Progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and with good off road capability: a wanderer between automotive worlds, the Mercedes Benz GLA reinterprets the compact SUV segment in convincing style. It lightfootedly masters all day-to-day challenges and is also robust enough for off-road excursions.
As a day-to-day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required. The large luggage compartment (421 – 1235 litres) is well laid-out and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which opens and closes automatically as an option. Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 156 hp in the GLA 200 to 211 hp in the GLA 250. All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function and comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
The New Mercedes-Benz GLA – Driving Event
To celebrate the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, an exclusive media launch and driving event was organized at Asia World-Expo Hong Kong. The driving event let all guests experience the exhilarating performance, driving control and handling competence of the new GLA as well as other Mercedes-Benz under the supervision of advanced driving instructors from Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy.
All guests were also able to witness how the new GLA heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story in the compact premium SUV segment. With its striking characteristics and handsome off-road proportions, the GLA combines progressive design and dynamic driving capabilities. The 4-cylinder 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines with the standard ECO start/stop function in the new GLA comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Furthermore, with a Cd value of 0.31, the GLA is the segment leader in aerodynamic efficiency.
Exterior
Sensual purity as an expression of modern luxury – this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that communicate high-tech while exuding an all-embracing emotional appeal. As an SUV, the new GLA combines the key design values of Progression and Tradition, and is the SUV of the future. The muscular shoulders over the rear axle are further highlighted by the inward taper of the C-pillars. Thanks to the divided tail lights, the loading hatch is pleasantly wide. The aerodynamically effective roof spoiler is another eye-catching feature.
Interior
The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature, bezels are optionally available around these circular vents whose SUV-look echoes the underguard and side member claddings. The bezels can be galvanised as an option.
Standard equipped with Load Compartment package (Exclude GLA 200), the backrest of the rear seat unit can be moved to a steeper position, the so-called cargo position. This enlarges the load compartment capacity by 60 litres, providing more space for bulky items while still allowing the rear seats to be used by passengers.
Aerodynamics
With the GLA, yet another model series is set to become the leader in its segment with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. It has a Cd value of 0.31. The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. These include a low A-pillar step with suitable A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirror housings. The rear end is also streamlined. The measures here include the roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail lights.
Suspension
The chassis of the GLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are independent of one another. The wheel carriers and spring control arms are made of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. In the versions with 4MATIC, the rear axle carrier is isolated with rubber bushings for the benefit of ride comfort. In all, there are three suspension variants to choose from: the comfort suspension as standard, the dynamic handling package with suspension lowered by 15 mm and Sports Direct-Steer system, plus the off-road comfort suspension (optional).
Compared to conventional systems, the electromechanical power steering provides better feedback to the driver and makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the servo assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is actually steered. It also allows various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front-wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.
High traction reserves: 4MATIC all-wheel drive
Mercedes-Benz offers the GLA with the new generation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution. The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear-axle gear unit with integrated, hydraulically actuated multi-disc clutch. This set-up allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition and high efficiency.
Off-road functions
GLA 250 4MATIC equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.
When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the shift points and accelerator characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain, and particularly on loose surfaces, can be met. In combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and COMAND Online (optional), the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.
Smart safety
Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA and reduce the driver's workload. Standard-fit features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.