The redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA is the all-new, highly anticipated gateway to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. With a sporty design, aerodynamic proportions and compact dimensions, the new generation is more powerful, spacious and comfortable than ever before. The new GLA is also equipped with the intuitive new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system and offers the latest safety systems.
While the GLA remains a compact SUV in a versatile city-sized package, the new generation displays a more grown-up appearance as it is now taller (+ 3.6″), wider (1.2″) and has a longer wheelbase (+ 1.1″) than its predecessor. With more front headroom, more rear legroom and more cargo space than its predecessor, the vehicle is as dynamic as its customers’ lives – equally suitable for everyday driving and weekend getaways.
GLA SUV
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Baker Motor Company of Charleston |
Mercedes‑Benz of Mount Pleasant |
Mercedes‑Benz Van Center – Baker |
Total Inventory |
---|---|---|---|---|
New | 5 | 13 | – | 18 |
Certified Pre‑Owned | 1 | 0 | – | 1 |
Ex‑Loaner | 1 | 0 | – | 1 |
Pre‑Owned | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
All Conditions | 6 | 13 | 0 | 19 |
GLA 250 SUV
Engine 2.0L inline-4 turbo
6.8 sec
Acceleration
0-60 mph
221 hp
Power
@ 5,500
258 lb-ft
Torque
@ 1,800
GLA 250 4MATIC® SUV
Engine 2.0L inline-4 turbo
6.8 sec
Acceleration
0-60 mph
221 hp
Power
@ 5,500
258 lb-ft
Torque
@ 1,800
* Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
Panorama roof
$1,500
Offering sweeping skyward views to both seating rows, this giant, fully functional glass sunroof features a large panel that can tilt up for ventilation or slide back for an open-air feeling. A power interior shade lets occupants vary the amount of sunlight entering the cabin, and you can even open and close it using the car's advanced voice control system.
Illuminated Star
$450
Give your Mercedes-Benz an even more captivating presence on the road. As your drive, LED technology illuminates the Star in its grille with a gentle white glow.
LED logo projectors
$275
When you open a front door, special filters and LED lamps project the iconic logo of Mercedes-Benz on the pavement. In addition to welcoming you in unmistakable style, the illuminated logos help you see puddles or uneven pavement as you enter your vehicle.
Chrome door handle inserts
$100
Help protect your finish from scratches and add a touch of style with a set of four chrome door handle inserts.
Body-color rear spoiler
$300
A color-keyed rear spoiler adds sporty punctuation to the GLA's bold shape. It comes prepainted in the vehicle color.
Heated front seats
$500
Electrically heated front seats quickly take the chill out of even the coldest day. Three levels of warming automatically step down after several minutes to the lowest setting.
Heated and ventilated front seats
$950
Heated and ventilated seats are a luxury you'll soon consider a necessity. Three levels of heating and cooling ventilation are offered. By gently circulating air through perforations in the seat and backrest, ventilated seats help keep you cooler and your clothes drier during warmer months. Reversible fans help draw heat away for brief periods. On cold or damp days, using both the ventilation and heating together can circulate the seat heating more quickly, to help keep you warm and dry.
Multicontour front seats
$760
Multicontour front seats feature adjustable lumbar supports and side bolsters, for custom-tailored support.
Adjustable rear seats
$360
For added versatility, the rear seat can also also slide fore-aft up to 5.5 inches total, for a range of rear-seat legroom and cargo space to best suit your needs at any moment. A folding center armrest with cupholders is included as well.
Heated steering wheel
$250
Heating elements beneath the Nappa leather trim of the round steering wheel rapidly take the chill out of your hands on a cold morning. After a few minutes, the heating level is automatically reduced to maintain lasting comfort.
64-color LED ambient lighting with illuminated vents
$310
A network of LEDs let you create cabin ambience to suit your mood. Edge-lighting outlines the dash/door trim and console, while casting a glow in the dash vents, footwells, door handles and door pockets. Along with 64 selectable colors, three cabin zones and adjustable brightness, numerous programs let you enjoy two colors at once, and either static or slowly changing hues. A "light show" greets your arrival, while the dash vent lighting briefly acknowledges your climate-control adjustments.
