Mercedes-Benz reveals cutting-edge GLA compact SUV

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its all-new GLA crossover, which pairs futuristic styling with cutting-edge engineering to yield a compact SUV that seems certain to appeal to value-conscious buyers in the premium segment.

Due on sale in the UAE early next year, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is markedly bigger than the car it replaces, measuring 4,565mm long (+102mm versus its predecessor), 1,873mm wide (+39mm) and 2,790mm (+61mm) in wheelbase. It will be offered with a choice of petrol and full-electric powertrains, catering to a broad spectrum of buyers.

L’Officiel Arabia had the opportunity to view the new GLA and GLA electric in a private preview in Helsinki, and first impressions are of a vehicle that builds on the merits of the outgoing GLA with its greater interior space and superior tech credentials.

The GLA electric is built around an 800-Volt electrical system that delivers a claimed touring range between 394-447km on a full charge in the GLA 200 electric, 577-657km in the GLA 250+ electric and 555-643km in the range-topping (at least initially) GLA 350 4Matic electric. Fast-charging is also touted as a forte, with a 10-minute zap at a 320kW DC charger adding 270km in just 10 minutes.

For those not ready for a full EV, Mercedes-Benz pairs its new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid setup. Entry-level variants will feature a front-drive layout and the flagship models featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Stylistically, the new GLA falls into line with the second-gen GLB revealed earlier this year, with the bulbous nose incorporating an oversize grille (illuminated via 608 LEDs in electrified models) and teardrop-shaped headlights featuring a three-pointed star motif.

The flanks incorporate flush, pop-out door handles to significantly reduce air resistance and clean up the car’s shoulder line. The rear features a steeply raked tailgate for a sporty silhouette, complemented by new taillights also incorporating a three-pointed star central element.

The GLA electric’s boot has a capacity of up to 410 litres – an increase of 70 litres over the previous model. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the capacity increases to 1,400 litres. The electric GLA also features a full-size ‘frunk’ (front trunk) with a capacity of 107 litres. That’s enough space for a crate of drinks, a carry-on trolley or a large sports bag.

In the second row of seats, legroom increases by as much as 38mm, while maximum headroom has also increased by 23 millimetres at the front and 24 millimetres at the rear. The SUV’s roofline and the standard panoramic roof noticeably improve headroom and the sense of space, so my modest 172cm frame was comfortably accommodated in the rear seat.

The dashboard is dominated by a wall of glass housing a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and an optional passenger display. If no front passenger display is fitted, a trim element with a star-pattern graphic continues the glass look in this area. In addition, the MBUX interface features an advanced AI-powered virtual assistant capable of complex tasks and proactive voice recognition.

The standard panoramic glass roof is made of heat-insulating laminated safety glass with an infrared-reflective coating and an ultra-thin low-emissivity (Low-E) coating. Mercedes claims this reduces the build-up of heat in the cabin during the summer.

Optionally available is a SKY CONTROL panoramic roof, in which the transparency of the glass can be adjusted between transparent and opaque in 10 to 20 milliseconds. The glass roof is divided into seven segments, each of which can be controlled individually. This allows passengers to decide, according to their personal preferences, how much light and visibility they want to let in, and in which area.

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