Everything new - the Mercedes GLA is changing so radically

The next generation of Mercedes-GLA is coming to the market in a radical change. We were already on the road with the new SUV.

• The compact SUV towers its predecessor by an impressive eleven centimeters.
• On the freeway, he himself recognizes when an emergency lane is needed.
• AMG tickles an incredible 421 hp from the 2.0-liter turbo engine.

The old GLA was too low for a real SUV. Far too high for a normal car. In fact, he was neither one nor the other. And yet the cute somehow crossover sold like sliced ​​bread. It is all the more courageous for Mercedes * to start something completely new with the second generation. To offer an adult, more pleasing SUV. It starts with the size. The GLA is about the same length compared to its predecessor. But a wheelbase that was three centimeters longer and a body elevation of eleven centimeters made the little one a real space miracle. And now you finally sit like in a real SUV. Ten centimeters higher than in the first generation. And 14 centimeters higher than in the conventional A-Class.

Even in rough terrain at home: The Mercedes GLA doesn't just want to be an SUV, it is an SUV.

© Mercedes

The new Mercedes GLA relies on digital

Visually, the GLA is based on the larger GLE. Round shapes, flowing surfaces, only the power domes on the hood ensure corners and edges. It is therefore very different from the second SUV in the compact class, the GLB that was only launched last year, which looks more reminiscent of the iconic G-Class. The cockpit is also greatly upgraded. There is even a modern widescreen look for an extra charge. As digital as possible - that is the buzzword of the hour. That is why almost all assistance systems from the premium class are also available in the compact SUV. A new feature is the emergency lane function, which automatically chauffeurs the car up to 60 km at the edge of the lane. Or the exit warning , a sophisticated, extended function of the blind spot warning. Initially, it only flashes on the mirror when a vehicle is approaching (including cyclists). But if you put your hand on the door handle to get out, an additional warning tone sounds.

Ambient lighting with LEDs gives the interior of the new GLA generation a modern touch.

© Mercedes

Equipped with car wash function

The developers have even given the new GLA an equipment feature that was reserved for the SUV flagship GLS. Of course, you can argue excellently about whether you really need the car wash function . But those who have forgotten to close the side window will be grateful for it. With a single command, all the windows are closed, the side mirrors are folded in, and the car switches to the front camera so that the driver can place his GLA exactly between the two washing columns. When driving out and at speed 20, the on-board computer takes these measures back.

Brushed aluminum is one of the essential design features in the interior. The new door handles are particularly casual.

© Mercedes

Lots of space for bulky items

Practicality has played a major role in the development of the GLA. This also applies to the charging options. With a height-adjustable floor system , for example, an almost continuous flat surface can be made when the rear seat is folded down. The volume is an impressive 1,420 liters, just under that of a station wagon such as the Audi A4 Avant. The technicians also thought about the rear seat. It can be moved by up to 14 centimeters and can be divided in a ratio of 40-20-40. Really practical when bulky items have to be loaded, but one or two people should still sit in the back.

With the height-adjustable shelves and the divisible rear seat, you are equipped for every loading situation.

© Mercedes

This is how the new GLA Offroad drives

Because we're on the subject of everyday life: For some buyers, off-road capability is a real purchase criterion. Many other manufacturers only call them SUVs, but you shouldn't rush these cars over hill and dale. In addition to Land Rover, Daimler traditionally takes the topic of offroad very first. This also applies to the GLA, which can be easily moved on lighter terrain .

Suitable for climbing and not just a pose, the new GLA is just like all other Mercedes SUVs.

© Mercedes

If you order all-wheel drive, you will automatically receive a corresponding driving program. The power delivery of the engine and the ABS are then automatically adapted to the more difficult road conditions. In addition, the all-wheel clutch is used as a cross lock and the power 50:50 is distributed to the front and rear axles.

This digital animation appears on the display when the off-road program is switched on.

© Mercedes

The automatic downhill assistant also handles steep mountain passages independently - and when it is so dark off-road that you can no longer see your hand in front of your eyes, the GLA simply turns on the off-road light. The turning lights are simply added up to speed 50. This creates a dense carpet of light in front of the car.

The 4matic all-wheel drive version of the off-road driving program is automatically on board.

© Mercedes

AMG and hybrid variants are still to come

There is proven technology for the engines . This is where the well-known four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines come into play, which were renewed when the A-Class was launched. In view of the rather impressive vehicle weight of over 1.6 tons , the 1.3 liter petrol engine with 163 hp is not necessarily recommended. And also with the diesel one should fall back on the 220 d and its 190 HP . This allows the Mini-GLE to be moved quite neatly. If you want to have more fun, you have to wait for the sharp AMG variants . One of them even tickles record-breaking 421 hp from the two-liter turbo engine, which is normally only possible in racing, catapulting the GLA 45 S from 0 to 100 in 4.3 seconds.

The GLA only becomes as strong as a bull when AMG gets in. Then there will be an engine with over 400 hp.

© Mercedes

If you want to be quick, but still environmentally friendly, you have to wait for the hybrid version. Here, the 1.3-liter petrol engine is supplemented by a 102 hp electric motor. The green GLA will then roll up to 60 kilometers purely electrically. The 250 e has already been announced, but cannot yet be ordered.

The design of the large air intakes below the powerful cooler is reminiscent of a figure eight.

© Mercedes

The basic models 180 d and 200 start at just over 37,000 euros . This means that the new GLA costs a thousand less than the slightly larger GLB but more than the direct competition: the comparable BMW X1 is 4,000 euros cheaper, the Audi Q3 is 3,000 euros less.

Turbine air nozzles and a wide screen - these are the design features that run through the entire compact class.

© Mercedes

Our conclusion on the new Mercedes GLA

Unfortunately, the new GLA loses its formerly independent character and optically subordinates itself to the SUV pack from Mercedes, which now consists of eight models. Its undisputed plus is its consistent focus on analog and digital practicality.

Read also: Do you know the true meaning of the Mercedes star? We'll tell you.

Datasheet Mercedes GLA 200d

Rudolf Bögel

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* tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.