The new Mercedes-Benz GLA 2023 is a sporty compact SUV

Mercedes-Benz is significantly redesigning its GLA compact SUV, combining numerous innovations with updated styling and enrichment of standard equipment. The GLA's expressive, confident character is underscored by a new grille and engine hood with discreet bulges, while a redesigned front bumper nods to its off-road genes.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The changes are complemented by updated lighting design for the standard High Performance LED headlights and LED taillights. Mercedes-Benz is expanding the range of personalization options with a new Spectral Blue paint finish and four additional wheels. The base version of the GLA rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with five double-spoke black gloss finish. Wheels are available on request from 18 to 20 inches in diameter.

One of the highlights of the updated interior is the freestanding dual screen, which now includes a 7-inch instrument cluster display as standard and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Two 10.25-inch screens are optionally available. The new generation steering wheel is wrapped in leather as standard. For the first time in the AMG range, rim heating can be ordered.

Simplified offer logic, rich standard equipment

The new Mercedes GLA comes as standard with comfortable seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and 3D embossed fabric in black or trendy gray as an option. The Progressive variant offers a choice of three interior colors: black, macchiato beige and sage grey. In the AMG Line, the standard upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather and upholstery in MICROCUT microfiber is now also available in brown. upholstery in shades of red and black. Comfort seat upholstery made from 100% recycled materials. In the case of a mixture of ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfiber, their proportion is 65% for the seat surface and 85% for the filling.

Mercedes-Benz has significantly expanded the standard equipment of the GLA and adapted the offer logic even more precisely to customer expectations. For example, in addition to the leather steering wheel and LED headlights, high-beam assistant, a rearview camera and a USB package come as standard. Starting with the Progressive variant, it also includes parking and mirror packages. The selected options have been combined based on the actual choice of the client. In terms of design, including color, upholstery, trim and wheels, buyers can customize their car as freely as ever.

The latest generation of MBUX: intuitive controls and adaptive software

The GLA has received the latest generation MBUX with new graphics. The Classic style provides the driver with all the information they need, the Sporty impresses with a large tachometer, and the Discreet is limited to the bare essentials. Combined with three display modes (navigation, support and services) and ten worlds of decorative lighting, this offers a wide range of customization options. All the previous functions can be conveniently operated via the touch screen or touch pads on the steering wheel.

The update to the telematics system focused on both new design and performance improvements. New is the ability to wirelessly connect to smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. To improve connectivity, the Mercedes GLA now has an additional USB-C port and offers more USB charging power, with all USB ports illuminated.

By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant can communicate and learn user habits even more effectively. The system recognizes the driver and remembers their typical settings or routes. At the right moment, it offers personalized suggestions for the use of vehicle functions that are suitable for a given situation. The driver can decline these offers either once or permanently. GLA will remember this wish. Some actions can even be activated without saying "Hey Mercedes". In addition, the voice assistant will explain the operation of the equipment if necessary.

The optional Burmester® surround sound system, paired with the latest generation MBUX, delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound that brings more depth to your music. What's more, Dolby Atmos adapts to any playback environment, meaning fans can hear music with unsurpassed clarity, true to the original vision of the studio artist.

Digital Expansion: New Mini-Games

With the optional customization package for Mercedes me connect services, the GLA gets a new digital addition: mini-games specially designed for touchscreens and steering wheel controls. Thus, the compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz turns into a mobile game console: those who have to wait in the car or stop to recharge can play on their own or compete with other travelers. Currently, you can choose from classic games such as Sudoku, Puck Shuffling, Pairs, Match 3 and Trivia.

The new GLA family has also been improved in terms of active safety. The updated Driving Assistance package offers a more comfortable lane keeping system in combination with Active Steering Assist. The next generation of the parking package also supports longitudinal parking. In addition, it offers a 360-degree visualization of the vehicle in its surroundings. Also available for the first time is Trailer Maneuvering Assist, making it easier to use the GLA as a towing vehicle (requires ESP® towbar with trailer stabilization in combination with 360° camera parking package).

Extended range of electrified drives

To further reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the petrol engines of the new GLA are fully electrified. The range includes four-cylinder units as standard mated to a seven- or eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. Mild hybrids use a 48-volt electrical system with a belt-driven starter-alternator that briefly provides 10 kW (14 hp) of extra power for easier starting or acceleration. The starter-alternator also improves comfort: it allows energy recovery and floatation when the internal combustion engine is switched off, as well as reduces engine vibrations and ensures quiet starting.

More power and range in a plug-in hybrid

The advanced GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid drive offers improved performance and extended range thanks to a more powerful high-voltage battery. Electric power increased by 5 kW (7 hp) to 80 kW (109 hp); system power remains unchanged. Charging is still possible in three ways: in addition to the standard 3.7 kW, the battery can now optionally be charged with AC up to 11 kW. It is also possible to replenish energy with direct current with a power of up to 22 kW. By the way, Mercedes-Benz has updated the visualization of hybrid functions on the central screen.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel engine combines smooth running, excellent pulling power and high efficiency. It is available in three power and torque versions. Features include single-stage turbocharging (variable geometry turbine), lightweight aluminum cylinder head and crankcase, and Mercedes-Benz NANOSLIDE® coating that reduces friction between the cylinder wall and steel piston, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid (WLTP preliminary data)

• Displacement (cm³) - 1.332
• Maximum gasoline engine power (kW / hp) - 120/163 at 5500 rpm
• torque gasoline engine (Nm) - 270
• Motor power (kW / hp) - 80/109
• Motor torque (Nm) - 300
• System power (kW / hp) - 160/218
• System torque (Nm) - 450
• Battery capacity (kWh) - 11.5
• Fuel consumption mixed, weighted (l / 100 km) - 1.1-1.4
• Combined Weighted CO2 Emissions (g/km) - 24-31
• Combined electricity consumption, weighted (kWh/100 km) - 21.1-23.8
• Power reserve in electric mode (km) - 62-70