MERCEDES-BENZ GLA Review

Progressive in design, versatile and with impressive off-road capability: the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been unveiled, aiming to set new benchmarks in efficiency as it mixes practicality with surefooted 4MATIC capability.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly manoeuvrable around town (length x width x height 4,417 x 1,804 x 1,494 millimetres), lively on country roads and dynamic and efficient on the motorway (C_d figure 0.29). The high-quality appointments, developed with much love for detail, and the flexible interior clearly position the GLA as a compact premium SUV.

The GLA is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be optionally available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution in the UK.

The new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio of Mercedes-Benz in the UK. With four model series (GLA, ML, GL and G) the company offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer, and meets all the individual mobility wishes of its customers. At the same time the GLA-Class is the fourth of a total of five new compact models from Mercedes-Benz. The sales figures amply demonstrate how well the new compact models are received by customers: In the first half of 2013, for example, 173,362 units of the A- and B‑Class and the new CLA Coupé were delivered worldwide (+58.0%). Especially gratifying is the high conquest rate of the new A-Class: around 50 per cent of the buyers in Europe come from other brands.

As a serene day-to-day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required. The generous luggage compartment (421 – 836 litres) is well-presented and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low sill and the wide tailgate, which opens automatically as an option.

The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for a wide range of applications. Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 156 hp in the GLA 200 to 211 hp in the GLA 250.

The two diesel engines excel with dynamic torque and outstanding efficiency: The GLA 200 CDI develops 136 hp and maximum torque of 300 Nm and has a displacement of 2.2 litres. It emits only 114 g CO₂ per kilometre (provisional figure). The GLA 220 CDI likewise has a displacement of 2.2 litres and develops 170 hp and 350 Nm.

The GLA will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (12 to 22 September 2013). Orders will be taken from the end of November in the UK, and the GLA will be in dealer showrooms in 2014.

Interior: attractive design features and high perceived quality

The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the interior. This has a particularly high perceived quality that is achieved by the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials.

All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a “cool-touch” effect. The impression is one of perfect detail. The heavy emphasis on horizontals, the dynamic design and the highly attractive design features are other high-quality attributes.

The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matt and glossy graining creates an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section finished in aluminium lends a new, modern touch to the interior.

Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature, bezels are optionally available around these circular vents whose SUV-look echoes the underride guard and side member claddings. The bezels can be galvanised as an option. The direction of the airflow can be varied by butterfly-shaped inserts which can be optionally galvanised in silver-shadow.

The large, free-standing display has a high-gloss display facing in piano-black and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. This gives the display a particularly high-quality look. A three-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanised chrome clasp is standard equipment. On request an instrument cluster version with two tubes is available. In this case there is a small dial instrument in each of the large dial instruments. When at rest the needles are in the 6 o’clock position. The needle inlays are always in silver.

The wide choice of seat upholsteries in material (e.g. leather, fabric, fabric/leather) and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an optional extra.

The high quality of the sports seats is emphasised by the aperture in the lower section of the head restraint. On the rear of the front seats this aperture is framed by a surround in silver-shadow, and can have ambience lighting on request.

If the optional Load Compartment package is ordered, the backrest of the rear seat unit can be moved to a steeper position, the so-called cargo position. This enlarges the load compartment capacity by 60 litres, providing space for bulky items while still allowing the rear seats to be used by passengers.

Set into a galvanised surround, the controls for the optional “electric seat adjustment with memory” are arranged on the interior door panels in typical Mercedes style – a unique feature in this segment. The interior door panels are likewise of extremely high quality. The soft, matt surfaces extend right from the beltline to the door pocket. In combination with the equipment packages the door armrests have a high-quality chrome trim strip and, as an option, ambience lighting.

*Note: These are German specification packages – UK specification will be announced in November

Aerodynamics: goodbye to box-shaped

With the GLA, yet another model series becomes the leader in its segment with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. Its C_d figure is 0.29. At 0.66 m² the frontal area C_d x A, which decisively affects fuel consumption from around 38 mph is likewise a top figure.

The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle’s low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. These include a low A-pillar step with suitable A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirror housings. The rear end is also streamlined. The measures here include the roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail lights. Rear spoilers at the sides ensure that the airflow breaks off for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Seals in the front bumper (radiator area incl. around the headlamps) and radiator shutters for regulation of the cooling air as required round off the aerodynamic measures.

Extensive underbody panelling, additional panelling in the middle area of the rear axle and an aerodynamically optimised rear silencer followed by a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

Numerous measures have also been taken to reduce wind noise in the GLA. These, for example, include a multi-level door sealing concept, additional sealing of the joint between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Particularly rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and reduce vibrations. External noise has also been minimised by the low A-pillar step and exterior mirrors connected to the body by a stem.

