2020 Mercedes Benz GLA cars are here shortly, and here is a sneak preview of what’s on offer. Appearance and first impressions are everything in the business world, and so it is with new Mercedes Benz models. The 2020 GLA version isn’t an A-Class that’s eaten too many cakes; realistically it does show its higher SUV-type height off very well now, and the project team have streamlined the exterior looks to give the larger GLA a super-nice design that does look like a compact SUV should. Some might say that the outgoing GLA looked a little frumpy and more like a jacked up hatchback than an SUV. Not so with this new model, however. It looks really good, and its classy lines stack up nicely against its rivals which are the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.
The recent array of Mercedes Benz cars boast some of the most amazing new interiors with their massive floating HD touchscreens that take up the driver’s side half of the dash and link sweetly with the classy driver’s digital display. When this new dash design was first introduced by Mercedes it was the talk of the automotive world, and it still is really. You truly do feel like you’ve arrived somewhere very special when sliding into any new Mercedes Benz interior that has the huge floating touchscreen. Yes, it’s part of the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA blueprint and it is as breath-taking as ever.
New Mercedes Benz models are luxury cars, so even the new GLA gets some very nice features as standard. A powered tailgate, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Active Lane Assist are on this list. The all-new headlights are LED, powerful and automatic. Leather interiors are superbly crafted, and there are highline models that deliver some of the finest cabins you’ll experience in any car – with features like turbine air-vent styling, shiny plastic trim, a panorama roof and ambient mood lighting (Night Package) being in the mix. Essentially the interior looks exactly like what you’ll find in equivalent A-Class models – funny that – but the GLA is the SUV version of the A-Class.
The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA is a handy SUV with some useful features if you need to venture off the tarmac. Features like: AWD versions, Adaptive Brake Assist with Hill Start Assist, an Offroad Drive Program, Downhill Speed Regulation and Automatic Brake Drying all help the cause when tackling the muddy sports field.
Interior space has been significantly improved over the outgoing model. Back seat leg room has increased by 2-inches, making life more comfortable in the rear seats which will also recline and slide should you desire. You now get 435 litres of space in the boot with the rear seats in place, though they can be split-folded or laid entirely flat for more luggage capacity. Aluminium roof rails are standard and can be used to take a luggage pod should you require more space inside the car for occupants.
On launch there will only be the one engine offered: the GLA200 with 120 kW, however more petrol and diesel motors will become available, as well as a plug-in hybrid alternative as time goes by. The GLA 200 with its 120 kW, 1.3 Turbo petrol engine is plenty lively and uses a twin-clutch, seven-speed automatic gearbox design with paddle shifters as standard. You should be able to get well over 40 mpg which equates to economy of less than 6 litres/100 km, on average, for the daily drive. From a standstill, the Mercedes Benz GLA200 will take out the 0-100 km/h dash in around 9 seconds. FWD is the standard drive; however you can opt for AWD versions, too. AWD has Eco, Sport and Offroad driving modes, making life a breeze should road surfaces deteriorate or you feel the need to gallivant down an access track.
AMG fans who love the thrill of speed and driver engagement can look forward to the other model provided by the luxury three-point star brand. You will be able to buy the AMG GLA35 boasting 228 kW, an eight-speed dual-clutch sports automatic gearbox and 4WD. Getting the big jump in power, not to mention huge speed gains (0-100 km/h in around 5.5 seconds), is thanks to the hot 2.0-litre Turbo petrol motor employed by Benz. AMG tweaks means that the stiffer chassis copes delightfully with the extra oomph, and the GLA35 is a thrilling drive.
Safety in any new Mercedes Benz GLA is 5-star rated. You can add to this result by opting for the maximum in safety features and adding the new Driver Assistance Package. Here you also get automated cruise control which will drive the car for you and avoid accidents when required.
The Mercedes Benz GLA is possibly the best luxury compact SUV on the market, and the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA models currently include the:
For any more information on a new Mercedes Benz GLA or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!