Mercedes-Benz's Compact SUV, the GLA, Undergoes a Full Model Change | Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes-Benz's Compact SUV, the GLA, Undergoes a Full Model Change
Mercedes-Benz Japan announced on June 25 that the compact SUV "GLA" will undergo a full model change, with pre-orders starting the same day and deliveries beginning around July.
Available in the "GLA200d 4MATIC" Grade Only
This is the second-generation GLA, the first full model change since its debut in 2014, when the first generation achieved success both globally and in Japan. The new model is characterized by short front and rear overhangs and a powerful, stylish coupe-like design.
The new GLA measures 4,415mm in length, 1,835mm in width, and 1,620mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,730mm. The exterior expresses its identity as a member of the SUV family with a front chrome-finished underguard, a hood with two power domes, and a front grille with distinctive louvers.
The headlights feature a slim, sharp, and sculpted design. The sides emphasize the taut surfaces of the shoulder line, a gently sloping roofline, and slim side windows to highlight its "stylish SUV" character.
The interior largely follows the existing design, featuring a widescreen display without a cowl and five circular air vents reminiscent of jet engines. Meanwhile, the front seats are positioned 97mm higher than the previous model, and 140mm higher than the A-Class and 52mm higher than the B-Class, improving all-around visibility and ease of entry and exit. Furthermore, rear legroom has been expanded by 116mm, and the rear seats, which offer 140mm of fore-aft adjustment, 7-step recline adjustment, and a 40:20:40 split-folding capability, are said to enhance comfort and cargo capacity.
The lineup is exclusively the "GLA200d 4MATIC," equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder clean diesel engine producing a maximum output of 150 hp (110 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission "8G-DCT" and driving all four wheels, it offers not only off-road capability with a minimum ground clearance of 200mm but also the ability to drive without concern over minor obstacles in urban environments.
In terms of safety, it features intelligent drive systems comparable to the S-Class, and for convenience, it includes the interactive infotainment system MBUX, wireless charging, and the telematics service "Mercedes me connect," resulting in a well-rounded compact SUV. The price is 5.02 million yen.