Burmester Surround Sound System
$850
One of the most respected makers of handcrafted high-end home audio, Germany's Burmester® has developed a surround-sound system that's specifically tailored to the GLA. With 12 high-quality speakers and a 590-watt 9-channel digital amplifier, the system fills the cabin with pure digital surround sound while seamlessly compensating for ambient noise. Exquisitely detailed aluminum speaker grilles are as rewarding to the eyes as the system's output is to the most discerning ears.
MBUX Interior Assistant
$250
An overhead camera lets MBUX respond to the driver's and front passenger's hand and arm movements. Reach for the touchscreen or console touchpad, and the display can highlight likely desired features, such as the passenger's seat comfort settings. Key features can also be controlled by simple hand gestures, like pointing toward the rearview mirror to turn on a map light. From either front seat, pointing forward with two fingers can call up your MBUX personal favorites menu.
Inductive wireless charging and NFC pairing
$200
Advanced NFC technology allows wireless charging of a compatible phone or other device that supports the Qi standard. An inductive tray in the console lets you charge your device's battery as you drive, without plugging it in. Pairing your device with the vehicle can be performed by simply holding your device near a pairing point in the console. Once paired, your vehicle can recognize when you enter the car with the device, and quickly establish secure wireless data transfer automatically.
Garage door opener
$280
Three buttons on the rear view mirror can be programmed to operate many types of garage door openers, security gates and other HomeLink®-compatible features.
Rear-seat side-impact air bags
$700
In addition to the eight standard air bags, side-impact air bags are optionally available for each outboard rear seating position.
Dashcam
$200
A camera in the windshield can record activity occurring in front of the vehicle, and let you save it for playback using your own compatible USB flash drive. Potentially useful for documenting an accident or other event, the 1,280x720-pixel video with a 30-Hz frame rate can also include vehicle speed and the time of day. Playback can be viewed on the car's multimedia display or on your own computer via your USB flash drive.
Wheel locking bolts
$150
Help protect your alloy wheels and tires from theft without detracting from their appearance. One set of wheel locks secures four wheels, and includes a coded key.
First-aid kit
$35
Stay prepared for a minor emergency on the road with this collection of first-aid supplies. The kit includes a variety of adhesive strip bandages, gauze pads and rolls, an emergency blanket, first-aid booklet, scissors and more, all in a zippered kit that stows in the trunk.
AMG Line
$2,340
AMG Line w/Night Package
$2,740
Exterior Lighting Package
$900
Premium Package
$1,850
Multimedia Package
$1,300
Driver Assistance Package
$1,700
Parking Assistance Package
$1,090
It’s easy to skip the extras you know you want to lower the bottom-line cost. However, buying at the time of sale can often save money in the long run. You can roll the purchase into your car loan, only minimally increasing your monthly payment. Adding certain vehicle accessories to the vehicle purchase extends the warranty of the accessory to the duration of the vehicle warranty. Purchasing some things right from the start may be a good option.
Designed to match the contours of your vehicle, durable molded black plastic mud flaps help protect the lower body from road spray and debris. They're sold in pairs for either the front or rear wheel arches.
Robust, washable synthetic material, is designed for heavy use. Covering the entire footwell, the raised edges and structured surface help keep the floor clean and dry. Mercedes-Benz lettering adds distinctive detail. Solds as a set of two for the front footwells, or a single-piece tray for the floor in the rear seating area.
Lightweight and durable, a custom-tailored car cover helps protect the finish of the vehicle in a variety of weather conditions, and helps keep the vehicle cleaner when stored indoors.
Our basic carrier is an essential component for attaching a wide assortment of items to the top of your vehicle. After easy installation, you can securely attach bike racks, ski and snowboard racks, or a cargo container. (Racks and containers sold separately.)
