German Mercedes-Benz introduced the fifth SUV in its range. It is the smallest model in the range, based on the A-Class hatchback. The car is called GLA and we have more information and photos for you!
Although Mercedes-Benz refers to the new model as an SUV, it is more of a multi-class crossover that goes up against premium competitors such as the BMW X1 or Audi Q3 . The dimensions of the car are compact and the car measures 4,417 millimeters in length, 1,804 mm in width, 1,494 mm in height, the air resistance coefficient has an excellent value of 0.29 and the trunk can fit 421-836 liters of cargo.
At first glance, the design is based on the class A hatchback, from which the GLA also takes over the technology. However, the novelty has a rougher impression, mainly due to the wide stance and the plastic coating of the lower part of the body. The chassis is equipped with a rich cover that not only improves air flow, but also protects the equipment from damage in the field.
The interior of the car was almost completely taken over from the basic model A , so the premium look, perfect materials and precise workmanship are no surprise. The center panel is dominated by the large screen of the multimedia system with mbrace2 technology, which allows wireless connection of smartphones and updates from cloud services. The screen can also display current terrain conditions when you take the GLA off-road.
The engine range of the model should satisfy a wide range of interested parties, as it contains enough petrol and diesel units. The gasoline engines in the offer are represented by two four-cylinders. The basic 1.6 in the GLA 200 model with 156 hp and the larger two-liter in the GLA 250 model with 211 hp, 350 Nm and a stated consumption of 7.1 liters/100 km . The press release does not mention the eventual top version of the GLA 45 AMG .
There are also two diesel units – the GLA 200 CDI gets a four-cylinder 2.2-liter under the hood with an output of 136 hp , 300 Nm and consumption of 4.3 l/100 km . The more powerful GLA 220 CDI will offer the same engine, but with an output of 170 hp and a torque of 350 Nm .
Permanent four-wheel drive with the designation 4Matic will be standard at launch. The front-wheel drive version of the GLA will be introduced a little later. The installed gearbox is a dual-clutch seven-speed with off-road mode.
The GLA model will receive a number of assistance systems in the form of DSR hill descent assistant, hill start assistant, parking assistant with automatic longitudinal and lateral parking and others. Of course, safety assistants such as driver fatigue monitoring, blind spot monitoring, collision protection, which has the ability to interfere with driving when the driver is inactive, and the like are also a matter of course.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA will make its exhibition premiere in a few weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and official sales will begin in early 2014, with the American model arriving at the end of the same year. Official prices have not yet been published.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
##Mercedes-Benz GLA MY2015##
