[AUTO] Mercedes updates GLA to beat BMW X1 and Audi Q3

[YaKuZa--BoSs]

Introduces a Zero Environmental Label Plug-in Hybrid Drive

 

 

Mercedes-Benz has just launched in Spain the second generation of the GLA, the access model to the SUV range of the German brand. It is the best-selling star car in our country after the A-Class, having conquered a new and younger audience, hence the importance that these new variants of the C segment have acquired for the German manufacturer.

In fact, sales of the GLA (7,373 in 2019) and, above all, of the A-Class (14,108), are what have driven Mercedes-Benz to the first place in the 'Premium' segment in Spain ahead of Audi, something that it had not happened for 26 years. Key to consolidating the leadership in 2020 is the commercialization of the new GLA, of which 7,373 units were registered in 2019, practically the same as in its first years of life, showing an incredible 'state of form' after six long years on the market .

 

 

The new GLA moves away from the 'Sport Tourer' aesthetic that the first generation of 2014 had and is now a full-fledged SUV: 10.4 centimeters taller, 3 cm wider and a 3 cm longer wheelbase, which has allowed to increase the space inside the passenger compartment, both in the driver's row and in the second row of seats. This despite the fact that the new model is 1.5 cm shorter.

Precisely, this reduction in length, coupled with a higher ground clearance (143 mm) and the longer wheelbase (2,729 mm), has served to slightly improve the GLA's attack and departure angles. But although it is an SUV and some versions are available with permanent all-wheel drive, it must be remembered that it has very limited 4x4 capabilities, to circulate on slightly uneven dirt roads and little else. Its natural habitat, it must be very clear, is still the asphalt.

 

 

 

The new GLA also has a higher load capacity than the previous version. The size of the boot has grown by 14 liters, so it now cubes 435 liters in volume, although it is still smaller than that of its direct rivals such as the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, the Volvo XC40 or the Range Rover Evoque.

MODERN AND ELEGANT INTERIOR
Where the GLA has no competition is in the modern multimedia system, the well-known MBUX, which as standard consists of two 7-inch screens each, one for the dashboard and the other for the infotainment system in the center of the dashboard. As an option, these screens can be 10.25 inches, which gives the interior a very modern and elegant air.

The two displays can be configured to suit the driver using the two touch buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The one on the left is used to operate the driver's screen and the one on the right can be used to manage the central screen.

 

 

The most interesting functions offered by the multimedia system (none as standard) are the augmented reality navigation and the voice control system that is activated when we say 'Hey Mercedes', with which we can raise and lower the climate control temperature, turn on and change the radio or change the color of the ambient lighting, among other functions.

Under the multimedia system we have three round ventilation diffusers with the appearance of metallic turbines that are completed with another two diffusers at both ends of the dashboard. And in the lower part of the center console we have the driving mode selector, with which we can choose between Eco, Comfort or Sport. With the touch panel that we have in this area we can also manage and customize almost all the functions of the new GLA.

In terms of materials and finishes, they are of good quality in almost the entire cabin, except for the lower half of the panels, where there is room for improvement for future updates to the model.

 

 

Already underway, you can see that the suspension tends to be somewhat hard, so we recommend choosing the variable damping system for customers looking for maximum comfort. Only then will they be able to modify the suspension depending on the selected driving mode. We liked, yes, the turning radius of the vehicle, which makes life easier when maneuvering between walls and columns, parking or strolling around.

PRICES AND EQUIPMENT
The 2020 model is already on sale in Spain from 40,800 euros for the gasoline access version, the GLA 200 with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 163 hp at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm ( 1,620-4,000 rpm), which allows accelerations and recoveries to be quite fast. We have been able to verify this during a brief dynamic test organized by the brand in Madrid after which the on-board computer marked an average consumption of 7.7 liters / 100 km.

 

 

Mercedes-Benz, however, foresees that the most po[CENSORED]r version in Spain will be the GLA 200 d (diesel), with a two-liter, four-cylinder engine that develops 150 hp from 3,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm from 1,400 rpm. They are power figures somewhat better than those of its gasoline 'brother', especially since the thrust is available from very low revs.

BY CONSUMPTION, BEST DIESEL
But the big difference between the two variants is found in fuel consumption, much more contained in the diesel version. After doing the same route with both variants, the GLA 200 d marked an average consumption of 5.7 liters. Insuperable. Something also influences that the automatic change of the gasoline version is seven relations instead of eight.

 

 

The GLA 200 d with front-wheel drive starts at € 41,125 with extensive standard equipment such as eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, reversing camera, MBUX multimedia system with two 7-inch displays, automatic climate control, High Performance LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. Of course, it is available with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive for 2,300 euros more.

The gasoline GLA 200, on the other hand, is only available with front-wheel drive. To access permanent all-wheel drive in gasoline mechanics, you have to go to the GLA 250 4Matic with a two-liter engine and 224 hp associated, now, with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

 

 

PLUG-IN HYBRID WITH ZERO LABEL
The new compact SUV from Mercedes will also have a plug-in hybrid version with a Zero label and up to 70 kilometers of electric range (according to the NEDC homologation cycle). This variant will start from 51,000 euros and is the only one that, due to price and emissions, can qualify for public aid approved by the Government, both the Renove Plan and the Moves II.

Although it must be taken into account that these prices are for the versions with standard equipment. The final price will be increased by 4 or 5,000 euros by adding the driver assistance package, variable damping system, multimedia system with 10-inch screens, panoramic sunroof, rear bench with longitudinal adjustment, the 20-inch wheels or the Head-up-Display that projects information onto the windshield.