Carry sports equipment or luggage in an aerodynamic roof box designed to complement your vehicle. Made of light yet durable thermoplastic, it features a security lock and opens on both sides via gas struts. Large box (16 cu ft) and medium box (14 cu ft) come in black metallic or matte silver. Small box (11.5 cu ft) is titanium metallic. Each holds up to 110 lbs and requires the roof rack basic carrier (sold separately). Also sold separately are inserts to secure up to three pairs of skis and poles.
This rack securely holds your bicycle and attaches to the accessory basic carrier (sold separately). Up to 3 racks can be mounted simultaneously. A spiral lock set is available separately to help secure your bicycles.
Carry up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards by attaching this rack to the accessory basic carrier (sold separately). A pullout function allows easier loading and unloading without reaching across the car's roof. Also available is a rack that can carry up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards.
This rack mounts inside the Mercedes-Benz Roof Box 330 to secure up to three pairs of skis.
A clever way to keep luggage or other items from sliding around the cargo area while the vehicle is in motion, this flexible stabilizer wraps around items of virtually any shape. Hook-and-loop fasteners help secure it to the floor carpeting anywhere in the cargo area.
Make your next trip to the market more convenient with this collapsible shopping crate. To save space, it folds flat when not in use. Folded dimensions: 2" x 13" x 18".
Partition the luggage area to accommodate your cargo and help keep items from sliding around. The brackets can be freely positioned along the outer edges of the load floor.
Versatile and convenient, this nylon net helps you secure objects in the cargo area. The net attaches easily to the tie-downs in the floor using the included carabiners.
Help keep small items or taller objects such as grocery bags in place. Adjustable and removable dividers add to its versatility. The box can be secured to the floor using the standard tie-down rings, the included hook-and-loop fasteners, or via the structured floor of the cargo area tray.
Precisely contoured to fit the trunk, this polyethylene tray with 2-inch sides helps protect your cargo-area carpets from spills and wet items.
Help protect the rear bumper and load sill from scratches. The black protector can be connected to the accessory cargo area tray or reversible mat (each item sold separately) with the included fastener strips. The sill protector folds up easily for storage.
This antislip mat pulls double duty to protect the cargo-area carpet, with a grippy side and a soft fabric side. It's constructed from durable polyester, and can be connected to the available load sill protector.
Purchasing prepaid maintenance allows you to "lock in" the costs of required services, giving you measurable savings versus purchasing maintenance on the go.
Learn MoreAll new Mercedes-Benz vehicles are protected by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering defects in material or workmanship for 48-months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For added protection, the Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty offers continued peace of mind with prolonged coverage tailored to your needs.
Learn MoreOptimum Exterior Coating is a high gloss, ceramic clear coating independently tested and proven to provide superior scratch resistance, chemical resistance and protection for all factory clear coats
Learn MoreFirst Class Wheel and Tire Protection Plus will not only help cover the cost to replace your wheels and tires if they are damaged by a covered road hazard, it will even cover the cost to repair eligible scrapes, scratches and other cosmetic wheel damage. It's a feeling of security you won't want to do without.
Learn MoreWe know you want to maintain your vehicle's great style and condition. That's why we offer First Class Paintless Dent Repair to help cover the costs to repair certain minor dents and/or dings without affecting the original factory finish. It's a quick and easy process that will have you back on the road in no time.
Learn MoreA perfect view starts with your windshield. When cracks, stars, chips, and other damage caused by road hazards and debris harm your windshield, First Class Windshield Protection preserves your vehicle’s visibility. First Class Windshield Protection helps cover the costs associated with the replacement of a front windshield to ensure a clear view of the road ahead.
Learn MoreCoverage where you need it most. First Class Term Protection covers the cost to repair or replace eligible parts that have failed due to normal wear and tear. Gain peace of mind knowing when it comes to those common maintenance items and the associated parts and labor charges, First Class Term Protection has you covered.
Learn MoreProtect your investment. Each year millions of vehicles are totaled in events such as collisions, thefts, or natural disasters. In many cases, the insurance settlement does not cover the loan payoff. The First Class Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) plan available through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is an optional product you may purchase to provide financial protection. When you choose First Class GAP, the plan fee can be added to your monthly vehicle payment.