Engines and transmissions: dynamic claim to leadership

The GLA can achieve combined fuel economy of up to 65 mpg, setting new standards in its segment. Modern four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct injection, as well as an ECO start/stop function as standard, make for this superior efficiency. The new GLA-Class also takes the lead in its segment with its dynamic performance figures.

Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 156 hp in the GLA 200 to 211 hp in the GLA 250.

The GLA 250 4MATIC sprints from zero to 62 mph in only 6.5 seconds, underlining the dynamic claim to leadership of the GLA-Class. It has a top speed of 145 mph and a combined consumption figure of 39.7 mpg (151 g CO₂/km – provisional figures).

The two diesel engines excel with dynamic torque and outstanding efficiency: The GLA 200 CDI develops 136 hp, a maximum torque of 300 Nm and has a displacement of 2.2 litres. This engine has been reengineered for greater efficiency. The modifications include optimisation of the belt drive, a cylinder head package with different roller bearings and additional finishing, optimisation of the vacuum pump, aluminium pistons with optimised assembly clearances and a low-friction ring package, the roller bearings of the Lanchester balancer shaft and pressure sensor combustion control in the cylinder head.

The GLA 200 CDI can achieve 65.6 mpg on the combined cycle, which equates to 114 g CO₂/km (provisional figures). It is rated efficiency class A. The GLA 220 CDI also has a displacement of 2.2 litres, 170 hp and 350 Nm.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission (standard for GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and the 4MATIC models), which unites comfort and sportiness to an outstanding degree.

An overview of the models:

provisional figures

Suspension: for guaranteed recreational fun

With the new GLA Mercedes-Benz is adding a new member to the successful SUV family. This compact model reinterprets the SUV concept in a new, modern way, because the GLA is less long-legged and imposing than previous SUVs, and therefore fits perfectly into the day-to-day urban lifestyle.  At the same time the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the robust body structure and the variable interior concept guarantee plenty of recreational enjoyment.

Motto: away from the daily routine. Rough terrain – the beach, loose ground, unsurfaced gradients – all of these are no problem for the GLA.

The chassis of the GLA features a MacPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are independent of one another. The wheel carriers and spring control arms are of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. In the versions with 4MATIC, the rear axle carrier is isolated with rubber bushings for the benefit of ride comfort.

Compared to conventional systems, the electromechanical power steering provides better feedback to the driver and makes an important contribution to the vehicle’s overall efficiency, as the servo assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is actually steered. It also allows various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP^® control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front-wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.

The GLA has an extremely rigid body, and therefore the basis for stable and safe handling characteristics both on and off the road, as well as a high level of NVH comfort. There are additional reinforcements e.g. to the B-pillars, front damper domes, side members and underbody.

High traction reserves: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The GLA from Mercedes-Benz is optionally available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with high traction reserves and outstanding agility combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the 4MATIC system include the power take-off to the rear axle that is integrated into the 7G-DCT automatic dual clutch transmission, and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. This set-up allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition, and high efficiency.

Confident on light terrain: off-road functions

Models with 4MATIC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the gearshift points and accelerator characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain and particularly loose surfaces can be met. In combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and COMAND Online (optional extra), the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.

Smart safety: advanced assistance systems

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the MERCEDES BENZ GLA and reduce the driver’s workload. Standard-fit features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to protect against collisions from a speed of only 4 mph.

This feature combines with DISTRONIC PLUS (optional extra) to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. This incorporates an additional function: When a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 18 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of  up to 12 mph.

Established assistance systems, such as the optional Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available for the MERCEDES BENZ GLA. Active Parking Assist (optional) allows automatic parking in parallel and end-on parking spaces.

“Always on”: the multimedia systems

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the MERCEDES BENZ GLA boasts new functions, additional apps and a modified graphic colour scheme.

Daimler’s Digital Drive Style app concept, which together with the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone^®” allows seamless integration of an iPhone^® into the vehicle, has been extended. The highlights include Siri voice control and Glympse real-time location sharing. Glympse enables the user to share his or her current location with selected persons. Additional functions include Facebook^®, Twitter^®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ personal radio and the advanced navigation system from Garmin^® with internet-based real-time traffic information, an online POI search function including Street View™ and a 3D map display.

The COMAND Online multimedia system has also been extended. The latest generation offers improved, photo-realistic map display, an additional Bluetooth^® profile (to enable the internet to be accessed via iPhone^®, for example, the display of images additionally in bmp and png formats and the real-time transfer of traffic data via LIVE TRAFFIC.