All-New 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA specifications announced

Following the release of a new teaser video for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA earlier today, full details of the premium compact SUV have been officially released.

As reported previously, the GLA is a small SUV built on the Mercedes A-Class MFA platform. The new SUV rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio of Mercedes-Benz. With five model series (GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G) the German marque offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer. When it goes on sale later this year, it will compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

“With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes?Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment,” says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling. So I am very confident that the GLA with its fascinating design and high everyday practicality will fill many new customers with enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz brand,” adds Schmidt.

The GLA is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be optionally available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution. It will be offered in both petrol and diesel with four variants to suit individuals’ needs:

• GLA 200 – 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, 115 kW and 250 Nm
• GLA 250 / GLA 250 4MATIC – 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, 155 kW and 350 Nm
• GLA 200 CDI / GLA 200 CDI 4MATIC – 2.2-litre turbo diesel, 100 kW and 300 Nm
• GLA 220 CDI / GLA 220 CDI 4MATIC – 2.2-litre turbo diesel, 125 kW and 350 Nm

The most powerful of the bunch, the GLA 250 4MATIC, sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h and a combined consumption figure of just 7.1 l/100 km, while the GLA 200 CDI is the most efficient model, requiring just 4.3 litres of fuel for 100 km.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission (standard for GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and the 4MATIC models).

Models with 4MATIC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is set to make its premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Orders will be taken from the end of November, and the GLA will be in dealer showrooms in early 2014.