MERCEDES-BENZ HAS COMPLETED the regeneration of its compact vehicle family with the arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover SUV.
At 1616mm tall, the new GLA SUV is 122mm taller overall than the outgoing model. A correspondingly higher and more characteristically SUV-like seating position in the front row also brings increased headroom for the driver and front seat passenger. Meanwhile, passengers in the second row will enjoy increased legroom, though overall the new GLA is 14 mm shorter in length than the model it replaces.
“The launch of the new GLA marks the culmination of a complete renewal of our family of compact cars,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.
“The high demand for our SUVs shows that we can offer the right model for all of our customers in this segment. To meet their wishes, the range includes the GLB and GLA, two off-roaders that ideally complement each other: the GLB is the most functional and most spacious representative of our compact-class family, while the new GLA is positioned as its sporty brother and as a lifestyle-oriented SUV.”
Extra-off-road ability in 4MATIC-equipped models
Models in the GLA range equipped with 4MATIC, the all-wheel-drive system that shuffles power to where its most needed, will be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard, a move first seen on the Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV.
The Off-Road Engineering Package adds an additional Off-Road driving program via the Dynamic Select controller, a downhill driving function (DSR, or Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road animation with incline angles in the media display. In combination with optional Multibeam LED headlamps, the package also includes a special light function for off-road driving, widening the spread of the beam for better illumination during low-speed manoeuvring.
All models in the range feature hallmark off-road design features such as the upright front section, short overhangs at the front and rear, and protective cladding all ‘round.
Safety improved
The new GLA makes a further step forward in safety courtesy of driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support. Standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist, which can apply autonomous braking to avoid a collision or to reduce its severity. At typical city speeds, the system is able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians and can even avoid collisions, depending on the situation.
Also standard is Blind Spot Assist with exit warning assistant, which alerts the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles if the door begins to open into their path, plus Active Lane Keep Assist. Further standard safety features include the fitment of nine airbags, Active Bonnet, Cross wind Assist, PRE-SAFE accident anticipatory systems, and Traffic Sign Assist.
Enhanced convenience functions are available via the optional Driving Assistance Package, which includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Change Assist, extended semi-autonomous driver assistance in traffic jams, and route-based speed adaptation.
Stylish (for an SUV)
Powerful proportions are the eye-catching hallmark of the new GLA, with short front and rear overhangs and stylistic powerdomes in the bonnet. Powerful shoulders complete the picture.
All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasises the vehicle’s off-road character. The doors reach over the sills, improving ease of access whilst keeping the door frames (and occupants’ clothing) free of dirt, and improving impact protection in a side collision.
“The new GLA embodies the perfect synergy between sheer beauty and robust off-road elements,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of the Daimler Group.
Inside, the driver is greeted by the same widescreen array of side-by-side 10.25-inch digital screens as other new-generation members of the Mercedes-Benz compact car range, whilst the dashboard is also studded with five distinctive (and now expected across the range) turbine-style air vents. The intuitive MBUX infotainment system, featuring ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice actuation for dozens of common commands, is rendered onto the screens featuring high-quality graphics and a choice of four different themes.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 utilises a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine making 120kW and 250Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a 7G-DCT seven-speed auto.
The GLA 200 is comprehensively equipped with Comfort Seats in Artico upholstery, the Keyless-Go Comfort Package plus Easy-Pack powered tailgate, Thermotronic automatic climate control, the MBUX multimedia system combined with satellite navigation, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Google Android smartphone integration plus wireless device charging for compatible devices, Dynamic Select driving modes, 64-colour ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, DAB+ digital radio, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Adaptive High Beam Assist, LED fixed headlights, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and the Progressive Equipment Line.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC
The GLA 250 4MATIC is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 165kW and 350Nm via an 8G-DCT eight-speed auto, with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
Features above the GLA 200 specification include a panoramic electric sunroof, heated electric front seats with memory function, lowered comfort suspension and sports-direct steering, the Off-Road Engineering Package, remote engine start via the Mercedes me Connect app, and 19-inch 5 twin-spoke alloys.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC
The GLA 200 and GLA 250 4MATIC will be joined by two performance variants: the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+.
The GLA 35 4MATIC builds on the sporty specification of the GLA 250 4MATIC, adding extra power and torque with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four outputting 225kW and 400Nm in conjunction with an AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed auto.
Other AMG-specific enhancements include a steering wheel-mounted AMG Drive Unit, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, AMG Ride Control sports suspension, AMG high-performance brakes, an AMG exhaust, AMG speed-sensitive power steering, the AMG Night Package and AMG-specific bodywork, Comfort Sport Seats in Lugano leather and 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+
The GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ rounds out the high-performance offering by punching out an astonishing 310kW and 500Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine allied to an eight-speed DCT auto with Race Start, via 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive.
Enhancements specific to the GLA 45 include the AMG Driver’s Package (with top speed increased to 265km/h), an AMG Performance steering wheel in DINAMICA microfibre with contrasting top-stitching, Comfort Sports Seats in ‘Yellow Cut’ leather with contrasting top-stitching, AMG Track Pace, a Burmester surround sound system, Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic (including front cross-traffic assist), Lane Change Assist, route-based speed adaptation, Parking Package (including 360-degree camera), Multibeam LED headlights, and AMG-specific body styling including roof-mounted spoiler lip and AMG rear apron with specific diffuser look.
Extra performance comes courtesy of an AMG exhaust system with two round tailpipes, an AMG high-performance braking system (6-piston fixed callipers 360 x 36mm perforated front discs, single-piston floating calliper 330 x 22 mm perforated rear discs), AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with AMG Torque Control, bodyshell stiffening, and speed-sensitive electromechanical steering with AMG-specific front steering knuckles and rear axle subframe.
Edition 1
For a limited time, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and GLA 250 4MATIC can be specified with the exclusive Edition 1 package, which includes additional features as well as several distinctive cosmetic enhancements.
Interior features include fully electric and heated front seats with memory function, Comfort Sports seats in Black/RED CUT Artico/Dinamica microfibre with contrasting top-stitching in red, black interior with contrasting red top-stitching, Carbon Structure trim with Edition lettering and AMG floor mats in red/black with Edition lettering. Externally, the Edition 1 package is distinguished by AMG body styling on front/rear aprons and side sill panels, chrome and black highlights including window tint, Edition badging, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels in black with a red flange, and a choice of five paint colours (Polar White, Night Black, Cosmos Black Metallic, Digital White Metallic and Mountain Grey Metallic).
Other features include Multibeam LED headlights, panoramic glass electric sunroof, lowered comfort suspension and Parking Package with 360-degree camera.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and GLA 250 4MATIC will arrive in showrooms from August, while the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ will go on sale in Q4 of 2020.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 $55,100 (plus on road costs)
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC $66,500 (plus on road costs)
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC $82,935 (plus on road costs)
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC $107,035 (plus on road costs)
Edition 1 Package $6990 (GLA 200), $5990 (GLA 250 4MATIC)
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.