New GLA is expected Mercedes-Benz best-seller
Mercedes-Benz’s revised GLA is the eighth model in its line-up and is expected to be one of its most popular.
The new GLA combines the two highest-volume segments; compact cars and SUVs. Mercedes-Benz says that to date, more than six and a half million customers around the world have opted for a Mercedes-Benz SUV, and that therefore the new car will “become one of the brand’s most popular compact class models, only just behind the A-Class”.
The 1.33-litre petrol-powered GLA 200 offers combined fuel economy of 47.9-50.4mpg and combined CO2 emissions 129-135 g/km). This engine has cylinder shut-off to increase efficiency.
A 2.0-litre petrol turbo powers the top-of-the-range GLA 35, pushing out 225hp and economy of 37.7-38.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 170-171g/km.
Enhanced Driving Assistance Package includes driver alerts for cyclists and pedestrians in a number of scenarios, including detection near zebra crossings.
The new car has grown by 10cm in height, which Mercedes-Benz says allows for increased headroom and despite the car now being marginally shorter than previous (by one and a half centimetres, legroom is said to also be improved.
The car now includes 20-inch wheels as standard, while other design changes allow for easier access to the boot, for example, that’s been made wider.
The instrument panel consists of a basic volume, which features optical “cut-outs” in the driver and front passenger area. The cut-out on the driver’s side is dominated by the free-standing display unit, which is available in three variants: with two 7-inch displays, with one 7- and one 10.25-inch display and, in the Widescreen version, with two 10.25-inch displays. On the passenger side, the cut-out area is finished with a trim element.
The MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is also included as standard, which includes highlights such as a customisable presentation, full-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality, learning software, and “Hey Mercedes” voice control.
The new GLA is set to arrive at European dealerships in the spring of 2020.
Jonathan Musk
Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.
