New Mercedes-Benz GLA

The new GLA completes the current generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars and is the eighth such model in the lineup. At the same time, this is an "entrance ticket" to the line of SUVs with a star. Compared to its predecessor, it boasts a much more expressive character: at 1,611 mm (1,616 mm with roof rails), it is over 10 cm taller.

New Mercedes-Benz GLA

Accordingly, the higher driving position typical of an SUV is combined with more headroom for front passengers. Legroom for rear passengers has also increased significantly - despite the fact that the new GLA is 1.5 cm shorter than its predecessor.

Off-road features include a vertical front apron, short overhangs, and protective covers around the vehicle's body. 4MATIC models are equipped as standard with an Off-Road Engineering Package with an additional driving mode, descent control and off-road animation on the multimedia system display, and in combination with MULTIBEAM LED headlights, also a special off-road lighting function.

Basic information about the new Mercedes GLA

• It is more than 10 cm taller than its predecessor, but 1.5 cm shorter.
• Offers more headroom in the front and significantly more legroom in the rear
• Can respond in emergency situations when the driver does not - the standard Active Brake Assist system can perform autonomous braking in many situations to avoid or mitigate a collision.
• Expands the scope of the Driver Assistance package to include, for example, the following features: Turn Assist, Creation of a Life Pathway, Departure Warning (warns the driver when cyclists or other vehicles are approaching) and Warns pedestrians when they are detected near pedestrian crossings
• It is the entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz SUV family and the sporty brother of the GLB.
• Has a favorable air resistance coefficient Cd (from 0.28)
• The 4MATIC version offers an Off-Road Engineering Package as standard;
• The intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system comes standard.
• It replaces a successful model: the first generation GLA is in demand with more than a million customers.
• The market premiere of the model in Europe will take place in the spring of 2020, then it will go to the markets of the USA and China.

With assistance systems, the new GLA also takes active safety one step further. Advanced systems offered as part of the Driving Assistance package include, for example, Turn Assist, Lifeline Creation, Exit Alert (alerts the driver when cyclists or other vehicles are approaching), and pedestrian alerts when they are detected near crosswalks. The GLA may react if the driver does not. Active Brake Assist can apply autonomous braking in many situations to avoid or mitigate a collision. The system can also brake at speeds up to approximately 60 km/h if it detects standing vehicles or pedestrians crossing the road in front of the vehicle. Depending on the situation, this helps prevent collisions even at speeds up to 50 km/h.

The new GLA will hit European dealerships in spring 2020. Thanks to the global presence of the Mercedes-Benz model, the GLA is predicted to become one of the most popular compact cars with a star throughout its life cycle and will be just behind the A-Class in the popularity rankings in Rastatt (Germany), Hambach (France) and, for the local market in Beijing, China.

Powerful and economical 4-cylinder engines, the latest driver assistance systems, the MBUX multimedia system as well as the ENERGIZING comprehensive comfort control system ensure that the new model has all the advantages of the current generation of Mercedes compact cars. At the same time, the GLA is aerodynamically favorable, with a drag coefficient Cd of 0.28.

Confident and dynamic: exterior design

The GLA has sharp overall proportions with short overhangs. The front bumper is in harmony with the A-pillar and visually compact interior. Its visual self-confidence is emphasized by the hood molding and wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, flush with the outer edge of the wheel arches.

The driving position for the driver and front passenger is higher and straighter than in its predecessor, and therefore more typical of an SUV. The driver and front passenger sit 140 mm higher than in class A and 50 mm higher than in class B. Visibility in all directions has also been improved compared to the first generation model, mainly due to an optimized cross-section. roof pillars, which now block a smaller area.

One of the main goals of the designers of the new GLA was its usefulness. The longitudinal position of the rear seats can be adjusted by 14 cm if desired, and the backrest can be made more upright, which allows you to create additional space for items such as large boxes. Even in this case, there is enough space in the back for one or two people, since the backrests in this variant are divided in a ratio of 40:60. In addition, the seatbacks can be split 40:20:40 and a height-adjustable cargo floor is standard.

Cleanliness and order: new car wash function

As the first model in its class, the new GLA has the car wash function already familiar from its big brother GLS. At the touch of a button, the exterior mirrors fold in and the door windows and the sliding sunroof close. In this case, the information from the rain sensor is ignored, so the wipers remain off. The air conditioner switches to air recirculation mode, and after a few seconds, the image from the front camera of the surround camera set (if any) is displayed to assist the driver when entering the car wash. These settings are automatically deactivated when the driver leaves the car wash and exceeds the speed of 20 km/h.

Exceptional long-distance comfort and driving pleasure: suspension

The front axle of the new GLA uses MacPherson struts. The use of forged aluminum wishbones reduces vehicle weight and unsprung masses. Crossovers are made of aluminum castings.

At the rear, the new GLA features a redesigned four-link axle tuned for maximum driving stability, suspension quality, and longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The rear axle is mounted on a subframe, which is isolated from the body by rubber bushings, so that vibration from the suspension is less transmitted to the body.

The track width compared to its predecessor has increased by more than 4 cm - up to 1605 and 1606 mm (front and rear, respectively). Larger wheel arches and larger diameter wheels (17 to 20 inches) result in higher ground clearance (143mm, +9mm).

More traction when you need it: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

As an option, the new GLA can be equipped with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution between the axles. 4MATIC components include a power take-off integrated into an automated dual-clutch transmission and a multi-plate rear axle differential. The clutch consists of six carbon-coated discs (12 friction surfaces) and is capable of transmitting up to 1000 Nm of torque. The automatic adjustment mechanism is adapted to its degree of wear.

Unlike the previous model, which used a hydraulic system, the new GLA's clutch is electromechanically actuated. During normal operation, the base torque distribution (front axle: rear axle) is 80:20 in the Eco/Comfort programs and 70:30 in the Sport program. In off-road mode, the clutch performs the function of locking the center differential, and the basic traction distribution is 50:50.

Useful on easy terrain: off-road engineering package

4MATIC models come standard with an Off-Road Engineering package including:

• special off-road light function (in combination with MULTIBEAM LED headlights; a wide beam of light allows you to better see obstacles on rough terrain when driving at night, at speeds up to 50 km/h),
• additional off-road driving mode (adjusts not only the characteristics of the 4MATIC drive, but also engine power and ABS control),
• animation of terrain parameters on the middle screen (e.g. slope),
• descent speed control (DSR) operating in a speed range of approximately 2-18 km/h.

Powerful and efficient: engines

The new GLA uses 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that have been completely redesigned for the new generation compact Mercedes. Compared to previous generation engines, they are much more powerful and more efficient. There are also plans for a local emission-free model with a third-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The base version of the GLA 200 uses a 1.33-liter petrol engine with 163 hp. with deactivation of partial load cylinders.

Mercedes – Benz GLA 200 technical data summary:

• R4 engine, turbo
• Displacement 1332 cc
• Maximum power 120 kW (163 hp) at 5500 rpm
• Maximum torque 250 Nm at 1620-4000 rpm.
• Dual clutch automatic transmission, 7G-DCT
• Combined fuel consumption 5.6-5.9 l/100km*
• Combined CO2 emissions 129-135 g/km*
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h 8.7 seconds
• Maximum speed 210 km/h

* The indicated values are measured "NEDC CO2 values" in accordance with art. 2 No 2 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153 as defined in Annex XII to Regulation (EU) No 692/2008. Fuel consumption data was calculated based on these values.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz