Mercedes-Benz is reorganizing its line of small vehicles. With the arrival of the newcomer to the United States. Class A and the redesign of the CLA sedan above. Now it’s the GLA’s turn.
Our evaluators found that the existing edition of this compact SUV is not refined, with poor visibility and a confusing infotainment formula between its drawbacks. The low ratings in our owner satisfaction survey show that GLA drivers agreed with our assessment.
Mercedes claims to have advanced some of the GLA’s shortcomings. Its external appearance looks more like an SUV, provides more legroom at the back and an updated infotainer system. The GLA won’t be sold until this summer. But since the GLA stores much of its fundamentals with the CLA sedan, we can already guess the functionality of the new SUV. We plan to buy one and check it out as soon as it goes on sale to make sure.
In our similar CLA and Class A tests, we’ve already had an idea of some of the updates Mercedes-Benz has brought to the GLA. We anticipate that the infotainment formula will be too confusing for many buyers, but we appreciate the opportunity to see a new transmission. We also hope you have more interior area than the latest generation GLA, which is very comfortable, especially in the back.
The old GLA looked like a larger hatchback edition of the CLA sedan, but the new vehicle has the silhouette of an SUV. Mercedes-Benz designers have finished the sharp edges of the old car, giving the new GLA a less competitive look. The grille is more prominent and the pillars leading to the ceiling look less sloping, creating a straighter, SUV-like appearance.
The new GLA is superior and has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, even if the vehicle is a fraction of an inch shorter. The grille is similar to the new CLA 2020, and the popular 18-inch wheels have support for high and wide arches.
The interior of the GLA is for its Class A and CLA brothers. Combine some incredibly high-end quotes with a screen that covers part of the width of the board.
In our tests on other Mercedes-Benz cars that use this infotainment formula, which Mercedes-Benz calls MBUX, we found that its multiple screens and distraction inputs are too simple to accidentally turn on while driving.
In terms of convenience, Mercedes says the gla’s new rear occupants have 4.72 inches more legroom than the outgoing car. The rear seats can also be adjusted for comfort. An electric opening tailgate is standard.
The GLA 250 receives the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the CLA. However, instead of the CLA’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which contributed to a hesitant, hesitant low-speed ride in our check, the GLA gets an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This can make it less difficult to drive in the city, and we’ll make sure to monitor it when we buy a new GLA and check it out ourselves.
As with the CLA, buyers can take a lead-off or all-wheel drive. Although the GLA is not designed for serious off-road driving, the GLA 250 4Matic end with all-wheel drive is popular with an off-road engineering group, which automatically adjusts the braking and throttle reaction for increased traction on dirt or ice roads and can help drivers optimize traction on a slippery slope.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 3five will have a stronger engine, 302 hp, a time of 0 to 60 mph of five seconds, plus innovations in suspension and brakes.
At a press event, Mercedes-Benz alluded to a plug-in hybrid that could debut later. In addition, there will be an all-electric EQA in the new GLA.
Although we liked this early collision precaution (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) and blind spot caution are in the GLA.
The optional driver assistance group adds adaptive cruise (ACC), lane-centered lane maintenance assistance (LKA), lane replacement assistance, and an anti-collision formula to protect drivers in the event of a rear collision with the vehicle.
Despite my love for ancient and original European sedans like the Renault Medallion, my hobby is to help others find a safe and reliable car that makes them smile, even if they are caught in traffic. When I don’t drive or write, you’ll probably find me exploring a new city on foot or making plans for my next trip.