Merc launches small SUV

AMG ACCELERATES FROM 0 TO 100 IN A MERE 4.4 SECONDS

Mercedes-Benz has launched its new GLA compact SUV range on these shores, boasting a variety of engines, changed interior and exterior designs, plus updated equipment lines.

Customers will have a choice between three chassis variants – a standard comfort suspension, lowered suspension in conjunction with the AMG Line or the Dynamic Handling package or offroad comfort suspension.

The new GLA range will boast modified bumpers and light alloy wheels, while the previous bi-xenon headlamps have made way for soft LED units.

Adding to the new model’s appeal are aerodynamic modifications, complementing the vehicle’s looks and low drag factor.

These include a low A-pillar step with corresponding A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically optimized mirror housings.

An elaborate roof spoiler lip, specially shaped tail lights plus discreet side rear spoilers also ensure that air flow is optimal.

Inside, a 360-degree camera records the direct surroundings of the car, which are either shown as a full-image depiction or in seven different split-screen views on the media display.

Among them is also a virtual top view of the car – produced from the data of four cameras: front, reversing and one camera in each of the exterior mirrors.

There are new seat covers and trim parts, plus chromed control panels.

A free-standing 20cm media display is easily legible, as are the new dials with red needles.

The stowage compartment in the centre console is now surrounded by a chrome frame, while new features include the upholstery colours in Artico leather.

In safety terms the GLA has Active Brake Assist as standard. It warns the driver if there is not sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking.

If the system detects that the driver is reacting too late, it initiates autonomous braking in order to prevent the collision or minimise the consequences.

The GLA also has the Attention Assist – it can detect signs of drowsiness via the steering behaviour and warn the driver about an impending microsleep.

Topping the range will be the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC.

It is powered by a two-litre four-cylinder engine, which uses direct injection and turbocharging to deliver 280kW of power at at 6 000 rpm and 475Nm of torque between 2 250 and 5 000 rpm. It passes the urge to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed sports transmission and a variable all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution.

Mercedes say it will accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 4,4 seconds, with a top speed electronically controlled at 250 km /h.

The new range will include a Yellow Night Edition, which comes with a particularly sporty host of equipment.

The special models are painted black with a unique combination of matt graphite grey, plus alloy wheels in matt black with yellow rim flanges.

Yellow highlights characterize the front apron, the exterior mirror housings, the inserts in the side skirts, the rear diffuser and the rear wing.

The interior is characterized by AMG performance seats, an AMG sports steering wheel and door sill panels in graphite grey.