Learn MoreAt Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, we want to ensure that your lease experience is simple and predictable. With First Class Lease Protection, you gain peace of mind knowing you have coverage for certain damage expenses that go beyond normal wear and use for a smoother lease-end process.
Learn MoreThe GLA features powerful overall proportions with short front and rear overhangs. The front section flows over the A-pillar into the visually compact greenhouse. Stylistic powerdomes in the hood accentuate the self-assured appearance, as do the flush-mounted wheels in sizes up to 20 inches.
The clear contours, with reduced lines and accentuated planes, convey serene sportiness and modernity. Typical of the GLA are the powerful shoulders of the bodywork and the coupe-like lines of the side windows. This contoured side profile gives the car its dynamically elegant flair and offers an interesting play of light and shadows.
As in the case of the other Mercedes-Benz SUV models, the radiator grille features distinctive openings along with a single louvre and a central star. In hallmark brand style, the inside of the headlamps is finished to a high level of quality, detail and precision.
The side and rear views are characterized by the muscular shoulders of the vehicle. The doors reach over the sills, thereby on the one hand improving ease of access, while at the same time keeping the door frames free of dirt and improving impact protection in the event of a side collision. All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasizes the vehicle's off-road character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.
The taillamps are in two parts, with the reflectors positioned separately in the bumper. The makes it possible to open the load compartment wider, thus also making loading easier. It has the added effect of making the rear end appear wider. Other features that enhance the utility value and are optional depending on the equipment line include the integrated roof rails and the chrome-plated loading sill protector.
The instrument panel is available in two variants: with two 7-inch displays and in the Widescreen version, with two 10.25-inch displays.
The five round air vents are in a high-quality turbine look with filigree guide vanes. The door center panel flows seamlessly into the armrest. The grab and assist handle has a tubular profile and runs horizontally like a railing.
Included as standard is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). MBUX can be individually configured with the help of various options. Key advantages of the system: the powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, customizable presentation, full-color head-up display, navigation with augmented reality and learning software and voice control activated by the keyword "Hey Mercedes".
Four display styles: custom appearance of the instruments
The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens that offer brilliant graphics in top visual quality.
To suit the current mood or vehicle interior, the user has a choice of four different styles:
The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than in the preceding model, and thus more typical of an SUV. The seating position is 3.8 inches (97 mm) higher than before, and compared to the A-Class, the driver and front passenger sit 5.5 inches (140 mm) higher. All-round visibility has also been improved – partly thanks to optimized roof pillar cross-sections, which obscure less of the surroundings.
Although shorter than its predecessor on the outside, the new GLA offers a more spacious interior. This is particularly true of the legroom in the rear and the trunk space.
Utility value was, in general, one of the focuses of development. The rear seat backrest is 40:20:40 split-folding. The rear seats can be optionally adjusted by 14 centimeters and the rear seat backrest set to a steeper rake, making room for such items as bulky boxes. Nonetheless there is comfortable seating for one or two persons, as the seat cushion in this variant has a 40:60 division.
The height-adjustable load floor, which comes as standard, offers considerable variability. When the rear seat backrests are folded down and the load floor is in the upper position, an almost flat loading area extending to the front seats can be created. For very bulky objects, the load floor can be put in the lower position, the cross-member behind the rear seats can be removed and the rear seats with optional fore/aft adjustment can be moved forward.
The GLA offers the latest driver assistance systems, offering the driver cooperative support and so providing one of the highest standards of active safety in the compact car segment.
The available Driver Assistance Package includes:
Even in its purely indicative version, and at low speeds, Blind Spot Assist is able to warn of vehicles, including bicycles, in the danger area. For the first time, when the vehicle is at a standstill it can signal to the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror before they climb out that a vehicle is driving past in the critical area. If the driver uses the door handle at this moment, an additional acoustic warning sounds. The road user driving past must be moving at more than 4.5 mph (2 m/s). The function is also available when the vehicle is stationary and up to three minutes after the ignition has been switched off. Active Blind Spot Assist, a component of the Driver Assistance Package, can additionally respond to vehicles in the blind spot and in the critical zone with active braking intervention.
