2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA revealed

The German automaker has revealed the second-gen model of its entry-level SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLA that was first introduced six years ago. Based on the A-class sedan, the new generation GLA features plenty of exterior and interior updates along with some new tech features. The 2020 GLA range includes two models the GLA 200 and the GLA 35 4MATIC, which belongs to the Benz AMG line-up.

The second-gen GLA is now 10 cm taller than before, measuring 1,611mm now. This makes more headroom inside the cabin particularly at the front despite the increase in the seating position. It now offers a more commanding view out. It is 30 mm wider than before with a width of 1,834 mm. 

The wheelbase has been increased by 30 mm, now measures 2,729 mm, giving 114 mm extra legroom to the rear occupants. Moreover, it sports a boot space of 435 litres now which is 14 litres more than what’s on offer with the previous model. The new GLA is now more upright with a ground clearance of 143 mm, i.e. 9 mm more than before. 

At the front, the 2020 GLA gets a more imposing design with a massive diamond pin grille taken from the A-Class, curvaceous headlamps that come with optional Multibeam LED technology. The front and rear overhangs are now shorter than before. The squared-off wheel arches house new 20-inch alloy wheels. 

The prominent character line that ran across the headlights to the rear section on the sides has been taken off, instead, the company has blessed it with a strong shoulder that runs across the front towards rear. The sides are cleaner with a single crease visible on the lower end. For easy ingress, doors reach downwards over the sills. 

At the rear, it gets a wider tailgate design with two-piece tail lights featuring square graphics within. While the car appears broader from the back, the SUV look is completed with the black body cladding and attractive skid plates. The window openings have also been stretched. It has managed to maintain its coupe-like appearance with the second rear quarter window. 

The inside of the GLA has been uplifted too. It gets turbine-like AC vents, latest-gen MBUX system with 10.25-inch TFT twin-display for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. There is a horizontal panel for control switches in the centre, a trim piece ahead of the front passenger and tubular grab handles on the doors with a metallic finish. Buyers can choose a 7-inch display for the instrument console. 

Other noticeable features include 64-colour ambient lighting and music that comes with energizing comfort control function, a panoramic sunroof and a voice control system which can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”. A new car-wash mode has been included which prepares the car for washing -  closes the windows and sunroof, folds the ORVMs and disables the automatic wipers.

Under the hood, the standard GLA 200 gets an M282 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which has been developed with the help from Renault, mated to a Getrag 7-speed DCT. It is capable of pumping out a max power of 163 PS and a peak torque of 250 Nm. The setup enables the GLA to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 210 kmph. It comes with a combined fuel efficiency between 5.6 to 5.9 litres per 100 km.

The AMG GLA 35, on the other hand, gets an M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that churns out a max power of 306 PS and 400 Nm of torque, coupled with an 8-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and 4MATIC AWD system. It can travel from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.1 seconds. In addition to offering it with petrol and diesel engines, there will soon be a plug-in hybrid model too. 

The suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts at the front, while at the rear they are taken care of by a 4-link setup as standard. For safety, it gets autonomous emergency braking as standard and optional aids like Active Steer Assist with Active Lane Change Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Pre-Safe Plus, cross-traffic AEB and adaptive cruise control with stop and go, all packed under a Driver Assistance Package. 

There is an optional 4Matic system with an electromechanical clutch and an Off-Road Engineering Package that includes features like Hill Descent Control, Dedicated Drive Mode, Off-road Mode for the Multibeam LED headlights, which automatically switches on the cornering lights at speeds up to 50 kmph and off-roading displays.

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