New Mercedes-Benz GLA debuts with new tech, more space

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Mercedes-Benz has updated its entry-level crossover, the GLA. The second-generation model is expected to arrive at European dealerships in the spring of 2020, followed by the USA and Chinese markets. The photos here showcase the GLA Edition 1 finished in mountain grey Magno, and AMG GLA 35 4Matic.

The design updates are in line with Mercedes’ current SUV lineup. There are new headlamps, a new grille, a new bumper design, new 20-inch wheels, and of course, new taillamps. As with the outgoing model, the exhaust tips are genuine and not fake decorative inserts. The new GLA boasts a drag coefficient figure of 0.28 Cd.

GLA Edition 1

There are changes in dimensions too. The new GLA measures 4,410 mm in length (-14 mm), 2,020 mm in width (-2 mm) including mirrors, and 1,611 mm in height (+104 mm). At 2,729 mm, the wheelbase has grown by 30 mm. The front and rear tracks have grown too by 46 mm.

GLA Edition 1

The luggage capacity is claimed to be 435 litres, which is 14 litres more than the predecessor model. The rear seat backrests can split 40:20:40, with each section folding down individually.

GLA Edition 1

Mercedes said that the seating position for both the driver and front passenger is higher and more upright than in the predecessor model, and thus more typical of an SUV. The driver and front passenger sit 140 mm higher than in the A-Class and 50 mm higher than in the B-Class.

GLA Edition 1

Features inside include displays that available in three variants: two 7-inch displays, one 7- and one 10.25-inch display and, the Widescreen version with two 10.25-inch displays. Options for the MBUX include a full-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, learning software, and voice control activated with the prompt ”Hey Mercedes”.

GLA 35 4Matic

The AMG model gets AMG-specific display graphics, AMG steering wheel with optional steering wheel buttons, brushed stainless steel sports pedals, and AMG suspension that is tuned for high cornering speeds with a low tendency to roll. Buyers can opt for the AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system that enables the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes.

This model also gets increased torsional stiffness. Specific measures have been taken to strengthen the front section of the bodyshell and the toe and camber stability as well. A bolted aluminium plate called the “shear panel” under the engine, increases the torsional stiffness of the front section of the GLA 35. Two additional diagonal braces at the front of the underbody also reduce torsion and increase the stiffness.

It also gets a high-performance braking system with 350 mm discs at the front with 4-piston monoblock fixed calipers, and 330 mm discs at the rear with single-piston sliding calipers. The silver-painted brake calipers have black AMG lettering.

Edition 1

As always, there’s a big list of options including the Driving Assistance Package (market dependent). This includes Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steer Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with turning manoeuvre and cross-traffic function, and Pre-Safe Plus.

The GLA 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre (1,332 cc) 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 120 kW (163 metric hp) at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque between 1,620-4,000 rpm, paired with a 7G-DCT. Diesel and plug-in hybrid models will follow later.

The GLA 35 4Matic is powered by a 2.0-litre (1,991 cc) 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 225 kW (306 metric hp) at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque between 3,000-4,000 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via AMG Speedshift 8G dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration is claimed to happen in 5.1 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The 4Matic models feature the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard. In combination with Multibeam LED headlamps, these models offer a special off-road light function. With the off-road light, the cornering light on the Multibeam LED headlamps is continuously switched on up to a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph).

In addition, the Off-Road Engineering Package includes an additional drive mode which alters the characteristics of the 4Matic system and the power delivery of the engine and the ABS intervention.