Mercedes-Benz has made major improvements to the small GLA SUV, including new innovations and expanded standard features. The redesigned radiator grille, which has horizontal fins and vertical louvers, adds to the car's formidable appearance. Additionally, the bonnet with subtly indicated power domes emphasizes the look of confidence. The GLA's off-road roots are evident in the revised front bumper with obvious underride protection.
The standard LED High Performance front headlights and the LED rear lights also have a more contemporary light signature, which is added to this. With the addition of the new Spectral Blue paint color and four new wheel shapes, Mercedes-Benz is broadening the available options. The new GLA's standard wheels are high-gloss black, five-twin-spoke alloy wheels with high-gloss turned surfaces. There are also optional 18- to 20-inch wheels available.
One of the centerpieces of the greatly improved interior is the free-standing twin screen. The instrument cluster and multimedia screen now come with standard 7-inch and 10.25-inch displays, respectively. There are two optional 10.25-inch wide-screen displays. They complement the open-plan architecture and provide a comprehensive, high-tech experience. The current generation's steering wheel comes standard with leather upholstery; however, Artico imitation leather is also an option. For the first time, the AMG Line also offers a heated steering wheel rim.
Simplified offer logic with extensive standard equipment
The new GLA comes standard with comfortable seats. They have black three-dimensionally embossed fabric and Artico man-made leather upholstery. Additionally, they come in the current sage gray color as an alternative. Black, macchiato beige, and sage gray are the three interior colors available with the Progressive equipment option. The standard ARTICO man-made leather/microfibre MICROCUT seat cover for the AMG Line is now also offered in Bahia Brown. The AMG Line offers four different upholstery colors: black, bahia brown, sage gray, and a new shade of red pepper mixed with black. The comfort seat's fabric cover is manufactured entirely from recycled materials. This ratio is 65% in the seat mirror and 85% in the bottom fabric for the ARTICO/MICROCUT seat cover.
Mercedes-Benz has greatly improved the GLA's basic features and even more closely matched the offer logic to individual customer preferences. A backup camera, the USB package, and Highbeam Assist, for instance, are already included in the standard equipment in addition to the leather steering wheel and LED front lighting. Customers also receive the Parking Package and Mirror Package starting with the Progressive Equipment version. Packages are put together with additional functional equipment depending on actual consumer behavior. Individual configurations of the automobiles are available for customers who are interested in customizing design elements, including colors, upholstery, trim, and wheels.
Latest MBUX generation with intuitive operation and adaptive software
The most recent MBUX generation is now available on the GLA, with two freshly designed display styles: "Classic" offers all the driver information they need, while "Sporty" dazzles with a dynamic rev counter. "Discreet" strips the displays down to their core information. There are many personalization choices available when the three navigation, assistance, and service modes are combined with the 10 color worlds of ambient light. Every function from before, including media, phone, and vehicle, is still available. The touchscreen or the finger pads on the steering wheel make it easy to control them.
The telematics system was revised with an eye toward a fresh look and enhanced functionality. The option to wirelessly connect to smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Wireless is a new feature. The GLA now offers an extra USB-C connector and more powerful USB charging for enhanced connection. Now, every USB port is lit.
The Mercedes-Benz app's intelligent voice assistant can engage in conversation and learn more by turning on web services. After getting to know the driver, the system recalls their usual settings or routes. When necessary, it offers customized infotainment, comfort, and vehicle features that are precisely matched to the current driving environment. With the "Do not suggest now" feature or the "Do not suggest again" option, the driver can, of course, reject this advice. These requests will be stored in the car. Even when no "Hey Mercedes" is uttered, several activities can still be carried out. The voice assistant can also describe how a car works. The "MBUX Voice Assistant" from Mercedes-Benz, which was first available only in Germany, now includes an exciting feature called the audio "Tourguide" for travel information. When the voice command "Hey Mercedes, start Tourguide" is used, MBUX plays out information on noteworthy locations along the route. Approximately 3,400 brown markers along German highways trigger responses from the system.
With the most recent MBUX version, the optional Burmester® surround sound system now offers the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience, which gives music greater depth, clarity, and space. Fans may listen to music with incredible clarity that matches the artist's original vision from the studio thanks to Dolby Atmos' ability to adapt to any playback setting.
Digital extra: new mini-games
A new digital extra is also coming to the GLA with the Mercedes-Benz Connect Services optional individualization package. The small SUV is transformed into a mobile gaming system through a variety of mini-games designed specifically for the touchscreens and touch control buttons on the steering wheel. Passengers can play cooperatively or alone while waiting for a charging stop. Classic games, including Sudoku, Shuffle Puck, Pairs, Match 3, and a quiz, are currently accessible.
In terms of safety, the new GLA models also advance. As an addition to the Driving Assistance package, the Active Steering operation allows for more comfortable operation of the Lane Keeping Assist. Longitudinal parking is supported by the parking package's next version. For camera-assisted parking, it also provides 360-degree visualization. For the first time, the GLA is also equipped with Trailer Manoeuvring Assist. With camera support, it makes reverse maneuvering easier. The parking package with a 360-degree camera and the trailer hitch with ESP® trailer stabilization are required.
Expanded range of electrified drive options
The new GLA has electrified all of its gasoline engines to significantly minimize pollutants and consumption. Four-cylinder engines with seven- or eight-speed DCT dual-clutch transmissions as standard are available in the range. The belt-driven starter generator has an additional 48-volt onboard power supply that is included with mild hybrid vehicles. Its 10 kW of temporarily available extra power aids in starting agility or is applied for rapid boosting. The starter-generator further improves comfort because it allows for coasting with the combustion engine off in addition to low-vibration and low-noise engine starting. Additionally, it recovers energy while braking and accelerating, supplying both the 48-volt battery and the 12-volt on-board network with power.
The engines at a glance
