5 Things to Know About the New Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35
Giancarlo Perlas December 14, 2019After seeing them in spy shots and teasers, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and its high-performance version, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, finally make their much-anticipated official unveiling. The GLA range revitalizes its lineup with its more spacious interior, more safety features, more advanced tech, and new powertrain options.
The GLA is now on its second-generation series, and here are the things that it offers:
1. Exterior
At a glance, the GLA may not appear different from its predecessor, but a closer look shows that it’s not the case. The crossover now has a cleaner look by integrating the new design philosophy of its maker similar to the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It also carries a new front grille, lights, and bumpers. Examining the dimensions of the auto reveals that it is 0.6 inches shorter in overall length than its predecessor but it is now 1.1 inches longer in wheelbase, 1.2 inches wider, and 4.1 inches taller.
2. Interior
The longer wheelbase and wider stance of the GLA translate to more room in its rear passenger area. While the crossover only adds 0.8 inches to its front headroom and cuts off 0.8 inches from its front legroom, it makes up for them with its more spacious rear passenger portion that adds 4.5 inches to its legroom but its rear headroom is reduced by 0.3 inches.
Again, the GLA takes all the styling elements present inside the A-Class. The AMG version takes the game to a whole new level with its MB-Tex/Dinamica microfiber-covered seats in black with red stitching. The interior trim is highlighted by its dashboard and side panels with carbon-fiber-look plus ambient lighting. Those who want to customize their vehicles differently have four other optional leather upholsteries to choose from.
3. Tech
Upon entering the GLA, the driver and the passengers are greeted with twin 7-inch displays that already possess the MBUX infotainment system with voice and gesture controls. The screens can be upgraded to 10.25 inches for extra convenience in accessing most of the vehicle’s functions.
New to the GLA is the car wash function similar to the one carried by the GLS. The system folds the mirrors and closes all the windows, including the sunroof, upon its activation during car washing. It disables the rain sensor of the auto as well so that its wipers will not engage. While all these are happening, it shifts the climate control to air-recirculation mode.
4. Powertrain
The GLA will arrive in the US as the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 models. The GLA 250 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. All that power is distributed to all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission. The setup allows the crossover to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.6 seconds while its top speed is electronically-capped at 130 mph.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine of the AMG GLA 35 raises the bar at 302 hp and 295 lb-ft torque. The unit propels the auto from 0 to 60 mph in mere 5 seconds while its max speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph.
Europe will get a toned-down version of the compact SUV with the GLA 200. It is equipped with a 1.33-liter engine with 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The power of the auto is managed by a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Future plans for the GLA include a plug-in hybrid version powered by diesel and electricity. It will get the AMG GLA 45 and AMG GLA 45 S models too with 382 hp and 354 lb-ft torque plus 416 hp and 369 lb-ft torque, respectively.
5. Sale
The new Mercedes GLA is set to roll out in US dealerships in summer, but buyers in Europe will already get the product as early as spring next year. The official price of the GLA is yet to be announced, but it is estimated to start at £35,000.
