1. Completely modernised engines
South Africans will initially have a choice between two engines:
- A 1.33-litre engine in the GLA 200 with 120kW and 250Nm (claimed average fuel consumption is 5.9-5.6 l/100 km.) This engine has cylinder shut-off for "efficient operation in the partial-load range". The GLA200 is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
- The GLA 200d which gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 110W and 320Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 5.1 litres per 100 km, and the GLA 200d is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC (with an AMG Speedshift DCT 8G transmission) will appear on the scene later.
Related: Five reasons why the Mercedes-Benz GLA is good for families (2019)
Pricing is as follows:
GLA200: R 623 040
GLA 200d: R 656 560
GLA200 AMG Line: R 673 215
GLA 200d AMG Line: R 706 735
GLA200 Edition 1: R 751 840
GLA200d Edition 1: R 785 360
Related: A GLA can let its hair down (GLA 220d 4MATIC),2017
2. Improved suspension, driving dynamics, and additional spec if you choose all-wheel drive
The GLA's front axle is of the Macpherson variety while a sophisticated 4-link axle takes care of the rear. The rear axle is "mounted on a subframe isolated from the body shell by rubber bushings so that fewer vibrations are transferred from the suspension to the body."
If you specify 4MATIC all-wheel drive, you get the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard, which includes cornering lamps, an additional driving mode for off-road driving, an off-road view setting on the media display, and descent control for steep downhill driving.
Related: BMW X1 vs. Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA (2019)
3. A larger interior
GLA owners will know that the first-generation GLA wasn't very spacious, but the new GLA offers 116 mm more legroom in the rear and a larger cargo area of 435 mm. Shoulder room for rear passengers is 43 mm wider and the boot's opening is wider too. The load floor is height-adjustable if the need arises to transport bulky objects, and the rear seats can be optionally adjusted by 140 mm.
These improved interior dimensions have been made possible thanks to a wider track, longer wheelbase, and a height increase of 104 mm. Despite being larger, the GLA is actually a smidgen shorter than its predecessor, even if it's just by 14mm.
All-round visibility has also been improved, due to an optimised cross-section for the roof pillars, which now block out less of the surrounding area.
4. Screens galore inside the cockpit
What is a contemporary Mercedes-Benz without a multitude of touchscreens? The new GLA follows the interior design cues of the rest of the new-generation Mercs with an array of touchscreen options available.
The free-standing touchscreen display unit on the driver's side is available in three variants: two 7-inch displays (17.78 cm), with one 7- and one 10.25-inch display (26 cm), and, in the Widescreen version, two 10.25-inch displays.
5. MBUX as standard
Artificial intelligence by the name of MBUX, an acronym for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, makes its way into the new GLA. The highly-configurable system is your assistant in your daily drive and includes a full-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, learning software and voice control, and is activated when you say ”Hey Mercedes”.
The system understands natural speech and will assist you with anything from setting the air-conditioning to your ideal temperature, to calling your mother on the way home from work. The longer you drive the GLA, the more efficient your "assistant" will become.
6. Enhanced driving assistance systems
The latest and greatest semi-autonomous safety systems also form part of the new GLA's software. The optional Driving Assistance Package now includes a "turning manoeuvre function, an emergency corridor function, the exit warning function, and a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings." As per the Daimler website, other highlights of this package include:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with a braking function for stationary vehicles, extended automatic restarting in tailbacks in conjunction with Active Parking Assist and navigation, and activation of ”Gliding” in the ECO drive mode;
- Active Steer Assist with Active Emergency Braking Assist – with automatic unlocking and placement of an SOS call to the emergency call centre,
- Active Lane Change Assist in conjunction with navigation,
- Active Speed Limit Assist with reaction to changes in speed limits in conjunction with Traffic Sign Assist,
- Route-based speed adjustment when approaching bends, roundabouts, toll stations, T-junctions, and before leaving motorways/expressways,
- Evasive Steering Assist,
- Active Lane Keeping Assist,
- Active Blind Spot Assist,
- Active Brake Assist with turning manoeuvre and cross-traffic function,
- and PRE-SAFE® PLUS that can detect a potential rear impact.
The upgraded Blind Spot Assist system is now able to alert you when bicycles or pedestrians, not just cars, are in your blind spot, and works when your vehicle is stationary as well, so you don't hit an unsuspecting person with your car door. Active Brake Assist is a standard feature and will autonomously bring your GLA to a complete stop if it senses a collision is imminent.
Did you know..?
The new GLA has a car wash function? Here's how this works: With just one command, the side mirrors are folded in and the side windows and sliding roof closed, rain sensors are disabled so the windscreen wipers remain switched off in the car wash, the climate control switches to the air-recirculation mode, and the front image from the 360° camera (if fitted) is displayed to assist the driver when driving into the car wash. These settings are automatically deactivated when the driver drives out of the car wash and reaches a speed of 20 km/h or more.
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Source: Daimler media room
*Configure the Mercedes-Benz GLA of your dreams on the Mercedes-Benz South Africa website, here.