Traffic Sign Assist: posted speed limits and any potential no-overtaking signs are displayed for the current section of the route through image recognition and information from the digital road map of the navigation system. The vehicle speed is compared with the speed limit. When the driver selects the appropriate settings, a visual/visual-audible warning signal is issued any time the speed limit is exceeded. No-entry restrictions are also recognized. Furthermore, the system warns of detected persons in the area of pedestrian crossings.
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has revolutionized the way a car is operated. The strengths of the system are innovative hardware components such as powerful chips and high-resolution screens as well as a learning software that enables a customizable presentation. In part, the brilliant 3D graphics are rendered in real time. Further special features are the full-color head-up display, the navigation with augmented reality, learning software and the intelligent voice control system. "Hey Mercedes" is the prompt to activate them.
The information in the instrument cluster and on the media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens. An emotive presentation underlines the comprehensibility of the intuitive control structure and offers brilliant graphics in top visual quality. To suit the current mood or vehicle interior, the user has a choice of four different display styles.
The MBUX functions are modular in structure, so that the precise needs of different customers can be met. The system features as standard two 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and media display with touchscreen, a steering wheel with Touch Control buttons on the left and right, a USB port (Type C), a Bluetooth® connection for telephony and audio sources.
MBUX can be complemented with the following options (packages apply to the German market), whereby many services can also be activated later by updates:
Different equipment lines and optionally available features enable the GLA to be configured to suit personal taste.
The GLA has an extensive range of standard equipment. In the interior this includes ARTICO/fabric upholstery in black, center armrest with stowage compartment for the driver and front passenger, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, door sills with Mercedes-Benz lettering, sun visor with illuminated mirror and air vents in black. Comfort is ensured by the leather steering wheel, steering column manually adjustable for height and reach, 1-zone air conditioning system and four power windows. Variable use of the luggage compartment is made possible by a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat backrest and the height-adjustable loading floor. The infotainment system MBUX with two screens measuring 17.78 cm (7 inches) is standard equipment, as are the LTE communication module and six loudspeakers with a total output of 100 watts. Standard equipment also includes the KEYLESS-GO starting function and USB interfaces between the front and rear seats. AMG Line is optionally available.
The new GLA can be individualised with the three equipment lines Style, Progressive and AMG Line.
Neat and clean: the carwash function
The GLA has the car wash function already familiar from the GLS. With just one command, the exterior mirrors are folded in, the information from the rain sensor is suppressed so that the windscreen wipers remain switched off in the car wash and the air conditioning system switches to air recirculation mode. If the vehicle has a 360° camera, its front image is switched on after a few seconds to assist entry into the car wash.
These settings are automatically deactivated when the driver drives out of the car wash and accelerates to a speed above approx. 12 mph. Alternatively, the driver can deactivate the mode in the media display.
As standard the GLA features a comfort suspension with steel springs, and all versions have a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension with Adaptive Damping System (optionally available) enables the driver to choose the preferred damping characteristics. On request the GLA comes equipped with the permanently available all- wheel drive system 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution.
The GLA has a MacPherson front suspension. The wheels are guided by control arms below each wheel center, the MacPherson struts and two tie rods. The wishbone is forged from aluminum. This reduces the unsprung masses. The steering knuckles are made of cast aluminum.
All GLA models have a sophisticated four-link rear suspension. The three transverse links and one trailing arm at each rear wheel are configured for maximum driving stability, ride quality and longitudinal/lateral dynamics. The rear axle is mounted on a subframe isolated from the body shell by rubber bushings so that fewer vibrations are transferred from the suspension to the body. At 63.2 inches (front/rear; 1605 mm/1606 mm), the track width is more than 1.6 inches (four centimeters) wider than on the previous model.
