Mercedes-Benz, through its official local distributor Auto Nation Group, Inc. (ANG), has launched the face lifted version of the GLA-Class (GLA). Aside from its fresh-looking exterior, this luxury compact crossover also flaunts an improved interior vibe, better tech amenities, and enhanced safety features, among others.
First of all, the fascia now exhibits Mercedes-Benz’ new grille design. Highlighting the grille, it’s got this new wing layout that exudes an extra bit of aggression. It’s flanked by sharper-looking headlights that now have LED bulbs and daytime running lights that improve its visibility on the road, no matter the time of day. The bumper, on the other hand, features reshaped air vents that make the vehicle appear wider at a glance.
Turning to the side, the GLA presents a more aerodynamic, almost hatchback-like silhouette. This is due to its re-angled A-pillar. The profile sports a blacked-out skirt and fender accents. The skirt event has a strip of chrome which not only highlights the wheelbase, but also its set of light alloy wheels.
A new roof-mounted spoiler is also present at the back to help smooth out air flow. This wing works hand in hand with the redesigned lower bumper diffusers for improved aerodynamics. Completing the design is a set of redesigned LED tail lights and twin exhaust with chrome accents.
Speaking of aerodynamics, Mercedes-Benz is proudly boasting the new GLA’s improvements on that category, thanks to its team of engineers at its wind tunnel facility in Sindelfingen, Germany. Case in point, the new GLA’s improved A-pillars, side mirror housing, rear spoiler, tail light shape, rear bumper diffuser, and underbody tweaks all contribute to its low fuel efficiency and reduced cabin wind noise at high speeds.
Of course for high-end vehicle connoisseurs, the best part is the interior. For that, Mercedes-Benz didn’t hold back in fitting the GLA with premium materials and amenities. As standard, the cabin is lined with leather. The design and shape of the dashboard were also updated. But the coolest part is the COMAND infotainment system which now supports Android and iOS devices through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, respectively.
For added convenience, the new GLA features a rear hatch that automatically opens up just by swiping a foot under the bumper. This feature allows easier access to the cargo area for those whose hands are full of stuff to load.
When it comes to safety, the Active Brake Assist and Attention Assist are the latest features included on top of GLA’s standard safety package. The former mitigates frontal collision by activating a warning signal if the vehicle is approaching too close to the car ahead. If the driver fails to react on time, the system automatically deploys the brakes. The latter, on the other hand, essentially wakes up the driver if it detects sudden steering inputs that resemble sleepiness.
According to Mercedes-Benz Philippines, the new GLA is available with 2 turbocharged engine options, a 1.5L and an AMG-tuned 2.0L. The smaller mill is rated at 120 ho with a torque output of 200 Nm. The bigger one, meanwhile, unleashes 157 horses with a pulling power of 250 Nm. Both engines are meshed to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
Of note, Mercedes-Benz Philippines will roll out the Urban and the AMG variants for the GLA. The Urban stickers at P2,790,000, while the AMG can be had for P3,090,000.
