Mercedes GLA Crossover. 2nd generation 2019
In 2021, the manufacturer started supplying the Mercedes GLA 250e hybrid cars to Israel. The 160 hp plug-in hybrid is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and a 15.6 kW/h lithium-ion battery. The car is front-wheel drive.
Mercedes GLA is a compact crossover SUV from the German Mercedes-Benz company that has been in production since 2013 and has both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. In 2020 the Israel market offered second generation compact GLA crossovers of the 2019 model year.
The 5-door and 5-seat crossover SUV can have either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The length, the width, and the height of the new GLA model are 4410 mm, 1834 mm, and 1611 mm respectively, the wheelbase length being 2729 mm. In comparison with the first generation vehicles, the second generation model is now: 14 mm shorter, 30 mm wider, and 104 mm higher, with the wheelbase 30 mm longer than before. The back seat now being adjustable, it can also be extended forward 14 cm. It now consists of two separate sections, with the backrest divided in the 40:20:40 ratio and with a possibility of adjusting each seat separately. The standard trim version also offers an adjustable floor option. The minimum trunk volume is 435 liters, and the maximum is 1430 liters (with the folded back seats).
Distinctive features
Among the distinctive features of the new Mercedes GLA 2020 model is the shape of the vehicle that is somewhat reminiscent of the one of an estate car, as well a bigger passenger compartment and its unique design characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz signature style. In the exterior of the car, soft and subdued lines are masterfully combined into one with very prominent and expressive strakes. The proportions of the vehicle have also become somewhat similar to the ones of an off-roader. Initially, the C-pillar of the compact crossover was completely solid; the new version, however, has now got a small triangular window in there that makes the silhouette of the car more streamlined and therefore more dynamic. In general, this new model has the following advantages: a better design, various advanced built-in systems that ensure the best driving safety, as well as a more efficient and more reliable four-wheel drive system. The new GLA 2020 model offers much more functional possibilities in comparison with the older version.
Modifications
The front-wheel drive version of the new crossover is equipped with a gasoline 1,3-liter turbine motor with power capacity of 161 hp. As for the four-wheel drive version, it has a 2,0-liter turbine motor with power capacity of 221 hp. Both motors are supplemented by a direct-shift gearbox in two variants: a 7-speed one for the front-wheel drive GLA 200 and an 8-speed one for the four-wheel drive GLA 250. In the future, there will also be added a diesel motor modification and a hybrid car one, as well as a sports car GLA AMG model.
Trim versions
The standard Mercedes GLA 2020/2021 trim version offers the following features: 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights, roof rails, a rear spoiler, a defrosting option for side mirrors, seats, and the steering wheel, seats with a double trim, MBUX multimedia system with voice control, audio system with MP3 support, USB and 6 speakers. Optional features of the car include a moonroof and a panoramic roof, as well as LEAD headlights and a seat tilt motor with memory power. The standard GLA 250 4MATIC Sport model also offers such options as 19-inch wheels, sports seats, and a sports suspension, as well as a keyless ignition option and an audio system with 13 speakers.
The new GLA model is also equipped with a very advanced security system including such features as blind area control, evasive maneuver assist system, pedestrian detection feature when approaching a crosswalk as well as vehicle detection in the danger zone when trying to open the car door. The standard car options include side, front, and curtain airbags, active headrests as well as some other features. Adding to the high security properties of the car is a 4MATIC four-wheel drive system that provides the car with a rear-axle differential with multiple electromechanical disc clutch. With the standard ‘Eco’ or ‘Comfort’ driving modes on, the steering linkage is distributed in the 80:20 ratio in favor of the front axle, and in the ‘Sport’ mode it changes to 70:30. When the car is not moving, the transmission linkage is distributed equally between both axles.
