2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA
New for 2017
For 2017, the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets an available 8.0-inch display screen, additional standard and optional equipment, and a new paint color: Lunar Blue metallic.
Thinking Outside The Box
The SUV is evolving, and Mercedes-Benz is at the vanguard. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers only the good aspects of an SUV, such as a tall ride height and all-wheel drive, but none of the compromises. It looks and handles like a car, and boasts similar fuel economy as well. It’s a new, more versatile take on the SUV genus.
Performance
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA is not a traditional SUV. It combines the high driving position and all-wheel drive traction of an SUV with the compact proportions and agility of a hatchback. That means its on-road handling behavior is more like that of a car than a truck.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is available in two basic flavors. The basic GLA 250 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system can send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels.
Mercedes-Benz says the GLA 250 will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds (7.2 seconds for all-wheel drive models), while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. The GLA 250 also achieves an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, and 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
Mercedes-Benz also offers a hot rod version of the GLA, called the AMG® GLA 45. It uses specially-tuned versions of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive system. The engine produces 375 hp and 350 lb-ft, which gets the GLA 45 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 143 mph (167 mph with the AMG® Dynamic Plus package). EPA-rated fuel economy is 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover. Pricing starts at $32,850.**
Standard features on the GLA 250 model include a power liftgate, 18-inch wheels, aluminum roof rails, infotainment system with an 8.0-inch display screen and rotary controller, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless start, and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.
The AMG® GLA 45 model incorporates the applicable standard features from the GLA 250, and adds some serious performance upgrades. Highlights include the 375-hp engine, revised tuning for the 4MATIC® all-wheel drive system, AMG® SPEEDSHIFT transmission, 19-inch wheels, and model-specific styling elements. An available AMG® Dynamic Plus package adds a front limited-slip differential, AMG® Ride Control sport suspension, “Race” mode, and raises the speed limiter to 167 mph.
Optional features on both models include a Convenience Package (garage door opener, compass, auto-dimming rearview mirror), panoramic roof, leather upholstery, multicolor ambient lighting, and a harman/kardon® Logic7 12-speaker audio system.
Design
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA blends styling elements from both traditional SUVs and regular cars, making for a practical package that makes an interesting visual statement. As Mercedes-Benz likes to put it “say goodbye to the box.”
The GLA has a raised ride height and large wheel arches like most SUVs, but also has a low roofline, with a sleek, raked-back windshield. The belt line—the line that defines the bottom of the side windows—rises gradually as it runs toward the back of the car. The C-pillar tapers inward, completing the look.
Not only does the GLA look sleek, it actually is. Mercedes-Benz paid considerable attention to aerodynamics, optimizing the shape of the mirrors, the seals in the front bumper around the radiator and headlights, and added underbody paneling. This not only helps improve fuel efficiency, but also makes the cabin quieter and calmer, as Mercedes-Benz points out.
The interior features the same luxury atmosphere expected of Mercedes-Benz, and is more spacious than the GLA’s compact proportions might indicate. It boasts 38.4 inches of front and 35.4 inches of rear headroom, and 41.9 inches of front and 33.1 inches of rear legroom. The GLA also features 11.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 43.6 cubic feet with the seats down.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, eight airbags, and adaptive braking technology (hill-start assist, automatic brake drying, brake hold). Optional features include a rearview camera, lane keep assist, and Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
Verdict
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA combines the best elements of a car and an SUV.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA, contact us online or visit Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills at 9727 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
*EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
**Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
harman/kardon and Logic 7 are registered marks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Image: Mercedes-Benz