The GLA 4MATIC, which starts at $37,200 for the GLA 250 and $50,500 for the GLA 45 AMG, may appear to be intended strictly for road use, but it is capable of mild off-road challenges. Don’t expect it to do robust rock climbing, but it certainly can handle off-road trails such as one might encounter en route to the cottage. There’s an on/off-road package that offers enhanced off-road performance at the touch of a button. It activates a display on the central screen indicating the selected driving mode, activation of the downhill speed regulation system, steering angle (in degrees), longitudinal inclination (in percent) and transverse inclination (in degrees.) A small compass is also displayed. In a brief off-road trip down a rural pathway, the GLA 4MATIC proved more than capable.
The specially trimmed GLA 45 AMG Edition 1 shown here will be limited to just 50 cars in Canada. It features some great boy-racer features, including the large rear wing, 20-inch black-painted alloy wheels, a suspension that’s lower than the standard AMG system and is 20% stiffer, and available side graphics. While it has amazing handling characteristics and precise steering, there’s a price to be paid for the lower, stiffer suspension – you feel every road ripple and irregularity. This issue will be of little consequence to AMG Edition 1 buyers, though – the car’s nimbleness and pure fun is worth the discomfort.
In addition to its potent engine and specially tuned seven-speed transmission, the GLA 45 AMG is fitted with special functional features and unique trimmings inside and out. The exterior features a twin-blade AMG grille, special front apron with a splitter and black vanes on the outer air intakes, a lowered sports suspension, Bi-xenon headlamps, side sill inserts, unique rims and performance-rated tires, a sports exhaust system that barks and snarls in way that enthusiasts will love and a rear diffuser, trimmed in matte titanium grey.
Inside, the sporty steering wheel is a meaty, flat-bottom unit covered in grippy Nappa leather with red stitching – it just feels so right in your hands. The contrasting red stitching carries over to the sporty seats, armrests and centre console. As an added accent, the standard black seatbelts can be replaced with matching red units.
The GLA rides on standard 18-inch, five-twin-spoke alloy rims fitted with 235/50 R18 all-season run-flat tires while the GLA 45 AMG has its own standard 19-inch, five-twin-spoke rim fitted with 235/48 R19 performance tires. Opting for the sport package upgrades the wheel/tire combination, with the GLA 250 getting a 19-inch, five spoke AMG wheel and 235/45 R19 all-seasons or an optional variation on the five-twin-spoke design, 19 inches in diameter. GLA 45 AMG buyers can choose a 20-inch 10-spoke alloy rim with 235/40 R20 performance tires or an optional black-painted version, shown here. The AMG performance tires, however, seemed to transfer considerable noise to the cabin and, not surprisingly, were less compliant than the standard GLA 250 package. They did delver a firm grip on the road, though.
Accents in brushed metal stretch across the panel, while a 5.8-inch free-standing colour display panel is perched prominently over the centre stack. Contrasting french stitching on the padded instrument panel cover, as well as the door panels and seats, adds a premium touch.
The instrument panel of the GLA has typical Mercedes-Benz styling cues, including the five round “jet-engine” air vents across the panel. The large, round tachometer and speedometer are well positioned in front of the driver, separated by a 4.5-inch colour driver information display that can be programmed to deliver a range of data. The three-spoke steering wheel with metal accents is wrapped in Nappa leather and is fitted with easy-to-use controls for the information and audio systems. Paddle shifters are standard.
With the rear seatbacks upright, there’s 421 litres of cargo space; flip the 60/40 split seatbacks forward with a simple tug on the outboard levers and the space increases to a generous 836 litres. There’s also a pass-through hatch in the centre section of the rear seatback to accommodate long items such as skis.
The interior of the GLA has a rich, premium feel, with ARTICO seat coverings standard. Of course, upgrades to supple leather coverings are available. The heated front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive and both driver and passenger can enjoy the door-mounted power seat controls – a Mercedes-Benz exclusive in this segment.
The GLA delivers the utility of a hatchback, with good access to the rear cargo area. The power tailgate is wide and the sill above the bumper is low enough that lifting cargo into the hatch is a breeze. The designers have thoughtfully provided a protective plate on the sill to prevent scratches and dings. The rear seats, too are comfortable, although leg room can be limited if the front occupants push their seats back. As well, the sleek roofline does make access to the rear seat somewhat challenging – duck your head or it can be a pain - literally. Once inside, though, the GLA offers a pleasant feature: the angle of the rear seatbacks is adjustable.
Mercedes-Benz engineers spent considerable time in the wind tunnel tweaking the shape of the GLA to make it as slippery as possible – and the results have put the vehicle at the head of its class. The sleek exterior design has produced a level of aerodynamic efficiency that’s tops in its segment – a Cd of 0.29. Wind-cheating tricks such as a lower A-pillar step and aerodynamic exterior mirror housings, the roof lip spoiler, seals in the front bumper around the radiator and headlamps, radiator shutters, extensive underbody panelling and a functional rear diffuser all contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency and help reduce fuel consumption.
The AMG version, however, is a different beast. With 355 horses and 332 lb-ft of torque on tap, it definitely scoots with authority. It’s capable of launching this 1,585-kilogram vehicle to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has an electrically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. For comparison, the GLA 250 hits the century mark in 7.1 seconds and is limited (due to its all-season run-flat tires) to a maximum speed of 201 km/h. Fuel consumption in the GLA 45 AMG is a bit higher, but still respectable: 10.5 city, 8.1 highway and 9.4 combined. Both engines require premium fuel.
Both GLA models share the same basic engine – a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, double-overhead camshaft, turbocharged four-cylinder. However, there’s a dramatic difference when you poke the gas pedal. The GLA 250 version generates 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque – certainly adequate for the majority of drivers. Coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it has plenty of jump on launch, is reasonably quite at cruising speed and impressively fuel efficient for its class – 9.8 L/100 km in city driving, 7.4 on the highway and 8.7 combined (based on the new five-cycle testing.)
The system has been re-engineered not only to improve efficiency but also to be more compact and lighter in weight. Its variable torque distribution ensures excellent traction, regardless of driving conditions. Of course, there are several trim upgrade packages available for both models, enabling customers to tailor the vehicle to suit their individual preferences. There’s some uncertainty as to exactly what one should call this vehicle – a crossover, a sport utility or a wagon – but regardless, it does offer the space and versatility its target audience is seeking in a very stylish vehicle.
The 2015 GLA is an all-new gateway to the Mercedes-Benz utility vehicle portfolio. Sharing its architecture with the CLA sedan and upcoming next-generation B-Class, the five-passenger GLA is an impressive combination of sharp styling, functional utility and premium amenities – a package that should appeal especially to young, aspiring couples and young families. It’s offered in two models, the basic GLA 250 and the hot GLA 45 AMG, and both come (in Canada) with a next-generation version of the highly respected Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard equipment.
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