Mercedes-Benz confirms GLA compact SUV production
Feast your eyes on Mercedes-Benz’s new Range Rover Evoque rival, the GLA Class. Set to be the star of the German brand’s gigantic Frankfurt Motor Show offering next month, the GLA will be available to order from the end of November, ahead of first deliveries in early 2014.
The first ever Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature in the fast-growing compact SUV sector, the new GLA sports a compact floor plan for the urban jungle and will be available in both two-wheel drive and with the brand’s 4MATIC (4x4) system.
The new model is based on the GLA Concept which starred at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, and at the time Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing said of the concept: “[it] is a compact SUV that combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion. 'Escape the everyday' is the message that this car conveys to its driver.”
The new model complements the German brand’s existing SUV line-up, with the GLA joining as the baby of the group which includes the ML, GL and G. Measuring under 4.5 metres in length the GLA is based on the same platform as the current A and B Class models and is the fourth model in a quintet of new compact vehicles from Mercedes-Benz which also includes the new CLA coupe.
Confirmed for launch is a range of engines which includes both 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol units, 156 hp for the entry-level GLA 200 to 211 hp in the case of the GLA 250. Diesel lovers are equally catered for with the 2.2-litre GLA 200 CDI developing 136 hp and emitting just 114g/km of CO2. The more powerful GLA 220 CDI develops 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque and is again powered by a 2.2-litre unit.
Fuel economy is boosted across the range by the use of engine start/stop technology, and the GLA 200 CDI can achieve 65.6 mpg on the combined cycle. For those looking for spirited performance the GLA 250 4MATIC sprints from zero to 62 mph in only 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 145mph. That is until the AMG developed GLA appears (not confirmed but surely only a matter of time).
To compete with other premium compact SUVs already in the market-place the designers have ensured that the GLA comes with a suitably high quality interior. All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow for a "cool-touch" effect, there are a wide choice of seat upholsteries (including leather, fabric and a combination of the two). Sports seats are also available as an optional extra. The precise make up of the UK range is still being finalised with more information due in November.
The GLA also comes kitted out with the brand’s latest infotainment technology, which includes the Digital Drive Style app concept which expands iPhone integration to now include Siri voice control, real-time location sharing and social media functionality. The COMAND system has also been extended, with a new photo-realistic map display and an additional Bluetooth profile.
