Mercedes Benz GLA 102
Mercedes Benz GLA 099
Mercedes Benz GLA 060
Mercedes Benz GLA 151
Michael Taylor9 Jan 2017
NEWS

DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes facelifts GLA

Lighter, cleaner looks and more efficiency for Benz’s baby soft-roader

A wider range of engines and a cleaner look are among the main features of a midlife makeover for Mercedes-Benz’s small GLA crossover, which will arrive Down Under in mid-2017.

Delivered less than five years after the compact GLA’s 2013 debut, the previously teased facelift for the brand’s smallest SUV sees the power outputs in the car range from 80kW to 280kW in the AMG version.

There are now six petrol-powered GLAs alone, with another five diesel-powered models, with the 135kW GLA 220 4MATIC signing on for the first time and almost certain for Australian release. There are also six front-wheel drive versions and five all-paw 4Matic models.

Mercedes Benz GLA 060

Prices in Germany will range from €28,940.80 for the GLA 180 to €56,852.25 for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. Australian pricing for the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 rival will increase by a couple of per cent, but the price hikes will be offset by extra standard equipment.

With 280kW and 475Nm of torque, the Benz people never talk about the GLA too long before pulling the GLA 45 AMG version into the conversation.

The all-wheel drive mini monster will rip to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds and is limited to 250km/h. It uses constantly variable all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the drive split ranging from pure front-wheel drive to a 50:50 front-to-rear split.

The quicker acceleration is said to carry over in real-world conditions, thanks largely to AMG giving it shorter ratios on every gear except first and second.

Mercedes Benz GLA 024

The 1510kg crossover also uses 7.4L/100km on the NEDC cycle (but experience suggests it will be nothing like that if you get that big turbocharger spinning often).

There is also the option of a package of bits, dubbed AMG Dynamic Plus, which includes a mechanical limited-slip front differential, the ride control sports suspension, a different steering wheel and a Race mode thrown in on top of the usual array.

Crucially, Benz has slotted in a new model, the GLA 220 4MATIC all-wheel drive, neatly between the 125kW GLA 200 and the 155kW GLA 250. Along with its 135kW of power, it also delivers 300Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo motor.

Mercedes Benz GLA 002

While the technical features throughout the rest of the range look moderate, one big shift is that the GLA now comes with three different chassis set-ups. The standard GLA suspension setting will be comfort-biased, while a sportier version pulls it down and the off-road suspension lifts it by 30mm.

The styling has been heavily tweaked for both aerodynamic and visual reasons, now boasting a 0.28 drag coefficient and claimed by Mercedes-Benz to be significantly quieter at highway speeds because of it.

It scores autonomous braking as standard equipment and it gives an audible warning of an impending collision first then, in case of inaction from the driver, stops the car by itself. It also has a fatigue-detection system, along with Benz’s usual array of electronic safety systems.

Mercedes Benz GLA 099

The tail of the GLA has received plenty of attention, including a revised spoiler on the roof, LED tail-lights that dim at night to reduce glare and hand-free hatch opening. The cargo lid can now be opened with a foot movement or on the key fob as an option.

Up front, the outgoing version’s optional bi-xenon headlights have been replaced by LED high-performance headlights that consume 60 per cent less energy than xenons and 70 per cent less than halogen units. The 34-Watt low-beam system effectively means nobody will have to change a light bulb over the entire life of the car.

Inside the cabin, there is an 8.0-inch infotainment screen standing well proud of the dashboard, 30km/h gradients between speedo numbers, red needles on all the dials and a 360-degree camera. This can be shown in full, or as seven different split-screen displays on the screen, including a virtual overhead shot to make parking easier.

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Written byMichael Taylor
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