Mercedes-Benz is significantly upgrading the compact GLA SUV with numerous innovations and more extensive standard equipment. The new radiator grille with vertical louvres and horizontal fins enhances the powerful character. In addition, the bonnet with discretely suggested power domes underlines the self-confident appearance. The redesigned front bumper with visual underride protection points to the GLA’s off‑road genes.
The modernized light signature in the standard LED High-Performance front headlights and the LED rear lights are added to this. Mercedes-Benz is expanding the range of options with the new Spectral Blue paint color and four additional wheel designs.
In the basic trim, the new GLA stands on 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces. Optional 18- to 20-inch wheels are also available.
The free-standing double screen is one of the highlights of the significantly upgraded interior. It now includes a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display as standard for the instrument cluster and multimedia screen, respectively. Two 10.25-inch wide-screen displays are optionally available.
They offer a holistic high-tech experience and enhance the open-plan architecture. The steering wheel of the current generation is upholstered in leather as standard; ARTICO imitation leather is available as an alternative. For the first time, a heated steering wheel rim is also available for the AMG Line.
Simplified Offer Logic With Extensive Standard Equipment
The new GLA is equipped with comfortable seats as standard. They are upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and three-dimensionally embossed fabric in black. They are also optionally available in the trendy sage gray color.
The Progressive equipment variant offers three interior colors: black, macchiato beige and sage grey. In the AMG Line, the standard seat cover in ARTICO man-made leather/microfibre MICROCUT is now also available in Bahia brown.
A total of four upholstery colors are available in the AMG Line: black, Bahia brown, sage gray and the new shade of red pepper combined with black. The fabric covering of the comfort seat is made of 100% recycled materials. In the case of the ARTICO/MICROCUT seat cover, this proportion is 65% in the seat mirror and 85% in the bottom fabric.
Mercedes-Benz has significantly upgraded the standard equipment of the GLA and tailored the offer even more precise logic to specific customer wishes. For example, in addition to the leather steering wheel and LED front headlights, the essential equipment includes Highbeam Assist, a backup camera and the USB package.
From the Progressive equipment variant onwards, customers also receive the Parking and Mirror packages. Further functional equipment is bundled into packages based on actual customer behavior. Those interested in design features such as colours, upholstery, trim and wheels can configure the vehicle individually.
Latest Mbux Generation With Intuitive Operation and Adaptive Software
The GLA now also features the newest generation of MBUX – with newly designed display styles: while “Classic” provides all relevant driver information, “Sporty” impresses with the dynamic rev counter. “Discreet” reduces the displays to the essential content.
Combined with the three Navigation, Assistance and Services modes plus the ten color worlds of Ambient Light, numerous individualization options exist. All previous functions, such as Media, Phone, Vehicle etc., are still available. They can be conveniently operated via the touchscreen or the finger pads on the steering wheel.
The revision of the telematics system focused on a new design and improved performance. A new feature is the ability to connect wirelessly with smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Wireless. The GLA now has an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging power for further connectivity. All USB ports are now illuminated.
By activating online services in the Mercedes Me app, the intelligent voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. The system gets to know the driver and remembers their typical settings or routes. At the appropriate moment, it suggests personalized infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions – precisely tailored to the respective driving situation.
The driver can reject this suggestion with the “Do not suggest now” function or permanently delete it with “Do not suggest again”. The vehicle will remember these wishes.
Specific actions can be triggered without saying, “Hey, Mercedes”. In addition, the voice assistant can explain vehicle functions. The audio “Tourguide” adds an exciting feature to the travel information as part of the “MBUX Voice Assistant” from Mercedes me – initially exclusively in Germany. When the “Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide” voice command is given, MBUX reads out interesting facts about places of interest along the route. The system responds to the approximately 3,400 brown signs along German motorways.
The optional Burmester® surround sound system, in conjunction with the latest MBUX generation, now features the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience, which gives the music more space, clarity and depth. In addition, Dolby Atmos adapts to any playback environment, meaning fans can listen to music with unparalleled clarity that matches the artist’s original vision from the studio.
Digital Extra: New Mini-Games
With the optional individualization package for Mercedes Connect services, a new digital extra is also making its way into the GLA. A selection of mini-games specially developed for the touchscreens and the touch control buttons on the steering wheel turn the compact SUV into a mobile game console: those who have a charging stop or want to pass the time waiting can play alone or compete with fellow passengers . Classic games such as Sudoku, Shuffle Puck, Pairs, Match 3 and a quiz are available.
The new GLA models also step up in terms of safety assistance. An upgrade of the Driving Assistance package enables more comfortable control of the Lane Keeping Assist through the Active Steering Control.
The next generation of the Parking package also supports longitudinal parking. And it offers 360-degree visualization for camera-assisted parking. The Trailer Maneuvering Assist is also available for the GLA for the first time. It facilitates reverse maneuvering with camera support. The prerequisite is the trailer hitch with ESP® trailer stabilization in conjunction with the Parking Package with a 360-degree camera.
Expanded Range of Electrified Drive Options
To further reduce consumption and emissions, the petrol engines in the new GLA are electrified throughout. The range includes four-cylinder units with seven- or eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmissions as standard equipment.
The mild hybrids have an additional 48-volt onboard power supply for the belt-driven starter generator. Its briefly available extra power of 10 kW supports agility when starting or is used for quick boosting. The starter-generator also increases comfort: in addition to low-vibration and low-noise engine starting, it also enables coasting with the combustion engine switched off. In addition, it recuperates during braking and acceleration processes – and thus supplies the 12-volt onboard network and the 48-volt battery with electrical energy.
The Engines at a Glance
| Petrol engine | GLA 200 | GLA 250 4MATIC | |
| Displacements | cm³ | 1,332 | 1,991 |
| nominal power | kW/PS | 120/163 | 165/224 |
| at | 1/min | 5,500 | 5,500 |
| add. power boost | kW/PS | 10/14 | 10/14 |
| Rated torque | Nm | 270 | 350 |
| Fuel consumption combined, weighted (WLTP preliminary) | l/100 km | 7.3-6.6 | 8.2-7.4 |
| CO2 emissions combined, weighted (WLTP preliminary) | g/km | 167-151 | 186-169 |