Enthralling eighth

The new GLA, the eighth model to join the line-up, rounds off the current compact car generation from Mercedes-Benz.

What makes this SUV standout is its character. It’s been significantly reinforced compared with the previous model. The height of the new GLA, at 1,611 millimetres (1,616 with roof rails), exceeds that of its predecessor by more than 10cm.

The correspondingly higher and characteristic SUV seating position also comes with more headroom in the first row. Legroom in the rear is also much more generous – even though the GLA is now one and a half centimetres shorter.

Typical off-road design features include the upright front section, short overhangs at the front and rear and protective cladding all round. The 4MATIC models feature the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard. This comprises an additional driving programme, a downhill driving assist function and an off-road animation in the media display, along with, in combination with MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, a special light function for off-road driving.

Another important highlight is its safety features courtesy of its driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support. The enhanced functions of the Driving Assistance Package include, for example, the turning manoeuvre function, the emergency corridor function, an exit warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles and a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings.

The GLA is able to react when the driver doesn’t with Active Brake Assist.

It does this by applying autonomous braking to avoid a collision or to reduce its severity. The system can also brake at a speed of up to approximately 60 km/h for stationary vehicles and pedestrians crossing the road ahead. Depending on the situation this even prevents collisions up to a speed of 50 km/h. The new GLA is set to arrive at European dealerships in the spring of 2020 with three petrol and four diesel models being available.

A plug-in hybrid will follow shortly afterwards.