One of the few models that looks like it won’t be part of the 14 mass model reduction before 2030, Mercedes-Benz has completed the GLA facelift in preparation for sales starting at the end of this year.
a new face
Only in its second generation after its debut less than four years ago, the changes applied to the H247 GLA are internally designated, externally, including a new front grille, slimmer headlights complete with high-performance LEDs as standard, a renovated front bumper and. resplendent tweaked bonnet with a pair of power domes.
At the rear, the update is more discreet and includes a redesigned LED light cluster, new bumpers, mixed wheel sizes from 17-inch to an optional 20-inch, and a new color called Spectral Blue.
Although there is no mention of the AMG-powered GLA 45 S, the three-pointed star indicates changes to the step-down GLA 35, namely a revised AMG front apron, mentioned LED lights, a tweaked Panamericana grille and a choice of three options. alloy wheel design; ten-spoke two-color matte black 19-inch and two 20-inch options with a five-spoke design in the same two-color matte black finish.
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Inside
Inside, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard regardless of trim level, although a seven-inch MBUX infotainment system is standard.
The dual display, which replaces the latter for the 10.25-inch MBUX system, is optional. But standard is a new steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, better ambient lighting and a standard USB type-C port.
As before, the Burmester surround sound system can be specified from the options list, along with the option of heated front seats only on AMG Line variants.
The standard seat option is black Artico synthetic fiber trim available in three colors on the Progressive trim level, and four on the AMG Line.
The sole change in the GLA 35 is the AMG Performance steering wheel as standard and, as an option, AMG Performance seats. A selection of brown-orange open-pore wood surrounds the interior.
Electricity or something
At the front, the 48-volt mild-hybrid system debuts as standard in the entire GLA range, including the 35. According to Benz’s EQ boost system, the output increases by 10 kW for a brief mention.
Depending on the model, the transmission consists of a seven-speed or eight-speed dual clutch, with that of the 35 as an AMG optimized eight-speed Speedshift unit.
In terms of power, the standard GLA has four petrol engines, three turbodiesels and one plug-in hybrid. The range starts with the 180 and 200 versions powered by the familiar 1.3 liter unit developed together with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Excluding the added twist of the 48-volt system, the unit in the GLA 180 delivers 100kW / 230Nm and 120kW / 270Nm in the GLA 200. No performance figures have been revealed, although drive is only directed to the front wheels.
This changes in the step-up GLA 220 and GLA 250 however, both powered by Benz’s own 2.0 liter turbo and resplendent with 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. In terms of grunt, the former produces 140kW / 300Nm and the latter 165kW / 350Nm.
On the diesel front, all three models have the same 2.0-liter engine, but in different states. In the front-wheel-drive only GLA 180d, the factory sends 85kW / 280N, which increases to 110kW / 320Nm in the GLA 200d that can be optioned with the 4Matic system. In the top spec GLA 220d 4Matic, the output is 140kW/400Nm.
Below the standard GLA range is the plug-in hybrid 250e which combines a 1.3 liter engine with an 11.5-kWh battery driving an 80 kW electric motor. Combined, the setup delivers 160kW/450Nm, making it the most powerful non-AMG GLA model.
For its part, the 2.0-liter turbo in the GLA 35 calculates 225kW / 400Nm, allowing a maximum speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. As before, drive is directed to all four wheels via the performance-tuned 4Matic+ system.
Confirm soon
Although it is still to be confirmed for South Africa, expect Mercedes-Benz South Africa to announce the prices of the GLA and AMG GLA 35 in the late second quarter or early third quarter of this year.