mercedes-benz GLA adds power and poise to the crossover at NAIAS 2017

mercedes-benz GLA at NAIAS 2017: the new mercedes ‘GLA’ starts the coming model year with an extended range of engines, targeted visual accentuation in the interior and exterior design plus updated equipment lines. officially unvelied at the north american international auto show in detroit, this sees the look of the compact SUV gaining considerably in presence, and the body impresses with a significantly more powerful design idiom. at the helm of the model series is the mercedes‑’AMG GLA 45 4MATIC’, with an especially sporty host of equipment being offered by the ‘yellow night edition‘. 

all images © mercedes-benz

the mercedes-benz ‘GLA’ was presented for the first time in 2013 and from the offset became a successful model in a segment it has helped shape and redefine. the ‘GLA’ is characterised by its sportily dynamic design idiom, light-footed handling and extensive individualisation range. as the first compact SUV from mercedes-benz it brought a breath of fresh air to its market segment and established itself there as a major player. 

mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4matic has more dynamic shape

mercedes-AMG is continuing its model initiative and has enhanced the ‘GLA 45 4MATIC’ both visually and technically. the characteristic distinguishing feature of the new crossover is the sharpened front section. the front apron was given an even more dynamic shape, new air intake grilles, a front splitter insert in silver chrome plus flics in high-gloss black. these guide the cooling air flows to the vehicle radiators even more effectively. some earlier optional extras like the led high performance headlamps are now part of the standard host of equipment. the twin louvre on the AMG twin blade radiator grille is now in silver chrome, as are the inserts in the side sill panels.

yellow night edition celebrates success of the AMG compact cars

as an additional option a multi-spoke 20-inch light-alloy wheel is available for selection in two colour variants: painted matt black with high-sheen rim flange or painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish. eye-catching features at the tail end are the new diffuser insert in the rear apron, the trim in silver chrome and the new spoiler lip on the roof spoiler. it helps improve the driving dynamics of the new ‘GLA 45 4MATIC’.

2.0 litre turbocharged engine output: 280 kW (381 hp)

with a maximum power output of 280 kW (381 hp) and 475 nm maximum torque the mercedes-amg ‘GLA 45 4MATIC’ introcues itself as among the most powerful cars in its segment. a speed of 100 km/h is achieved from standstill after just 4.4 seconds. the agile 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine blends its thrilling performance and the exemplary efficiency with a another best: the power-to-swept-volume ratio of 141 Kw (191 hp) marks a record for a series engine with four cylinders – it raises the AMG engine to the level of thoroughbred super sports cars.

drive system: variable all-wheel drive AMG performance 4matic

the interior is also characterised by the extensive appointments and yellow touches. the AMG performance seats in artico man-made leather/dinamica microfibre also sport yellow trim, as do the amg performance sports steering wheel in dinamica, the rear bench seat, the dashboard, the beltlines and the armrests. further highlights include the door sill panels in graphite grey with a yellow AMG logo, the floor mats with yellow edging, the AMG logo also in yellow, plus the yellow air outlets. the extensive standard equipment of the yellow night edition includes the aerodynamics package, the night package, the light and sight package, the performance seats with a memory function plus the AMG performance steering wheel in black dinamica microfibre with a yellow 12 o’clock mark in nappa leather, steering wheel trim in silver chrome with an ‘AMG edition’ badge and yellow contrasting topstitching.

 high-quality interior accentuated with yellow highlights

the instrument cluster has been given a new number design and the speedometer is divided into 30 km/h stages. new needles with a black needle centre and the chrome frame around the gear display also ensure an autonomous cockpit experience. the new equipment items available on request include the keyless vehicle access hands-free access and the 360-degree camera: with the aid of four networked cameras this system facilitates parking and manoeuvring with a realistic all-round view. the car and its surroundings can be depicted in the media display from a birds-eye view, and obstacles beneath the window line are also visible for the driver.

transmission: AMG speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission

for optimum traction even in poor road surface conditions the all-wheel drive AMG performance 4MATIC transfers the drive power to all wheels. torque is steplessly variably distributed to the front and rear axle. this configuration results in an optimum ratio of dynamism, efficiency and traction to match the driving situation. a multiple-disc clutch integrated in the rear axle differential with amg-specific control passes on the engine torque to the rear wheels in a flash should the front wheels lose traction. the spectrum ranges from purely front-wheel drive to the ratio of 50 to 50 percent to the front and rear wheels. with a fuel consumption of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) mercedes-AMG is at the same time reinforcing its pioneering role where efficiency is concerned.