My first question would be at what date is a change list normally available and when do the new model years usually become available for order? I'm thinking it will be a short list but there is a possibility the newer wheel and larger screen will become available as it did for 15 with the CLA. At this point I'm leaning toward waiting for the list and either negotiating for a better deal on a 15 order or getting the 16 depending on what changes are there.

I've some option questions the largest one being the seats. I'm an old man and while still fit and thin old is old. Being as I've attained this high level of previous mistakes I'm questioning the wisdom of getting the AMG chairs. To be honest I find the stock seats too truck like and after a spin in the AMGs I'm thinking I wont be happy in them over a long haul although I was fine in an extended test drive. Were it there as an option I would choose a seat that lay between the two. I would prefer thoughts from other old men on this one, I recognize you young whipper snappers do all night what it takes me all night to do but that youthful energy disqualifies you from answering this question in a meaningful way for a pathetic old man.

On the other hand this one would probably be best answered by the younger gents. I'm thinking about getting the violet, I think the color probably wouldn't be a great seller in the used market in my age group but would probably move ok with the younger people I would expect to be looking at this car in the used market. That hold water?

If I did buy the violet I was thinking of going with the cut red or the stock fake suede stuff. I'm ambivalent about the look of the fake suede but I haven't owned a car without vented seats for a while and I was thinking it might be more comfortable. The brown would be my other choice. Hate all black interiors and the light colors never sell as quickly for me used. Anyone seen the violet and if so with what interior and what were your impressions of the combination?

In general what mistakes did you make when you ordered your car? I'm talking about the things you wish you had ordered but didn't or the things you wish you had skipped.

If you live in the Seattle area what are your thoughts on the best dealership to buy from or to get service?

Thanks.

 

MY2016 GLA45 Start of Production is September 2015, delivery around November 2015. Not sure when the order banks open. I haven't seen the dealer order guide for the 16's yet, but I'll bet that it's getting NTG5 COMAND, which means the bigger screen, and the updated steering wheel. The new NTG5 is a step forward from NTG4.5 in the MY2015's, but it's not a huge deal breaker. I ordered a may build MY2015 because I didn't want to wait for a November delivery. If you want to know the functional differences between NTG4.5 and NTG5, I'll spend some time tonight and type it up, as I have both generations in my other cars.

 

Thanks, that is later than I expected and doesn't fit in to the schedule I had in mind. No need to go to the trouble of typing up a detailed list of changes with the COMAND system although I appreciate the offer. I've the question of when a change list will be released in at a couple of dealerships and I'll report back if I get any news on that.

 

I too am waiting for the 16 built dates.

As some one already covered, most likely new steering wheel, red ring on the vents and new larger screen with multimedia (7vs 8inch). If the CLA is any indication, keyless-go will be bundled with premium and possibly AMG studio package which charges you close to 2000 for stickers

 

Today the dealer sent an email listing these changes, he said there may be more but this is what they know now.

New base screen is 7" rather than 5.8
keyless-go gets rolled into premium but still available stand alone
New multi-color ambient lighting (877) becomes part of interior package or stand alone
Grey leather replaced by 2 tone beige/black (855)
Introduction of night package only for sport package 321
Rear camera gets 180 degree view functionality
Kryptonite Green metallic (175) replaces Universe Blue

 

Most of those are tied to NTG5 upgrade.

Screen size, ambient lighting (configuration is via NTG5 Vehicle tab), 180 degree view (NTG5 specific camera).

Going to miss South Seas Blue Metallic, stunning color in person, but way too flashy.

 

I asked for clarification on what the interior package is and they told me it is simply the leather which is now in a package (the interior package) which includes ambient lighting and possibly some other items. Whether this also triggers getting the premium as the leather does now they don't know. They did say its possible that this decouples the leather and premium but they were not sure. The implication is that the multimedia option will now have the larger 8" screen since the 7 is the new default and that will give you the backup camera which may or may not be included with the 7" default screen. This is again per the dealer guessing much the same as we are. I forgot to ask about the new steering wheel but I'm still thinking we should get it.

 

You'll definitely get the new steering wheel, as those are NTG5 controls. Same goes for the rear camera, there's only 1 part# for it with either screen.

The 180 degree thing is kinda silly, I don't really use it. The default view is already pretty wide. Every time you reverse it defaults to the standard wide view, and you have to click through to get the 180 view. Used it twice, didn't bother afterwards.

 

MY2016 GLA changes:


GLA

The 2016 GLA includes a number of new options as well as added standard equipment.

New Infotainment Generation (NTG5) with upgraded standard features:
- Media Interface
- Pre-wiring for Garmin® Map Pilot
- 7" display (upgraded from 5.8")

Otherwise upgraded Standard Equipment:
- KEYLESS-START
- Dual-Zone Climate Control (581)
- DYNAMIC SELECT
- seat cushion length adjustment

KEYLESS-GO becomes part of the Premium Package (also remains stand-alone option)
New Option Multi-color Ambient Lighting (877) – part of Interior Package and stand-alone option
Grey leather (808) replaced by two-tone beige/black leather interior (855)
Introduction of Night Package (only i.c.w. Sport Package 321)
Introduction of Kryptonite Green metallic (175), replacing Universe Blue
180 degree view functionality for Rear View Camera
Power Passenger Seat available as stand-alone option