All-New Mercedes-Benz GLA Unveiled, Finally Looks Like An SUV

After six long years, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the all-new second-generation GLA-Class, the brand’s entry level SUV which is now bigger and better in many ways.

Standing 1,611 mm tall, the GLA is now taller than the outgoing model by more than 10 cm, which translates into a higher seating position, as well as more headroom in the cabin. Besides headroom, leg space has also increased, even though the GLA is now about 2cm shorter than before.

In terms of dimensions, the all-new GLA is now 104 mm taller, 30 mm wider, 14 mm shorter, and comes with a wheelbase that is 30 mm longer than before.  

On the exterior, key features include short front and rear overhangs, suggested powerdomes in the bonnet, up to 20 inches in wheel size, coupé-like lines of the side windows, a contoured side profile, all-round protective cladding, a simulated underride guard at the front and rear, as well as integrated roof rails.

Although shorter than its predecessor on the outside, the new GLA offers a more spacious interior. This is particularly true of the legroom in the rear and the boot space which has increased by 15 litres to 435 litres.

The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is now higher and more upright than in the predecessor model, and thus more typical of an SUV. The driver and front passenger sit 140 mm higher than in the A-Class and 50 mm higher than in the B-Class.

All-round visibility has also been improved in comparison with the previous model – mainly due to an optimised cross-section for the roof pillars, which now block out less of the surrounding area.

The rear seats can be optionally adjusted by 14 cm and the rear seat backrest set to a steeper rake, making room for such items as bulky boxes. There is still plenty of room for one or two people in the rear since these backrest variants come with a 40:60 split. 

Other notable features include the ENERGIZING comfort control, MBUX infotainment system, the new Car Wash function, an updated 4MATIC all-wheel drive sytem, as well as a wide range of driver assistance systems.  

Last but not the least, the all-new GLA will be offered in two variants – the GLA 200 and the GLA 35 4MATIC AMG. While the base GLA is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre inline-4 petrol engine making 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque, the more powerful GLA 35 AMG comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 306 hp and 400 Nm of maximum torque.