2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Best Configuration for Winter

The Mercedes-Benz GLA continues to define the compact luxury SUV segment with its blend of sophisticated design, versatile performance, and intelligent technology. When winter conditions bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, having your GLA configured optimally can make all the difference in safety, comfort, and driving confidence. 

The Foundation: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

How 4MATIC Enhances Winter Performance

The cornerstone of any winter-ready GLA is the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, standard on all new GLA models sold in the northern market. This sophisticated system continuously monitors driving conditions and instantly adjusts power distribution between the front and rear axles for optimal traction on slippery surfaces.

The 4MATIC system in the GLA offers several winter-specific advantages:

• Fully variable torque distribution that can send power to the wheels with the most grip
• Seamless operation that requires no driver intervention
• Integration with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) for enhanced control
• Faster reaction times than previous generations
• Minimal weight penalty compared to front-wheel drive configurations

Unlike some competitors' systems that only engage after wheel slip occurs, the GLA 4MATIC system proactively distributes torque based on driving conditions, providing more consistent traction on snow and ice. The system's ability to transfer up to 100% of available power to either the front or rear axles ensures you maintain control even when road conditions rapidly change.

Winter Tire Package and Wheel Selection

Optimal Wheel Size for Winter Driving

While the GLA offers wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches, the ideal winter configuration features the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. These smaller wheels provide several advantages in winter conditions:

• More sidewall flex to absorb impacts from ice chunks and potholes
• Better performance in deep snow
• Reduced risk of damage from winter road hazards
• Lighter weight for improved acceleration and braking

The GLA winter tire package includes specially formulated winter tires designed to maintain flexibility in freezing temperatures. These tires feature specialized tread patterns with deeper grooves and smaller slits, called sipes, that provide additional biting edges for improved traction on snow and ice.

Run-Flat Technology

The available run-flat tire option provides added security during winter driving. These specialized tires can maintain their shape and continue supporting your vehicle for up to 80 kilometres after a puncture, eliminating the need to change a tire in freezing conditions. While they come with a slight penalty to ride comfort, the peace of mind they provide during the winter months makes them worth considering for your GLA.

Cold Weather Package

Winter Comfort Features

The GLA offers a comprehensive Cold Weather Package specifically designed to enhance comfort and convenience during winter months. This package includes:

• Heated front and rear seats with three intensity levels
• Heated steering wheel that warms up within seconds
• Heated windshield washer system to prevent freezing
• Remote start function via the Mercedes me connect app
• Expanded interior preconditioning capabilities

The heated seats in the GLA reach their optimal temperature within minutes, making winter commutes more comfortable from the moment you enter the vehicle. The heated steering wheel feature proves particularly valuable on frigid mornings, eliminating the need for gloves that might reduce grip and control.

Advanced Lighting Technology for Winter Conditions

Adaptive LED Headlights

Reduced visibility is one of winter's greatest challenges, especially during snowfall or early evening darkness. The available Adaptive LED Headlight System significantly enhances visibility with:

• Automatic high-beam assist that adjusts to oncoming traffic
• Active curve illumination that turns the light beam as you steer
• Extended range high beams that increase visibility distance
• Specialized light patterns for adverse weather conditions

The system's intelligent control unit adapts the headlight pattern based on driving speed, steering input, and weather conditions, improving visibility without blinding other drivers. This technology proves particularly valuable during winter snowfall, when traditional headlights can create glare by reflecting off snowflakes.

Winter-Focused Driver Assistance Systems

Enhanced Traction and Stability Control

The GLA includes specialized winter driving modes within its Dynamic Select system. The "Slippery" driving mode, specifically engineered for winter conditions, makes several adjustments to vehicle systems:

• Modified throttle response for smoother acceleration
• Earlier upshifts to reduce torque and potential wheel spin
• More sensitive ESP® intervention thresholds
• Adjusted 4MATIC torque distribution for maximum stability
• Reduced steering sensitivity to prevent overcorrection

This specialized driving mode transforms how the GLA handles slippery surfaces, making it more forgiving and easier to control, even for drivers with limited winter driving experience.

Winter-Enhanced Safety Systems

The GLA safety systems have been calibrated to perform optimally in winter conditions, with specific enhancements to:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with winter-specific algorithms
• Active Brake Assist with improved detection in low visibility
• Attention Assist that accounts for winter driving fatigue factors
• Crosswind Assist that helps maintain stability during winter gusts

These systems work seamlessly together to provide multiple layers of protection during challenging winter driving scenarios, from unexpected ice patches to sudden whiteout conditions.

Interior Features for Winter Comfort

Climate Control Optimization

The dual-zone automatic climate control system in the GLA includes several winter-specific features:

• Residual heat function that continues warming the cabin after the engine is turned off
• Air recirculation with humidity sensor to prevent window fogging
• Optimized airflow patterns to eliminate cold spots
• Enhanced defrosting capability for quicker window clearing
• Available air ionization and fragrance system for better air quality during winter months when windows remain closed

The system's ability to maintain your preferred temperature regardless of exterior conditions ensures consistent comfort throughout winter driving.