Two suspension variants: optional Adaptive Damping System
As standard the GLA comes with a comfort suspension with steel springs. A suspension with Adaptive Damping System is optionally available. It enables the driver to choose the preferred damping characteristics. A valve in each of the four shock absorbers is electronically actuated to control the oil flow. The damping characteristics are changed by regulation of the oil flow. The gear ratio spread between the Sport and Comfort programs is larger than in the previous Mercedes-Benz compact car generation. The Comfort program comes into its own especially when travelling at low speeds, for example on a cobblestone road.
Several sensors constantly monitor the suspension status, driving situation and driving style of the driver, and adjust the damping at each wheel. There is also information of the engine, transmission, braking system, steering and the driving assistance systems. The damping is specifically stiffened during acceleration, braking or steering maneuvers to reduce pitching and body roll, and to improve wheel loads and the ground contact of the tires. The suspension with adaptively adjustable damping has the level of the lowered comfort suspension of AMG Line (-15 mm).
Brakes: special ABS intervention control for off-road driving in easy terrain
The new GLA has a hydraulic dual-circuit brake system in an X-configuration, with the ADAPTIVE BRAKE control function as standard. The electric parking brake is standard equipment. The rear axle features a combined floating brake caliper with an electric parking brake function.
The GLA has a special ABS function for off-road conditions and speeds below 30 km/h. It permits cyclical locking of the /front wheels. This makes it possible to shorten the stopping distance on loose ground, for example, or make stopping possible in the first place ("chock effect").
More traction when needed: 4MATIC all-wheel drive
The GLA can be equipped with the permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution as an option. 4MATIC components include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the automated dual- clutch transmission, and the rear axle differential with an integrated multi-plate clutch. This comprises six plates (12 friction surfaces) with a carbon-fiber coating and is capable of transmitting as much as 1000 newton meters of torque. Automatic adjustment is made for wear and tear.
Unlike the previous model, in which the actuation was hydraulic, the clutch in this case is electro-mechanically operated. Via a two-stage spur gear and a ball ramp, an electric motor exerts an axial force on the clutch pack to open or close the plates. One element of this compact unit is the rear axle differential; this compensates the different paths/rotational speeds of the rear wheels. The advantages of this control system are, above all, non-rpm-dependent operation across the entire actuation range and thus also the pilot control of the clutch while still stationary, along with higher efficiency thanks to the ball ramp concept. There are no unnecessary losses from a synchronous hydraulic pump and the all-wheel drive unit has direct diagnostics capability.
This sporty all-wheel drive configuration allows the driver to use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to influence the characteristics of 4MATIC. Three characteristic maps are available to control the all-wheel drive clutch, though the system responds flexibly to the current driving situation in any mode. In regular driving operation, the drive program "Eco/Comfort" is based on an 80:20 distribution (front axle: rear axle), while in "Sport" it is 70:30. In off-road mode, the all-wheel drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, with the basic distribution a balanced 50:50. A multitude of sensors are used to report the current driving situation to the actual regulation system, based on e.g. the following factors:
Plus functions protecting against extreme temperatures and overtorque.
The new GLA places its trust in the four-cylinder gasoline engine which was completely modernized for the new edition of the compact model series. In comparison to the previous generation, they are characterized by significantly increased specific outputs and by improved efficiency and emissions. A locally emission-free model with third-generation plug-in hybrid drive system is already being prepared.
In its engine block of die-cast aluminum, the two-liter M 260 engine from the more powerful GLA petrol variants has cast iron cylinder liners whereby the cylinder bore is widened at the lower end in line with the CONICSHAPE® principle. This principle also known in-house as "trumpet-honing" minimizes piston friction and lowers fuel consumption along with new low-friction oil and optimized piston rings. The pistons themselves feature cooling ducts to take account of the higher specific output. The balance shafts for smooth engine-running are located in the lower section of the crankcase.
