Mercedes-Benz Philippines just announced the introduction of its second generation GLA compact SUV with a digital premiere last Monday and it is the eight model to have the current Modular Front Architecture (MFA) from Mercedes-Benz line-up. The GLA is the entry level SUV model for the tri-star brand but ironically, there’s nothing “entry level” about it. The new GLA still combines the robust off-road elements of its SUV siblings while maintaining the brand’s signature SUV design, build quality and comes with all the features you can expect from its bigger SUV models. From the brand that created one of the greatest off-roaders in the planet, the G-Class AKA G-Wagon, this compact SUV is sure to inherit its genes and promises to be a fun and exciting vehicle.
Currently, there is only has only one engine offering and model, which is the GLA 200 AMG Line. It uses a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque that is paired with a 7G dual-clutch automatic transmission with Dynamic Select the have four performance profiles – ”Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, and Individual.
The new GLA offers a more commanding view of the road ahead, with an overall height of 1611 millimeters (excluding roof rails), and is higher than its predecessor by more than ten centimeters. This variant also comes with the AMG Body Styling featuring a diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome, 19-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels, black roof liner and polished aluminium roof rails.
Mercedes-Benz PH says the GLA primary target market are young couples and despite its nimble wheelbase and length, the new GLA still manages to give more space storage and has enough cargo room to make it a great partner for spontaneous weekend getaways. Aside from the increased height, its seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than in the predecessor model, further giving the car a more SUV-like feel. The rear seat backrest is a 40:20:40 split, with each section folding down individually so it allows better space management for cargo loading and gives passengers more options in finding the optimal seating and cargo position.
Just like other new models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the new GLA comes is equipped with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) which syncs with the targeted youthful market they had in mind. The GLA’s MBUX multimedia system comes with a 7-inch instrument and media display and comes its own intelligent voice assistant which is activated with the code word “Hey Mercedes”. Smartphones can be connected as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system supports the major applications and selected apps including navigation. Another highlight of the infotainment system is its comprehensive touch operation concept which is a combination of a touchscreen, touchpad on the center console and touch control buttons in the steering wheel which gives a more intuitive operating experience, and giving lesser driver distraction.
Just like in all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, safety is top priority and the new models carry with it technical innovations that offer class-leading safety and driver assistance systems. The Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive combines both safety and convenience innovations, taking another important step forward to accident-free and stress-free driving. Its Active Brake Assist is able to react when the driver fails to do so by applying autonomous braking to avoid a collision or at least to reduce its severity. The Attention Assist comes with adjustable sensitivity settings can warn the driver on detecting the typical signs of inattentiveness or drowsiness, which is not available in other vehicles of its class. Parking is also made easy with its Parking Package which consists of Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera, providing support when parking in tight spaces.
The new GLA comes with an introductory price of Php 3,290,000 and for more information about the new GLA, visit the Mercedes-Benz showroom at Edsa Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang and Cebu City or log on to www.mercedes-benz.ph/GLA .
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