Practical Interior Enhancements

Several interior features make the GLA particularly well-suited for winter use:

• Rubber all-weather floor mats that contain slush and road salt
• Easy-to-clean MB-Tex upholstery option that resists water staining
• Increased cabin insulation for improved heat retention
• Redesigned door seals that minimize cold air infiltration

These practical considerations ensure your GLA remains comfortable and protected throughout the winter season, preserving both comfort and resale value.

Winter-Ready Storage Solutions

Practical Cargo Features

The GLA includes several cargo area enhancements that prove particularly valuable during the winter months:

• Adjustable load floor with waterproof underfloor storage
• 40:20:40 split rear seats for flexible cargo arrangements
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat for longer items
• Hands-free access liftgate operation that works with gloved hands

These features allow you to safely transport wet or snowy gear without compromising the interior, while the flexible seating configurations accommodate winter sports equipment like skis and snowboards with ease.

Roof Rack System

The GLA roof rail system accepts Mercedes-Benz winter-specific accessories, including:

• Ski and snowboard carriers with easy loading functionality
• Roof box options in various sizes for additional protected storage
• Reinforced mounting points designed to handle winter conditions
• Aerodynamic profiles that minimize wind noise

These accessories integrate seamlessly with the GLA design while expanding its winter versatility for active lifestyles.

Powertrain Options for Winter Performance

Ideal Engine Selection

While the GLA offers multiple powertrain options, the GLA 250 4MATIC provides the ideal balance of power, efficiency, and winter capability. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 221 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, offering:

• Sufficient power for confident highway merging in winter conditions
• Abundant low-end torque for navigating snowy inclines
• Fuel efficiency that remains reasonable even with increased winter demands
• Proven cold-weather starting reliability

The engine's turbocharger design has been optimized for cold-weather performance, with reduced lag and improved response even before reaching optimal operating temperature.

Transmission Considerations

The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission in the GLA includes winter-specific programming that:

• Allows starting in second gear on slippery surfaces
• Holds higher gears during descents for enhanced engine braking
• Adjusts shift patterns based on temperature and road conditions
• Maintains optimal efficiency even during frequent winter warm-up cycles

These specialized transmission characteristics enhance control during winter driving while protecting the powertrain from the additional stresses of cold-weather operation.

Questions and Answers about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA Winter Configuration

How does the 4MATIC system in the GLA compare to traditional all-wheel drive systems for winter driving?

• The Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system differs from conventional all-wheel-drive systems in its fully variable torque distribution. Unlike systems with fixed torque splits (like 50:50 or 60:40), the 4MATIC can continuously vary power between axles based on traction needs. The system also integrates with the vehicle's stability control for faster response times and works proactively rather than reactively, anticipating traction needs before wheel slip occurs.

Can the GLA battery withstand extreme cold temperatures without affecting performance?

• This luxury SUV features an enhanced battery system designed for extreme-temperature resilience. The battery includes intelligent temperature management, upgraded cold-cranking amps, and improved insulation. For regions with extreme winter conditions, Mercedes-Benz offers an optional battery blanket that can be plugged in overnight to maintain optimal battery temperature. The vehicle's electronics are programmed to monitor and protect the battery during cold starts, preserving both immediate performance and long-term battery life.

What winter-specific maintenance is recommended for the 2026 GLA?

• Mercedes-Benz recommends several winter-specific maintenance procedures, including switching to a lower-viscosity synthetic oil for improved cold-weather flow, replacing the cabin air filter before winter to ensure optimal defrosting performance, inspecting and cleaning the battery terminals to ensure reliable starting, checking the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant system, and treating door seals with specialized protectant to prevent freezing. Additionally, the brake system should be thoroughly inspected, as winter conditions often accelerate wear on these components.

How effective is the GLA pre-conditioning system in extreme cold?

• The pre-conditioning system can warm the interior to comfortable temperatures, even at -30°C. When activated through the Mercedes me connect app or a pre-programmed schedule, the system gradually warms the engine and interior while defrosting the windshield and mirrors. The preconditioning function is most effective when the vehicle is plugged in (for the plug-in hybrid variant) or has at least half a full fuel tank. In extreme cold, allowing 15-20 minutes of pre-conditioning provides optimal results.

Does the GLA infotainment system include any winter-specific functions?

• Yes, the MBUX infotainment system includes several winter-focused features, including real-time road condition alerts that use data from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to identify slippery areas, specialized navigation routing that can prioritize roads with better winter maintenance, an integrated weather app with freeze warnings, remote monitoring of the vehicle's status during winter storms, and voice control that works effectively even when wearing gloves. The system can also display tire pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations, helping drivers maintain optimal inflation levels.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*