In the aluminum four-valve cylinder head, the CAMTRONIC variable valve timing system allows two-stage adjustment of the valve lift on the intake side. In the partial-load range with a smaller valve lift it reduces the load quantity and thus lowers gas cycle losses. In higher load ranges the system switches to the higher valve lift to achieve the engine's full power delivery. The direct injection uses the latest-generation piezo injection valves. Their installation position and control are meant to avoid raw emissions, especially of particles. A particulate filter is also standard with the M 260.
All of the measures, including the precisely regulated geometry of the turbocharger with waste gate, make the engine quiet, powerful, economical and low in emissions. It is configured for front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and combined with the 8G-DCT dual clutch transmission. The M 260 engine is produced at the Kölleda plant in Thuringia, Germany.
As the latest variant of the new generation of compacts, the GLA has a bodyshell of modern lightweight steel construction. The doors overlap the side sills and thereby contribute to the stability in a side-on impact. With a Cd figure that starts at 0.28 (Eurpean spec), the GLA offers very good wind resistance.
High-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-formed steel panels account for about 72 percent of the bodyshell structure. The structural sections or load paths have a multi-piece design. In addition, the bodyshell uses tailored products with different material qualities and thicknesses. Both together allow tailoring the components precisely to the local loads.
Furthermore, in addition to spot welding, clinching and MIG soldering (Metal Inert Gas), high-strength adhesives are increasingly used for joining the metal components firmly together. This increases the rigidity of the bodyshell additionally and improves the acoustic and vibration properties.
These comprehensive measures make the GLA a model of modern lightweight steel construction. Almost all metal sheets of the painted bodyshell are galvanized to protect from corrosion.
The rear end is formed by a multi-piece frame structure with two outboard longitudinal members and cross-members each. A third transverse connection between the rear axle joints stiffens the structure even further. The area of the C- pillar at front (C-Ring) and C-pillar at rear (D-Ring) features additional reinforcements for rigidity, NVH and rear-end impact. The two-shell roof frame at the rear is fitted with additional hinge reinforcements for the rear door.
Restraint systems: partnership with the safety bodyshell
The most important restraint system is the seat belt. Driver and front passenger are provided with three-point seat belts with pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limitation. In combination with the PRE-SAFE® system (optional extra), the front seats are additionally equipped with electrically reversible belt reel tensioners. Both of the outer rear seats are fitted with a three-point seat belt with reel tensioner and belt force limiter. The center belt in the second row is a standard three-point belt.
The new GLA is equipped with a driver and front passenger airbag, driver kneebag and windowbags as standard. The window airbags cover the first and second row of seats. In comparison to many of the competitors, these window airbags extend further forward to the A-pillar, thus offering particularly high protection potential. Thorax-pelvis side airbags in the front are likewise standard, and available as optional equipment for the second row.
Child safety: automatic deactivation of the front passenger airbag
A pressure sensor in the front passenger seat surface can detect whether the seat is unoccupied or whether an infant seat or other child seat is placed on the passenger seat. For a child seat facing backwards, the front passenger airbag is deactivated automatically, while for a child seat facing forwards this depends on the weight. The driver can see the status of the front passenger airbag by a display in the cockpit. Contrary to other systems that require the airbag to be deactivated with a key, this system reduces the risk of incorrect operation. A special transponder is not required. The system is standard or optional equipment depending on the market or region. Two child seats can be installed in the second seat row using ISOFIX and TOP-Tether attachment points.
Aerodynamics: extensive fine-tuning
The GLA has a Cd figure from 0.28 (Euro spec), a very good value for an SUV. The concept of paneling the engine bay and the underbody plays a major role in this. This is where about 20 percent of the entire aerodynamic drag is created and the leverage is accordingly great. Vortexes at the rear are also reduced and the efficiency thereby increased. Front-axle and rear-axle lift is decreased. This results in improved handling stability at high speeds and ensures a safe sense of driving in crosswinds.
The most important aerodynamic measures:
Low noises are a major factor in comfort and safety. Having conversations and making phone calls is more pleasant, music can be enjoyed more fully, and the general strain on long motorway journeys is reduced.
The low wind noises were achieved with optimizations in several areas of the vehicle: