New GLA Models Join the Mercedes Family for the Holidays
Second-gen GLA 250 delivers 221 horses from its turbo-four, AMG GLA 35 brings 302 horse to the table, both coming next summer.
Do you know what’s more fun than receiving presents on Christmas? Being able to open a present or two before the big day of gift-giving and glazed hams. There’s just something about getting the gift you wanted right now, just so you can enjoy it all through the rest of the year.
Mercedes-Benz knows that feeling. M-B decided to give its U.S. fans two presents to open before Christmas (though they’ll have to wait until the summer of 2020 to actually drive them): the second-gen GLA 250, and the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35.
“With the new GLA 35 we are rounding off our attractive portfolio of compact entry-level models to the world of Mercedes-AMG,” says Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers. “Our wide portfolio in this segment therefore has seven models with which we are able to meet wide-ranging customer wishes and are systematically able to transfer our AMG philosophy of Driving Performance to our dynamically growing compact segment. The muscular design, superior performance and thrilling handling make the new GLA 35 a sporty crossover with hallmark AMG genes.”
The AMG version of the GLA takes the 2.0-liter turbo-four, and amps it up to 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, all of which exits to all corners only via an eight-speed automatic. The little crossover can move, too, hitting 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and knocking out a top speed of 155 mph, which can be logged on the track with the optional AMG Track Pace data recorder available for the MBUX infotainment system.
”The launch of the new GLA marks the culmination of a complete renewal of our family of compact cars”, said Mercedes board member Britta Seeger. “The high demand for our SUVs shows that we can offer the right model for all of our customers here.”
The GLA 250 doesn’t pack as much power as the GLA 35, but it still has a decent 221 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque to carry the whole family safely through the toughest traffic. The power goes to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic, which can be directed to all corners with the optional 4Matic system, and can be stopped with active brake assist, one of a handful of pieces found in the Driving Assistance Package.
The GLA also packs a handy feature found in the GLS: a car wash function. As soon as you take your ride to wash off the road salt and grime, a simple command closes all windows, folds the mirrors, turns off the rain sensor, and the camera goes into 360-mode to guide the driver through the wash.
“The new GLA embodies the perfect synergy between pure beauty and robust off-road elements,” said Daimler design chief Gorden Wagener. “With it, we are carrying the dynamic SUV forward into the future of modern luxury.”
Europeans will be the first to receive the new GLA in the spring of 2020. The U.S. market will see theirs in the summer of 2020.
Photos: Daimler AG
Join the MB World forums now!
