Mercedes-Benz teases all-new GLA

MERCEDES-BENZ has teased its all-new, second-generation GLA small hatch ahead of a public, ‘digital’ reveal in December, before touching down in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of next year.

Based on the same MFA2 architecture that underpins the A-Class hatch and sedan that first arrived in August last year, Mercedes has kept most details of the new model under wraps save for some information around dimensions and safety.

The German car-maker has confirmed the new GLA will grow taller to better fit the bill of a small SUV as opposed to simply a jacked-up hatch, with Mercedes confirming the new model’s height is 100mm taller than the outgoing version to provide a taller seating position and more SUV-like on-road presence.

Overall length has decreased by 15mm, however Mercedes says legroom is “much more generous” than its predecessor, while the increased height has also resulted in more headroom.

The GLA will take more of an SUV-like shape with an upright front fascia, short overhangs and black cladding around the skirts, wheelarches and bumpers, while exterior styling is expected to follow the new A-Class and its ‘Sensual Purity’ design language. At the rear, a roof spoiler and dual-exit exhaust pipes give it a sporty touch.

Mercedes has also indicated the new GLA will come with the latest in active safety technology as part of its Driving Assistance package, with features such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, cornering function, emergency lane function and rear cross-traffic assist that includes pedestrians and cyclists.

No mention has yet been made of the GLA’s powertrains, however if the previous-generation version is anything to go by, the new model will largely replicate the offerings of the A-Class, which currently starts with a 100kW/200Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit in the A180, increasing to 120kW/250Nm in the A200.

A 2.0-litre mill in the A250 – which can be had in front-or all-wheel drive –pumps out 165kW/350Nm, while the range-topping (for now) A35 AMG produces 225kW/400Nm.

It is not yet known if Mercedes will offer the GLA with a diesel option when it comes to Australia next year.

Interior specification is expected to mirror the A-Class, including fitment of the MBUX infotainment system and accompanying dual digital screens.

Mercedes is saying the augmented reality will play a role in the new model’s reveal, and the launch will be streamed through the ‘Mercedes memedia’smartphone app.

With the GLA in run-out, sales in 2019 have slipped 40.6 per cent to 2012 units, which is still enough for third in the premium small SUV segment behind the Volvo XC40 (2466) and BMW X1 (2303).

In 2018 it topped the segment with 3906 sales, while the X1 finished about 300 sales ahead in 2017.