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Mercedes-Benz GLA250, an elegant SUV (pictures)

The 2015 GLA250, a new compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz, delivers on style and self-driving tech, while offering cabin appointments worthy of the brand.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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The new GLA250, a compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz, offers all-wheel drive and hatchback practicality.

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Headlight casings include distinctive LED running lights.

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The turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

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A forward-facing camera and radar enables adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

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The GLA250 offers room for five plus cargo space.

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The all-wheel-drive system biases torque to the front wheels, but can shift up to 50 percent torque to the rear wheels.

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The cargo area offers 42 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.

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An available panoramic sunroof sheds light on front and rear seats.

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Power adjustable front seats increase comfort for passengers.

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Rear-seat headroom and legroom is adequate for most people.

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Cabin design meets expectations for a premium-level car.

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Electric power steering makes for direct and linear steering assist.

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This example of the GLA250 lacks the optional navigation system, but still includes an LCD for audio and phone systems.

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This jog dial and back button control onscreen menus.

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Although not a serious offroader, Mercedes-Benz includes this screen showing the GLA250's roll and pitch angles.

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A full-featured hands-free Bluetooth phone system comes standard.

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Among the standard audio sources are HD Radio, Bluetooth streaming and a USB port, but no iOS integration.

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The audio playback screen shows album art, when available.

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The base audio system is very good, with emphasis on bass response.

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