By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
The first Mercedes Benz in the fast growing compact SUV segment is highly maneuverable around town, lively on country roads, 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.
Sensual clarity as and expression of modern, this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes Benz. The goal is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that communicate both high tech sophistication as well as emotional appeal.
The prominent and self assured, upright front end with a central star lends a muscular and superior impression to the GLA. Powerdomes grace the hood as sporty highlights, and the twin louver grille accentuates the vehicle’s width. An impressive front face has optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. This iconic Mercedes Benz design feature was developed further using tri functional fiber optics and gives the vehicle its characteristic light signature. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. A simulated skid plate and contrasting dark grey sill panels all around emphasize the SUV characteristics of the GLA.
The muscular shoulders over the rear axle are emphasized even further by the inward taper of the C-pillars. In combination with the divided tail lights, this emphasizes the width of the rear end. Its shape is both dramatic and visually unified.
This impression is heightened by the curved rear window and the sweeping chrome handle between the tail lights. Thanks to the divided tail lights, the cargo opening is conveniently wide. The large roof spoiler is another eye catching feature. It shares the structure of the rear roof trim and accommodates the third brake light. In the area of the rear bumper trim there are other SUV specific features such as a robust external loading sill guard and a skid plate in silver-metallic.
The imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the interior. The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matte and glossy 3D geometries 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 choice of seat upholsteries (standard MB-Tex or optional leather) and color combinations allows plenty of scope for individualization. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as part of the optional Interior Package.
Under the hood, the 2014 GLA250 4MATIC features a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine that generates 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It has a top speed of 130 mph. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission which unites comfort and sportiness.
Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA and reduce the driver’s workload. Standard features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with autonomous braking, which now helps to protect against collisions from speeds of 5 to 65 mph when following a moving vehicle, and from speeds 5 to 31 mph when behind a standing vehicle.
The latest multimedia generation deployed boasts new functions and a modified graphic color scheme. Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLA comes with the brand’s acclaimed connectivity service mbrace, providing users with an extensive range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car. By using cloud technology, mbrace is always up to date and offers users wide ranging and flexible access to content.
With its striking features, the GLA embodies progressive thinking and enthralls with its off-road proportions. The clearly defined surfaces convey power and serenity, and have managed to combine as much emotional appeal as possible with as much clarity as necessary.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $33,300.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 24 MPG city, 32 MPG highway and 27 MPG combined. Key competitors Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
