The design of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 2020
Recently on our channel we have been discussing the design of budget cars a lot, but how are we doing with premium brands? A good reason to look at trends in the more expensive segment is Mercedes-Benz, which introduced the new second-generation GLA this season.
De facto the entry level of the successful Mercedes-Benz SUV family, the new GLA combines all the characteristics of a compact SUV with a Mercedes approach to modern luxury, embodying the perfect synergy between pure beauty and rugged off-road elements.
The iconic design combines brutal genes with a philosophy of sensuous purity. With its compact dimensions, the GLA has powerful proportions, clear contours and accentuated planes, and no longer looks like just an elevated hatchback. It really looks like an SUV.
In the new generation GLA, the platform remains the same, but the dimensions of the body and interior space have changed. The whole design is made in the spirit of the latest models of the German brand. The crossover turned out to be 104 millimeters higher and 14 millimeters shorter than its predecessor.
One of the main complaints about the previous generation GLA class was its cramped cabin. They tried to correct this shortcoming in the new model, while the stock of space in the legs and shoulders of the rear passengers increased significantly, while the space for the front passengers above the head and in front of the legs, on the contrary, decreased. Going down the dimensions, the front height increases by 22mm to 1037mm, while the rear height decreases by 6mm at 969mm. Although legroom in the front has been reduced by 18mm to 1045mm, it is now 976mm (+116mm) in the back. Front and rear knee widths are now 1456 and 1455mm (+34 and +45mm) respectively, shoulder width is 1419mm (+28mm) in front and 1393mm (+43mm) back.
The front and rear overhangs are shorter. Compared to its predecessor, the GLA has reduced the lines while emphasizing the surfaces. The branded grille at the front with a large star in the central part is designed in the style of an SUV and worked out in detail.
The side and rear view has become more muscular and strong. Typical of the GLA are the powerful body shoulders and the coupe-like side window lines. This contoured side profile gives the vehicle a dynamic, elegant character and offers an interesting play of light and shadows. The doors extend beyond the sills, which, on the one hand, improves accessibility, while at the same time keeping the doorways free of dirt and improving impact protection in the event of a side collision.
All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and highlights the vehicle’s off-road character, as well as the simulated front and rear guard. The wheel arches are much more square than on the previous model.
The taillights are in two parts and the reflectors are located separately in the bumper. This allows the load compartment to be opened wider, making loading easier and making the rear look wider.
The width of the cargo compartment is 1.272 mm (+85 mm), the depth is 1.422 mm (+27 mm). The effective width of access to the luggage compartment is 1050 mm (+5 mm), the volume of the luggage compartment according to VDA is 435 (+14) liters.
The backrests in the back are standard in the ratio 40:20:40, divided and folded separately. With small external dimensions, the car allows you to transport various overall loads due to the transformation of the cabin. The height-adjustable load floor that comes as standard provides a lot of versatility. With the rear seatbacks folded down and the load floor in the up position, a nearly flat loading area can be created extending to the front seats. For very bulky items, the load floor can be lowered, the crossbar behind the rear seats can be removed, and the optional forward/backward adjustable rear seats can be moved forward.
Stylish appearance complements the modern and high-quality interior, made in the best traditions of the brand. Interior materials look upscale, and the layout of controls and vents is similar to what we see on the GLB-class. The dashboard consists of a base volume that has optical zones for the driver and front passenger. On the driver’s side, there is a free-standing display, which is available in three versions: with two 7-inch displays (17.78 cm), with one 7-inch and one 10.25-inch display (26 cm). and, in the widescreen version, with two 10.25-inch displays.
Adding to the sportiness of the cabin are five round vents in the form of aircraft turbines with carefully designed air guide vanes. The central panel of the door flows smoothly into the armrest. The side handle has a tubular profile and runs horizontally like a railing.
The MBUX infotainment system comes standard. Powerful computer, great screens and graphics, customizable presentation, full color head-up display, augmented reality navigation, learning software and voice control activated with "Hey Mercedes" prompt. The system can be operated either via the touch screen, via voice commands, or via the touchpad controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard.
Mercedes-Benz once again demonstrate their ability to create excellent cars, regardless of class. The new generation GLA compact crossover looks in the best traditions of the brand, reflecting sportiness, status, style and a thirst for adventure in its appearance.