After displaying a “teaser” at the Shanghai motor show in April, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the production version of its new compact SUV, known as the GLA.
The GLA is the fourth member of Mercedes-Benz’s latest line-up of compact models, joining the A-Class hatchback, B-Class compact MPV and recently introduced CLA sedan in sharing a common platform structure that uses transversely mounted engines and supports both FWD and 4WD.
The external dimensions are similar to those of its key compact European crossover rivals. It has a 2699mm wheelbase – the same as that used by all latest A-Class. Other dimensions are 4427 mm in length, 1805 mm in width and 1495 mm in height.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA can be ordered with a range of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. FWD models include the GLA200 with a 115 kW 1.6 liter petrol unit and the GLA200 CDI running a 100 kW 1.8 liter diesel.
There are three four-wheel-drive models, including the GLA250 with a 155 kW 2.0 liter petrol engine, GLA220 CDI fitted with a 125 kW 2.1 liter diesel and the GLA45 AMG with a 265 kW 2.0 liter petrol unit.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the FWD models, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic appearing on the 4WD models. This transmission will be optional on all FWD.
Mercedes-Benz is not promoting the GLA as an off-roader, but the dual-clutch gearbox boasts an off-road mode, which alters the shift points and throttle mapping for smooth progress away from the bitumen, and the 4WD system defaults to a FWD under normal on-road driving conditions in the interests of fuel saving, but it can send up to 50 percent of drive to the rear wheels when the road conditions demand it. A downhill speed regulation function is standard on all models with 4WD, helping to maintain a constant speed on downhill gradients.
Official fuel economy figures are impressive and almost eco-class. The GLA200 CDI, returns 4.3 L/100 km on the combined European cycle.
The dashboard and interior features are carried over from the A-Class, B-Class and CLA-Class. Boot space is put at 421 litres, rising to 836 litres when the rear seat is folded down.
The GLA comes with many safety features, including Attention Assist to detect drowsiness; Collision Prevention Assist that operates at speeds from 7 km/h and a more advanced Collision Prevention Assist Plus function that, in combination with the optional Distronic Plus cruise control, provides full autonomous application of the brakes at speeds up to 200 km/h for impact avoidance.
There is also the usual infotainment and other electronics seemingly required in new cars these days with full smart phone integration, internet connectivity, applications such as Facebook and Twitter, and street view on the navigation system and many other options.
