THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLA: FITNESS PROGRAMME FOR COMPACT SUV

January 10, 2017 by Ram

Stuttgart. The new GLA is starting 2017 with an extended range of engines, updated interior and exterior design, plus updated equipment lines. The range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC will also be offered as a special edition; Yellow Night Edition. The world premiere is on 8 January 2017 at the North American International Auto Show NAIAS in Detroit. The new GLA will go on sale on 9th January, while first customer cars will start arriving from April 2017.

The GLA was launched in 2013 and has become a success in its segment - it is characterised by its sporty design and dynamic handling. The main markets for this model are China, USA, Germany and Great Britain.

With seven model series (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS and G) Mercedes-Benz boasts the widest SUV range of all the European premium manufacturers, meaning it meets the individual needs of its customers effectively. This also applies to the GLA range, which offers one of the largest selections of engines in its segment - from the Mercedes-Benz GLA 180d (not available for UK market) with 80 kW (109 hp) and a CO2 value from 103 g/km up to the 280 kW (381 hp) Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for the entire model range.

The GLA is the only model in its segment to offer new comfort and safety features such as the 360-degree camera or hands-free access.

A new addition to the engine range is the GLA 220 4MATIC*. With an output of 135 kW (184 hp) and a torque of 300 Nm it closes the gap between the two petrol engines with 115 kW (156 hp) and 155 kW (211 hp).

(*not available for UK market)

Attractive price structure, sales start on 9 January 2017

The sales release of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA is on 9 January 2017 from 28,940.80 euros for the GLA 180. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is offered from 56,852.25 euros.

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(All details are recommended retail prices for Germany incl. 19% VAT)

Petrol models:

GLA 180* 28,940,80 euros

GLA 200 30,821.00 euros

GLA 220 4MATIC* 37,145.85 euros

GLA 250* 34,664.70 euros

GLA 250 4MATIC 38,960.60 euros

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC 56,852.25 euros

Diesel models:

GLA 180d* 31,951.50 euros

GLA 200d 33,647.25 euros

GLA 200d 4MATIC 37,943.15 euros

GLA 220d* 38,472.70 euros

GLA 220d 4MATIC 40,686.10 euros

*models not available for UK market

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.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC

With aerodynamic measures such as the restyled front apron and lip on the roof spoiler it was possible to increase driving dynamics and stability, while wind resistance has also been reduced.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC features a sharpened front section, while the front apron, air intake grilles, and front splitter have also been updated. The twin louvre on the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille is now finished in silver chrome, as are the inserts in the side sill panels. As an additional option a multi-spoke 20-inch light-alloy wheel is available for selection in two colour variants: painted matt black with high-sheen rim or painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish.

At the rear, the GLA 45 4MATIC includes a new diffuser insert in the rear apron and detailing in silver chrome.

Fine interior with exclusive touches

The interior has been similarly upgraded. The dashboard is covered as standard in ARTICO man-made leather with red contrasting topstitching. The interior trim is available in black/red (standard) or in black/silver (in conjunction with the Exclusive package). The vehicle key and the E-Select lever now bear the AMG emblem as standard.

The instrument cluster has been given a new number design and the speedometer is divided into 30 km/h stages.

Further options for comfort and sport

The new equipment items available on request include the keyless vehicle access hands-free access and the 360-degree camera: with the aid of four networked cameras this system facilitates parking and manoeuvring with an all-round view.

In conjunction with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package (optional extra) the mechanical front axle locking differential is available. This package also includes the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the performance steering wheel and the additional drive program 'RACE'.

Extremely agile 2.0-litre turbo engine

With a maximum output of 280 kW (381 hp) and 475 Nm maximum torque the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is among the most powerful cars in its segment. A speed of 62 mph is achieved from standstill after just 4.4 seconds. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine blends its thrilling performance and exemplary efficiency with a further best: the power-to-swept-volume ratio of 141 kW (191 hp) marks a record for a series engine with four cylinders.

One of the high-tech components of the four-cylinder turbo engine is the spray-guided direct petrol injection. Piezo injectors centrally located in the four combustion chambers inject the fuel at a pressure of up to 200 bar. The combination of multiple fuel injection and multi-spark ignition improves fuel economy and significantly increases thermodynamic efficiency, leading to low exhaust emissions. The twin-scroll turbocharger and maximum dethrottling of the exhaust system improve the charge pressure build-up, and therefore the engine's response to the accelerator.

On the road the turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine benefits from extremely fast responses to accelerator movements, high torque, enormous flexibility and a distinctive engine note. The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. The intensity of the engine note changes according to the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode.

With the optional AMG performance exhaust system the sound is even sportier through the modified structure of the silencer system. It can be regulated via selection of the drive programme or via a switch.

Shorter ratios: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission

The agile and dynamic power transfer is assisted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. Shorter gear ratios in gears three to seven ensure even more dynamic acceleration. Together with optimised response and shift times, the closer ratio spread ensures better transitions when upshifting.

Best traction as standard: AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The standard all-wheel drive AMG performance 4MATIC transfers the drive power to all wheels. The torque is steplessly variably distributed to the front and rear axle. This configuration results in an optimum ratio of dynamism, efficiency and traction to match the driving situation. A multiple-disc clutch integrated in the rear axle differential with AMG-specific control passes on the engine torque to the rear wheels in a flash should the front wheels lose traction. The spectrum ranges from purely front-wheel drive to the ratio of 50 to 50 percent to the front and rear wheels. Fuel consumption is 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres (38.2 mpg combined).