Following a long time watching teasers and waiting, we can confirm that the new GLA-Class is everything we expected it to be – and little besides.
At 4,410 mm (14.47 ft.) long and 1,611 mm (5.29 ft.) tall, the newcomer is not as long as its predecessor, but taller. The wheelbase has gained 30 mm (1.2”) and now amounts to 2,729 mm (8.95 ft.). The trunk size has increased to 435 liters (15.3 cubic feet), and you can move the rear sofa back and forward within 140 mm (5.5”). Overall, the new GLA actually looks like an SUV and not a tall hatchback; even the seats are now mounted higher up.
The cabin layout and trim corresponds to that of the A-Class. The MBUX infotainment system comes standard in all trims, but you can pay extra to get a 10.25-inch screen instead of a 7-inch one. Features include voice support, augmented reality, HUD, and more. When the driver tries to open the door, a warning light flashes in the side mirror and a sound plays if an obstacle is detected. There is also a couple of premium features inherited from the luxury segment, such as the Energizing Assist and the Car Wash Preparation, which locks the doors, folds down the mirrors, deactivates the rain sensor, and enables air recirculation.
Customers will initially have access to three trim levels. The GLA 200 offers a 1.33-liter four-cylinder engine with 163 hp (122 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, 7-speed DSG and AWD. It sprints 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.7 seconds and maxes out at 210 km/h (130 mph).
The GLA 250 will be available in the USA only and offer a 2.0 TSI with 224 hp (167 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), 8-speed DSG, and a choice between FWD and AWD.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 will occupy the top of the range for the time being, offering a superior 2.0 TSI with 306 hp (228 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, 8-DSG, and permanent AWD. It will sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds and max out at 250 km/h (155 mph). Aside from the strongest powertrain, it will boast sports suspension (adaptive shocks are a paid option), reinforced body, tweaked roll stabilization, high-end brakes, active-valve exhaust system, and a custom trim scheme. The AMG GLA 45 S will join the lineup later with 421 hp (313 kW), and the offer will eventually expand to include diesel and hybrid options as well.
Sales in Europe will launch in spring 2020.
