The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is drawing interest across the world as the latest model of the compact SUV sports an upgraded visual accentuation in both interior and exterior design, plus new and updated equipment lines. 

The new GLA is characterised by its sporty dynamic design idiom, light-footed handling and extensive individualisation options. As the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz, it breathes fresh air in its market segment where it has established itself as a major player, the company says.

“The new facelift gives the GLA a more powerful appearance and off-road prominence. Among our range of compact cars, the GLA’s impressive off-road capabilities stand out. It is the ideal companion to those seeking to complement an active lifestyle with a sporty driving style,” said Lennart Mueller-Teut, head of marketing and communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East.

The GLA’s progressive design and striking SUV genes are enhanced by the off-road comfort suspension (with a body of 30 mm) that results in higher ground clearance and higher seat position, thereby significantly improving its off-road capabilities. Modified bumpers, additional light-alloy wheels and the new alluring colour "canyon beige" characterise the 2017 model.


IMPRESSIVE INTERIORS

The interior of the new GLA, styled with high-quality materials and excellent workmanship, is enhanced by new seat covers, trim parts and chromed control panels. The Luxury Exclusive Package features extraordinary luxury seats with black leather in a buffalo look. The trim parts used here are a choice of trapezium-grain aluminium, light brown satin-finish poplar wood, and high-gloss brown walnut. An especially exclusive offering is the matte black ash wood and AMG trim parts in carbon fibre. 

The 360-degree camera, an exclusive offering in this market segment, records the car’s direct surroundings, and depicts them either as a full-image or in seven different split-screen views on the media display. Among them is also a virtual top view of the car, produced by data from four cameras: the front, reverse and one for each of the exterior mirrors.


SAFETY FIRST

Safety is a top priority at Mercedes-Benz and the GLA’s technical capabilities reassert this commitment. Standard offerings include the “Active Brake Assist," designed to warn drivers of insufficient distance to vehicles ahead, and when necessary, deliver situation-appropriate braking. Furthermore, if the system detects a lack of responsiveness from the driver, it initiates autonomous braking to prevent collision or minimise the consequences. Other standard safety-enhancing offerings include "Attention Assist" which is capable of detecting typical signs of drowsiness via steering behaviour and warns the driver of an imminent microsleep.


NEW MERCEDES-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC

Mercedes-AMG is continuing its model initiative with visual and technical enhancements to the GLA 45 4Matic. Another distinguishing feature of the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic is the sharpened front section. The front apron has been given a more dynamic shape, new air intake grilles, a front splitter insert in silver chrome plus flics in high-gloss black. The twin louvre on the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille is now in silver chrome, as are the inserts in the side sill panels. Available as an additional option are the multi-spoke 20-inch light-alloy wheels, which come in two colour variants: either painted matte black with high-sheen rim flange or painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish.

With a maximum output of 280 kW (381 hp) and 475 Nm maximum torque the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic is among the most powerful cars in its segment. A speed of 100 km/h is achieved from standstill in just 4.4 seconds. The extremely agile 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine blends its thrilling performance and exemplary efficiency with another best: the power-to-swept-volume ratio of 141 kW (191 hp) marks a record for a series engine with four cylinders – it raises the AMG engine to the level of thoroughbred super sports cars. 

On the road, the turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine thrills with rapid responses to accelerator movements, high torque, enormous flexibility and an emotional engine note. The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. The intensity of the engine note changes according to the currently active AMG Dynamic Select driving mode. 

The new GLA is scheduled for release this month with a starting price of $43,600 for GLA 250 4Matic and $65,950 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic.