Quick Summary:
Confused by your GLA-Class dashboard? This guide breaks down the layout, explaining all buttons, screens, and controls clearly. Learn to navigate menus, adjust settings, and use your car’s features with confidence, even if you’re new to Mercedes-Benz.

GLA-Class Dashboard Layout: Your Essential Guide

Are you new to your Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and find the dashboard a bit overwhelming? You’re not alone! Modern cars pack a lot of technology, and the GLA’s sleek design hides many clever controls. Understanding where everything is and what it does is key to enjoying every drive. This guide is here to demystify your GLA’s dashboard. We’ll walk through the layout, explain the different screens, and help you feel completely comfortable behind the wheel. Get ready to master your Mercedes-Benz!

Navigating the GLA-Class Dashboard: A Simple Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class dashboard is a blend of digital displays and tactile buttons, designed for both aesthetics and ease of use once you understand it. Think of it as your car’s control center, putting everything from climate control to navigation right at your fingertips. For a beginner, it might seem like a lot at first glance, but by breaking it down, you’ll see it’s quite intuitive.

At its heart, the GLA dashboard features one or two large, seamlessly integrated screens. These are your primary windows into the car’s functions. Below these screens and on the steering wheel, you’ll find buttons and touchpads that allow you to interact with the displays and control essential features. We’ll explore each area in detail.

The Central Display Screen (MBUX)

The star of the show in the GLA-Class is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. This advanced infotainment system is the brain of your dashboard, and learning to use it will unlock a world of features.

Understanding MBUX Basics

The MBUX system is controlled primarily through the central touchscreen, but also via the touchpad on the center console and the controls on your steering wheel. It’s designed to be visual and interactive.

Touchscreen: Most functions can be accessed directly by tapping icons on the screen.
Touchpad (Center Console): This area, located between the front seats, offers another way to navigate menus. Swipe, tap, or use the back and home buttons to move around.
Steering Wheel Controls: More on this later, but these are crucial for quick adjustments without taking your eyes off the road.

Key MBUX Sections

Let’s break down what you’ll typically find within the MBUX system:

Navigation: Your maps, route planning, and traffic information.
Media: Radio, Bluetooth audio, USB music, and streaming services.
Phone: Connecting your smartphone for calls and contacts.
Vehicle Settings: Customizing comfort, driving modes, and interior lighting.
Climate Control: Adjusting fan speed, temperature, and air distribution.
Assistance Systems: Configuring features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

Getting Started with MBUX Voice Control

One of the most impressive features is the MBUX voice control. You can activate it by saying “Hey Mercedes.”

For example, you can say:
“Hey Mercedes, navigate to the nearest gas station.”
“Hey Mercedes, play my favorite playlist.”
“Hey Mercedes, set the temperature to 70 degrees.”

It’s a fantastic way to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. The system learns your preferences over time, making it even more helpful. For more on MBUX, you can check out the official Mercedes-Benz MBUX guide.

The Digital Instrument Cluster

In most GLA-Class models, you’ll have a driver-focused digital instrument cluster located directly in front of the driver. This screen complements the central MBUX display by providing essential driving information.

Customizing Your View

The beauty of a digital cluster is its flexibility. You can often change what information is displayed in various areas of the screen.

Common display options include:

Speedometer and Tachometer: Clearly displayed for immediate visibility.
Navigation: A mini-map can be shown here for quick glance directions.
Media Information: Song title, artist, or radio station.
Trip Computer: Fuel economy, distance traveled, and average speed.
Driver Assistance Systems Status: Information about adaptive cruise control or lane assist.

How to Change Instrument Cluster Views

You’ll typically adjust the instrument cluster display using the touchpad or buttons on the left side of your steering wheel.

1. Locate the Controls: On the left side of your steering wheel, you’ll see a small touchpad and a few buttons.
2. Swipe and Select: Use the touchpad to scroll through different display styles or information modules.
3. Confirm: Press the touchpad or a specific button (often marked with a checkmark or arrow) to select and display the desired information.

Experiment with different views to find what works best for your driving style and needs. Many owners prefer a minimalist view showing just the speedometer and essential warning lights, while others like a more information-rich display.

