A Multi-Talented Performer: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV
Progressive design, serene day-to-day driving and offroad capability: easily handling various automotive applications, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA impressively reinterprets the compact SUV segment. It effortlessly masters day-to-day driving and is also robust enough for off-road excursions.
The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly maneuverable around town, lively on country roads and athletic and efficient on the highway. The high quality appointments, developed with much attention to detail, and the versatile interior clearly position the GLA as a premium compact SUV.
Power for the compact front-drive Mercedes-Benz SUV is generated by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine. This modern engine also combines direct injection and a standard ECO start/stop function for superior efficiency. Torque is communicated to the street through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The 2015 GLA-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution.
On or off-road, the all-new GLA is ready and able to go. The GLA has an extremely rigid body, and therefore the basis for stable and safe handling characteristics both on and off the road, as well as a high level of NVH comfort. There are additional reinforcements to the B-pillars, front damper domes, side members and underbody. The chassis hardware features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are independent of one another. The wheel carriers and spring control arms are made of aluminum to reduce unsprung masses. In the version with 4MATIC, the rear axle carrier is isolated with rubber bushings for the benefit of ride comfort.
Compared to conventional systems, the electromechanical power steering provides better feedback to the driver and makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the servo assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is actually steered. It also allows various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.
The GLA’s muscular and imposing exterior appearance is systematically continued into the interior. This has an especially high-quality feel that is achieved by the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. All trim surfaces are galvanized in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. The impression is one of perfect detail. The heavy emphasis on horizontals, the dynamic design and the highly attractive design features are other high-quality attributes.
The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matte and glossy 3D geometries (graining) create an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section of aluminum or wood lends a new, modern touch to the interior. The available matte satin finish of the wood trim is a further enhancement to the modernity, and makes the surface especially pleasant to the touch.
Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature, the galvanized bezels around these circular vents echo the SUV-look of the skid plate and side sill panels. The direction of the airflow can be varied by butterfly-shaped inserts.
The GLA also has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests fold down completely, and the generous luggage compartment is well laid-out and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which can open automatically as an option.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.3; overall length: 173.9; width: 71.0; height: 60.0
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder – 208 hp at 5,500 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 1,250 -4,000 rpm.
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 25 city/35 highway (FWD); 24 city/32 highway (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 43.6 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, Bluetooth hands free phone system, rain sensing windshield wipers, mbrace communications system, adaptive brake assist, collision prevention assist plus, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional safety features include bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, remote garage door opener, rearview camera, navigation system, KEYLESS-GO, DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, and PARKTRONIC with active parking assist.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: unlimited/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV starts from $31,300 for the GLA250 FWD and $33,300 for the GLA250 4MATIC. Destination charges add $925.
