Guarantee of success: expressive design, technical performance
Its expressive design and clear SUV character remains one of the GLA’s strongest selling points.
Customers have a choice between three chassis variants: as standard the GLA features comfort suspension; lowered suspension is available on request (in conjunction with AMG Line or the Dynamic Handling package). With the optional off-road comfort suspension (standard in the UK) the body is 30 millimetres higher. This results in improved off-road capability thanks to higher ground clearance and a higher seat position. Modified bumpers, new light-alloy wheels and the addition of a new colour, Canyon Beige, are just a few of the enhancements to the new GLA.
The previous optional bi-xenon headlamps have been replaced by LED headlights. Valuable: upgrade inside Exclusively available in this market segment, the 360-degree camera records the surroundings of the car, which are shown via the media display. It is also possible to view the car from a birdseye view - produced from the data of four cameras: front, reversing and one camera in each of the exterior mirrors.
The interior of the GLA has been enhanced with new seat covers and trim parts plus chromed control panels. The free-standing 20.3 cm (8-inch) media display is familiarly slim and easily legible, as are the new dials with red needles. The control switches on the electric seat adjustment are now finished in chrome - and the stowage compartment in the centre console is also now surrounded by a chrome frame.
Spot on: LED light turns night into day
The optional LED High Performance headlights replace the current bi-xenon headlights. Alongside enhanced illumination they help to relieve the strain on the eyes during journeys at night. The energy consumption is also lower: around 60 per cent less than xenon and approx. 70 per cent less than halogen. The low-beam headlights use LED projector-beam technology, while the main beam uses LED reflector technology. Changing a bulb is no longer necessary over the entire lifetime of the car. The GLA features LED High Performance tail lights with a multi-level function, while the brake lights and indicators are controlled in three intensities. Full brightness by day, a medium level for driving during the night and a lower level when at a standstill during the night, so as not to dazzle other road users. With this multi-level function the GLA automatically offers the correct level of brightness for all light, weather and traffic conditions.
Fitness programme: new engine range, less consumption
The GLA 220 4MATIC* will in future supplement the model range with an additional all-wheel drive version in the petrol-engine segment. With an output of 135 kW (184 hp) it constitutes an attractive proposition and taking its performance into account, with 152 g CO2 it is amongst the most frugal models in its class. The GLA 180d diesel variant is the efficiency champion of its segment with 103 g CO2. (*not available for the UK market) Through many optimisations cd value lowered The GLA’s ergonomic design contributes to its low fuel consumption and low NVH levels.
The good flow characteristics, which contribute decisively to the low fuel consumption in everyday conditions and a pleasantly discreet noise level even at higher speeds, was achieved through a multitude of aerodynamic optimisations in the high-pitched wind tunnel in Sindelfingen. These include a low A-pillar step with corresponding A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirror housings.
The generously sized trim on the main floor, an additional trim in the centre section of the rear axle and even an aerodynamically optimised rear silencer with a connected diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.
An elaborate roof spoiler lip, specially shaped tail lights plus discreet side rear spoilers also ensure that the air flow at the tail end is aerodynamically optimal. Due to the many optimisations it was possible to improve the cd value from the previous 0.29 to 0.28.
Safety first: autonomous braking and warning about drowsiness
Vehicle safety is a top priority at Mercedes-Benz. The GLA has “Active Brake Assist” as standard: it warns the driver if they are travelling too close to the vehicle in front and, if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking. If the system detects that the driver is reacting too late, it initiates autonomous braking in order to prevent the collision or minimise the consequences.
The GLA also has “ATTENTION ASSIST” as standard: it can detect typical signs of drowsiness via the steering behaviour and warn the driver about an impending microsleep.
More comfort in the end
Hands-free access is now optionally available meaning the boot lid can be opened and closed with a foot movement.
