2014 Mercedes Benz GLA Review

German car manufacturer Mercedes is presenting a study of the compact SUV called Mercedes Benz GLA, which was created on the basis of A-class. This car will be a direct rival to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The serial version of Mercedes GLA class was presented in the autumn of 2013.

With this car Mercedes-Benz is expanding its offer for the younger and more dynamic customers. After sporty A and aerodynamic CLA now we have the choice of off-road inspired GLA.

Side view of Mercedes GLA

Mercedes competitor of Audi Q3 and BMW X1

The study of new Mercedes Benz GLA Class was presented at the 2013 Motor Show in Shanghai while the serial car presentation is planned for Frankfurt exhibition which will be held in September 2013.

GLA will be joining a growing range of compact SUV’s. The car will be a direct response to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the future as well as the projected compact range rover.

GLA study was formed on the basis of A Class and some parts of the platform will be shared with the B class. GLA is 4.38 meters long and is compared with B a little longer and 2 centimeters higher (also 15 centimeters higher than A Class). Width of the study is 1.97 meters.

You will have the option of front or four wheel drive. The system is connected with the seven-speed automatic gearbox with dual-clutch 7G-DCT. The engine range is more or less the same as in A or CLA Class.

View the promotional video of the new GLA Class

GLA with laser lights can project films

Bring movie theatre to your garage

GLA design summarizes the known lines of its sister models (A, B, E, CLA). The study has a laser headlight that can serve as a projector for movies and photographs when the vehicle is not in motion. There are also some LED lights and removable HD camera on the roof of the car. Interior is designed to accomodate for passengers with four individual seats.

Laser lights can project movies

Four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines

Because of its close connection to the A-Class we can expect these two car will also share the same engines. Therefore we can expect a variety of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Petrol versions will have the 1.6 and 2-liter volume. The power range extends from 115 kW (156 hp) in GLA 200 to 155 kW (211 hp) in the GLA 250.

Diesel variants will be a little weaker: GLA 200 CDI will have 100 kW (136 hp) while GLA 220 CDI can brag with 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm of torque.

The offer will also include 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

I am sure that Mercedes engineers will not forget about the most demanding customers in the close future and I think that AMG sports division will also have some work to do.

New GLA interior

Mercedes Benz GLA technical specifications

Size

Length: 4383 mm
Width: 1978 mm
Height: 1579 mm
Wheelbase: 2690 mm

Open doors view of MB GLA

Engines and transmission

GLA 200, petrol, 1.6 liter, 115 kW (156 hp)
GLA 250, petrol, 2-liter, 155 kW (211 hp)
GLA 200 CDI, diesel, 100 kW (136 hp), 300 Nm of torque
GLA 220 CDI, diesel, 125 kW (170 hp), 350 Nm of torque

Concept vehicle in Shanghai was equiped with 2-liter turbocharged engine with 211 HP and 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox

Price

The price is expected to be very similar to its main competitors, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. First guesses are for UK: 25,000 pounds.

Mercedes benz GLA 45 AMG

attractive black wheels, red brake calipers, start number 45

Compact SUV Bullet

The strongest and fastest version of GLA-Class is called 45 AMG which has one of the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world with 265 kilowatts. This engine is shared with GLA’s smaller brother Mercedes A 45 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz with this model offers a response to the product of their city rival Porsche, which presented a slightly larger SUV newcomer, Porsche Macan.

GLA 45 AMG has a lot to offer in terms of the look and technology. From a complete standstill to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour it is able to accelerate in just five seconds. Under the bonnet roars two-liter turbo machine, which, with its 360 “horses” and 450 Nm torque is at the very top of four-cylinder petrol engines in the world as far as performance is concerned.

Nevertheless this engine also follows the “green” requirements. At normal or moderate driving its consumption can be less than 8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (almost 30 MPG), and meets the EURO6 class regulations.

4 wheel drive, 7-speed transmission

Mercedes four-wheel drive which goes by the name AMG 4MATIC will take care of the transfer of power to the road. Because of so much power it will need as much help as possible from a seven-speed sports gearbox AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7.