The Steering Wheel Controls

Your steering wheel is more than just for turning; it’s a command center in your GLA-Class. Mercedes-Benz uses sophisticated controls that allow you to manage many functions without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

The steering wheel is typically divided into two main sections of controls, one on each side.

Left-Side Steering Wheel Controls

These usually manage your instrument cluster display.

Touchpad: As mentioned, this allows you to swipe left, right, up, and down to navigate through menus and select options on the driver’s display.
Back Button: Returns you to the previous screen or menu.
Home Button: Takes you to the main screen of the instrument cluster.
Menu/Select Button: Used to confirm selections or open specific menus.

Right-Side Steering Wheel Controls

These often control the central MBUX infotainment system, particularly for audio and phone functions.

Volume Rocker: Adjusts the audio volume up or down.
Track/Seek Button: Skips to the next or previous radio station or music track.
Voice Command Button: Activates the MBUX voice assistant (“Hey Mercedes”).
Phone Button: Answers or ends calls, or brings up the phone menu.
Touchpad/Scroll Wheel: Similar to the left side, this can be used to navigate menus on the central screen, though it’s less common than direct touchscreen input.

Tip for Beginners:

Start by familiarizing yourself with just one or two functions at a time. Try adjusting the volume, changing the radio station, or cycling through the instrument cluster views. Once you’re comfortable, gradually explore more advanced features.

Center Console Controls

While the screens and steering wheel handle most of your daily interactions, the center console houses some tactile buttons for quick access to critical functions.

Physical Buttons for Essential Functions

In the GLA-Class, you’ll typically find a row of buttons located prominently on the dashboard, just below the central MBUX screen. These are generally for core comfort and vehicle functions that you might want to adjust quickly.

Common physical buttons include:

Defrost (Front and Rear): To quickly clear your windshield or rear window of fog or ice.
Hazard Lights: For emergencies.
Radio/Media Controls: Sometimes a direct button to mute or adjust volume.
Climate Control Shortcuts: Buttons for fan speed, temperature up/down, or air recirculation.
Parking Assist/Camera Button: To quickly activate parking sensors or the rearview camera.
Drive Modes (Optional): Some models might have a button to switch between driving modes like ECO, Comfort, or Sport.

The Touchpad Controller

Below these buttons, you’ll find the touchpad controller for the MBUX system. As we discussed earlier, this can be used to navigate menus on the central screen. It usually includes:

Touchpad Surface: For swiping and selecting.
Home Button: Returns to the MBUX home screen.
Back Button: Goes to the previous menu.
Favorites/Custom Button: Can often be programmed for quick access to a frequently used function.

Climate Control System Explained

Keeping your cabin comfortable is easy with the GLA-Class climate control system. You can manage it via the MBUX screen, steering wheel controls, or dedicated physical buttons.

Understanding the Icons

Whether on the screen or the buttons, you’ll see standard icons:

(Snowflake): Indicates cooling (Air Conditioning ON).
(Sun): Indicates heating (Temperature higher than outside).
(Fan): Represents fan speed. More blades or higher numbers mean more airflow.
(Circular Arrows): Air Recirculation Mode. This is useful for keeping outside odors out or for faster cabin cooling/heating.
(Wind): Airflow direction (e.g., to face, to feet, to windshield).
(Windshield): Defrost for the windshield.
(Line): Rear Defrost.

Driver Assistance Systems Explained

Your GLA-Class is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help make driving safer and more comfortable. These are often managed through the MBUX system and sometimes have dedicated buttons or indicators.

Common ADAS Features

Active Brake Assist: Warns you if it detects a potential collision with vehicles ahead and can autonomously apply brakes if you don’t react.
Active Lane Keeping Assist: Helps keep you within your lane by providing steering corrections if you drift.
Blind Spot Assist: Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots.
Adaptive Cruise Control (DISTRONIC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front.
Traffic Sign Assist: Detects and displays speed limits and other traffic signs.

How to Adjust ADAS Settings

You’ll typically find ADAS settings within the “Assistance” menu on the MBUX screen.

1. Access the Menu: Navigate to the “Assistance” section within MBUX.
2. Select a System: Choose the specific system you want to adjust (e.g., “Active Lane Keeping Assist”).
3. Customize Options: You can often turn systems on or off, adjust sensitivity, or set preferences (like the desired distance for cruise control).

For detailed information on how these systems work and their limitations, always refer to your owner’s manual. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provides excellent resources on driver assistance technologies.

Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean

Understanding your dashboard warning lights is crucial for your safety and the health of your GLA-Class. These lights serve as indicators, alerting you to potential issues that require attention.

Common Warning Light Categories

Red Lights: These are critical warnings. Stop driving as soon as it’s safe and consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic. Examples include:
Brake System Warning
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Battery Charge Warning
Coolant Temperature Warning
Yellow/Amber Lights: These indicate a less urgent issue that needs attention soon. You can usually continue driving but should get it checked. Examples include:
Check Engine Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning
ABS Warning Light
Low Fuel Warning
Green/Blue Lights: These are generally informational, indicating that a system is active. Examples include:
Daytime Running Lights
High Beam Headlights
Turn Signals

What to Do When a Light Appears

1. Identify the Light: Note the symbol and its color.
2. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: This is the most reliable source for specific meanings and recommended actions for your GLA-Class.
3. Assess Safety: If it’s a red light, pull over safely immediately. For yellow lights, monitor your vehicle’s performance and seek service soon.
4. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure or the issue persists, contact a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician.

Customizing Your GLA-Class Dashboard Experience

Your GLA-Class is designed to adapt to you. You can personalize many aspects of the dashboard and MBUX system to suit your preferences.

Personalization Options

Screen Layouts: As discussed, you can change what information appears on your instrument cluster.
Ambient Lighting: Many GLA models offer customizable interior ambient lighting. You can choose colors, brightness, and even lighting zones through the MBUX system.
Display Themes: MBUX sometimes offers different visual themes for the displays.
User Profiles: You can set up individual driver profiles that save your preferred settings for seating position, mirrors, climate control, and MBUX favorites.
Welcome/Farewell Animations: Some MBUX configurations might offer custom animations when you start or turn off the car.

How to Access Personalization Settings

Look for menus labeled “Settings,” “Personalization,” or “Car” within the MBUX system. For ambient lighting, it’s often found under “Luxury” or “Lighting.”

GLA-Class Dashboard Layout: Quick Reference Table

To further help you visualize and understand, here’s a quick reference table of common dashboard components and their functions:

Component	Location	Primary Function	How to Use
Central MBUX Display	Center of dashboard	Infotainment, Navigation, Media, Phone, Climate, Vehicle Settings	Touchscreen
			Center Console Touchpad
Digital Instrument Cluster	In front of the driver	Speed, RPM, Trip Computer, Navigation Prompts, Warning Lights	Left-side steering wheel controls (touchpad/buttons)
Steering Wheel Controls (Left)	Left side of steering wheel	Instrument cluster navigation and selection	Touchpad, Back Button, Menu/Select Button
Steering Wheel Controls (Right)	Right side of steering wheel	Audio, Phone, Voice Command	Volume rocker, Track/Seek, Voice Button, Phone Button
Physical Buttons	Below central display	Hazard Lights, Defrost, Climate shortcuts, Parking Assist	Direct button press
Center Console Touchpad	Between front seats	MBUX navigation and selection	Touchpad surface, Home, Back, Favorite buttons

Troubleshooting Common Dashboard Issues

Even with advanced technology, you might encounter minor glitches. Here are a few common issues and how to approach them.

MBUX Screen Freezing or Unresponsive

Solution: The first step is often a “soft reset.” Turn off the car, open and close the driver’s door (this fully powers down systems), wait a minute, and restart the car. If the problem persists, check your owner’s manual for specific reset procedures or contact a dealer.

Bluetooth Connection Problems

Solution:
1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and in the MBUX system.
2. Try “forgetting” the GLA-Class on your phone’s Bluetooth settings and then re-pairing them.
3. Restart both your phone and the MBUX system.

Warning Lights That Won’t Go Away

Solution: If a warning light (especially a red one) remains on after starting the car, or