The new Mercedes-Benz GLA: Added character and utility

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new GLA, rounding off its current generation of compact cars.

Representing the entry level into the brand's successful family of SUVs, the new car's character has been significantly reinforced compared with the previous model with a whole host of improvements.

The new GLA features powerful overall proportions with short overhangs front and rear. Powerdomes on the bonnet, along with wheels up to 20-inches in size and mounted flush with the outer edge of the body reinforce the car's self-assured appearance, while the height of the car also now reaches 1,611mm, exceeding that of its predecessor by more than 100mm.

The rear lights are now divided into two segments with the reflectors positioned separately in the bumper, allowing for a larger rear boot opening and making loading easier.

On the inside, the instrument panel now features optical 'cut-outs' in the driver and front passenger area. The cut-out on the driver's side is dominated by a free-standing display unit, which is available in three variants: The first with two 7.0-inch displays, the second with one 7.0-inch and one 10.25-inch display, and, the third Widescreen version, with two 10.25-inch displays.

The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger has been raised and is now more upright delivering a driving position more typical of an SUV.

The driver and front passenger sit 140mm higher than in the A-Class and 50mm higher than in the B-Class. All-round visibility has also been improved against the previous model due to the cross-section for the roof pillars, which now block out less of the surrounding area.

Utility value was also one of the focuses of development for the new car. The rear seats can be slid front and back by 140mm and the rear seat backrest can also be set to a steeper rake, making room for more bulky items. The rear seat back rest can be can be split 40:20:40, and boot space now stands at 435 litres, a 14-litre improvement over the preceding model.

The GLA can optionally be equipped with the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution.

All 4MATIC models will also feature the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard, bringing with it an additional drive mode that allows off-road driving in easy terrain. Cars that sport the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps together with the off-road package will also get a special off-road light function, which leaves the cornering lights on up to a speed of 50km/h, resulting in wide and bright light distribution immediately in front of the vehicle.

The entry model petrol engine in the GLA200 has a turbocharged engine with a displacement of 1.33-litres, delivering 159bhp and 250Nm of torque, while featuring cylinder shut-off for efficient operation in the partial-load range. 

The top of the line is the Mercedes-AMG GLA35 4MATIC meanwhile, utilises a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine guaranteeing immediate response to accelerator pedal commands with 297bhp, high tractive power with 400Nm of torque, and a supremely lively response with an emotive engine note.