Mercedes-Benz Gives The A-Class A Lift - The 2020 GLA Launched

Singapore - 20 August 2020. Luxury automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz launches their all-new 2020 Premium Compact SUV, the GLA. Taking over from the generation-one car, which was launched in 2014, the all-new GLA boasts more character, more space, more safety. Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV is moderately shorter than the car it replaces, though it benefits from a longer wheelbase (30mm). The new car’s characteristic short overhangs, suggested twin powerdomes on the bonnet, and wheels which mount flush with the bodywork, reinforce the GLA’s self-assured appearance. The GLA sports a single louvre grille, which is a hallmark of their SUV range, similar to the one found on the recently-testdriven GLE. The new body design boasts improved aerodynamic efficiency, with a Cd of just 0.28. The interior design mirrors the cars within the same family, like the A-Class, CLA and the B-Class; taking centrestage, the cleanly-styled interior features twin 10.25” displays. The MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), features LINGUATRONIC with natural speech recognition, and is activated via the keyword "Hey Mercedes". The system is able to learn about your habits, like your schedules and places you commonly visit.

OneShift Editorial Team

20 Aug 2020

With the increase in interior size, the GLA offers increased frontal headroom, and significantly better legroom for rear passengers. Seating positions are now more upright and higher than the previous GLA, with front and rear occupants seated almost 10cm higher.

Cargo capacity has also increased, with the new GLA being able to take in 435 litres (VDA) in normal configuration - 14 litres more than the car it replaces. A wider boot opening, coupled with a low loading sill, translates to easier access to the boot, especially useful when loading bulkier items. Added flexibility, in the form of a height-adjustable load floor, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, which also slide forward up to 140mm, and backrests which can be set up to seven different angles means that owners benefit from better space management.

New Powerful and Efficient Engine

For Singapore, the GLA 200 packs the brand’s new M282 series 1,332cc engine which also powers the A, CLA and B-Class cars, and replaces the 1.6 litre unit found in its predecessor. New innovations like a 0.2mm thick inner bore mirror coat, helps to reduce piston drag, and helps to improve on efficiency. Power has increased by 7hp to 163hp, while the GLA’s 250Nm of torque is retained. The new engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering lightning quick gear changes.

To date, Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed when the high-performance AMG-badged GLA 45 model will arrive at our shores, but we do know that it is in the pipeline. We are looking forward to that one, which boasts 421hp and 500Nm; and features fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

Safer Too

A new suite of active safety enhancements means that the GLA is even safer. The Driving Assistance Package includes functions like an exit warning function, alerting the driver of approaching cyclists or vehicles, and sounds a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings. The GLA is also equipped with Active Brake Assist, which autonomously activates the brakes when the car detects an obstacle, avoiding a potential collision.

New to the GLA is the Exit Warning, which warns occupants on approaching cyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicles, when they open their doors, and remains active up to 3 minutes after the engine is switched off.

Looking After You, Even When You Wash Your Car

For the first time, GLA receives the Car Wash function, a feature seen on the GLS flagship SUV. With just one command, the system deactivates the rain sensor, so that the wipers do not activate. Exterior mirrors fold, and the sunroof, if left open, will automatically shut. If the GLA is equipped with a 360 degree camera, the front camera automatically activates, to help guide you into the washing bay. The Car Wash function deactivates automatically once the GLA accelerates past 20km/h.