in with the sea of BMW X1s.

Just remember: this is a luxury car from 2016, so the electronics might develop a personality. The infotainment screen might go black, or the sunroof might refuse to close. That’s not a bug; it’s Mercedes character. Or as I call it, “German charm.”

Go test-drive one. Tell the salesman you want to “feel the turbo.” He’ll know you’re a connoisseur of tiny, wonderful idiocy. And you’ll probably drive home grinning—while your passengers complain about the stiff suspension. Worth it.