Mercedes revealed today the production version of the GLA Class compact SUV, which is going to have its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) in September. The Mercedes GLA made its first appearance, as a concept, at the 2013 Shanghai auto show, back in April, and it will probably go on sale towards the end of this year. The GLA Mercedes measures 4,417 mm in length, 1,804 mm in width and 1,494 in height. Even though it has a tall stance, the GLA Class comes with a Cd (aerodynamic coefficient) of 0.29. Mercedes says that the GLA is able to combine the day-today usage with pretty decent off-road capabilities. The GLA comes with the new-generation 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system and fully variable torque distribution.
The GLA also promises to be reasonable practical, as it offers a 421-litter boot (836 liters when the rear bench is folded).
The Mercedes GLA is going to be sold with a choice between two petrol engines and two diesel ones. The gasoline range includes the Mercedes GLA200, which is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that has an output of 115 kW / 156 hp at 5,300 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. The GLA250 and the GLA250 4MATIC are powered by a 2.0-liter engine that's good for 155 kW / 211 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm at 1,200-4,000 rpm.
The diesel range of the GLA includes the GLA200 CDI and the GLA200 CDI 4MATIC that come with a 2143cc engine that puts out 100 kW / 136 hp at 3,600-4,000 rpm. The Mercedes GLA220 CDI and the GLA220 CDI 4MATIC come with the same engine, but they have an output of 125 kW / 170 hp at 3,600-4,000 and 350 Nm at 1,600-3,200 rpm.
In the United States, Mercedes is going to sell the GLA with a single engine option. The Mercedes GLA250 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque.
The most efficient version of the Mercedes GLA is the GLA200 CDI, which is rated with a combined fuel economy of 65.6 mpg (UK) (4.3 litres per 100 km) and a 114 g CO2/km CO2 emissions level. The fastest GLA is the GLA 250 4MATIC, which is able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.1 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 235 km/h (145 mph). The GLA 250 4MATIC is rated with a combined fuel consumption of 39.7 mpg (7.1 l/100 km) and 151 g CO2/km.
Mercedes equips the GLA Class with ECO start/stop and a choice between two gearboxes: a 6-speed manual and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.
The Mercedes GLA Class comes equipped with headlights with integrated LED DRLs, 19-inch alloys, a roof spoiler and various guards. For the interior of the GLA, Mercedes is offering a 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys, sport seats, a leather upholstery, and various other goodies.
The equipment list of the Mercedes GLA includes DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode, ATTENTION ASSIST, radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS, Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Active Parking Assist.
The full details and specifications of the Mercedes GLA are available here. Its price list is going to be announced at a later date.
Mercedes GLA presentation:
Mercedes GLA preview:
Mercedes GLA commercial:
