All-new Mercedes-Benz GLA arrives on MMA platform

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its all-new GLA compact SUV, underpinned by the same cutting-edge MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform that forms the basis of the lauded new CLA.

Due on sale in the UAE later this year, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is markedly bigger than the car it replaces, measuring 4,565mm long (+102mm), 1,873mm wide (+39mm) and 2,790mm (+61mm) in wheelbase.

Mercedes-Benz bills the new GLA as an “electric-first” vehicle that’s said to be optimised for battery-electric models, as well as super-efficient combustion engines with 48-Volt mild hybrid assist.

By unifying its compact range under this new architecture, Mercedes has positioned the GLA to replace the outgoing combustion GLA and the fully electric EQA.

DriveArabia had the opportunity to view the new GLA and GLA electric in a closed-room reveal during the media launch of the C-Class electric 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.

Larger dimensions and fresh design

The gaping-mouthed grille may or may not be to everyone’s tastes, but the rest of the package gels quite well visually as it’s distinguished by a more modern and sporty persona than its predecessor.

There is some hard plastic trim inside, but a faux metal or carbonfibre look finish makes even these bits look okay. There’s also a dose of screen overload, with physical switches almost entirely banished from the cabin.

Electric powertrains and fast charging

The GLA electric is built around an 800V electrical system that delivers a claimed touring range (WLTP) between 394-447km 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 USP, 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. Power outputs in initial models will likely range from 163hp to 190hp, with base variants featuring a front-drive layout and the flagship models featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Electric model lineup and performance

Although the model mix for UAE is yet to be announced, the European GLA battery-powered lineup will kick off with the 225hp/335Nm, GLA 200 electric, which has a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a usable energy content of 58kWh.

The GLA 250+ electric ups the ante to 272hp/335Nm, while the range-topping GLA 350 4MATIC punches out 354hp/515Nm, spearing it from 0 to 100kph in 5.4sec. The GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4Matic are equipped with an NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery with a usable energy content of 85 kWh.

New mild-hybrid petrol engine

Combustion models will feature Merc’s newly developed, 48V mild hybrid 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, serving up respectably beefy outputs while delivering miserly fuel consumption.

The supplementary 30hp electric motor is integrated directly into the new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT) along with its components. Mercedes claims this makes the entire system efficient and ultra-compact.

A new 48-volt battery with lithium-ion technology and an energy capacity of up to 1.3 kWh powers the electric motor. At urban speeds where driving is typically gentler, the hybrid models can run on electric power alone.

Efficient electric coasting with the drivetrain disengaged is also possible at speeds of over 100km/h, says Mercedes, provided less than 30hp of power is required. The electric motor can boost and recuperate in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of energy.

Exterior styling evolves

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.

More space and practicality

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 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 rear seats are split 40/20/40 as standard and can be folded down individually. When folded down, they create an almost horizontal loading area. The load floor is adjustable for convenient loading and unloading.

Mercedes claims the electric GLA with 4MATIC drive can tow up to two tonnes (braked) using the semi-electric tow bar (optional extra) – a top figure for a battery-electric vehicle in this class. This makes it suitable, for example, for towing a larger caravan, a jet ski or a quad.

Technology-rich interior

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 conjunction with the ambient lighting, it is also available in a backlit version.

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. In winter, the Low-E coating helps to minimise heat loss by reflecting the interior heat back into the cabin.

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.

At night, they can even create their own glowing starry sky with 172 stars integrated into the glass surface. Connected to the ambient lighting, they’re illuminated in the individually selected colour.

Advanced safety and driver assistance

The all-new GLA comes as standard in Europe with a comprehensive range of safety and comfort features that depend on eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors to provide top-tier driver assistance.

Depending on the selected MB.DRIVE package, the all-new GLA can assist with steering, lane-keeping, distance control, braking, acceleration, and manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces.

The precise GLA model lineup and spec levels for UAE will be announced closer to the vehicle’s local launch date.