AMG compacts rounded off
With the GLA, the new compact car family from Mercedes-benz now consists of eight models, and with three wheelbase lengths, frontand all-wheel drive as well as petrol, diesel, and hybrid models, the range is broad in scope. Now, the new GLA has also completed the range of compact entrylevel models from Mercedes-amg. The seven-member family extends from the A-class hatch and notchback to the CLA Coupé and Shooting Brake, and the sevenseater GLB, and now the GLA 35 4Matic.
The new GLA has a well-proven technical basis supported by the agile and acclaimed new high-torque two-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine with Camtronic and Conicshape cylinder honing delivering a healthy 225 kw and 400 Nm of torque that is variably distributed to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
With this type of power and torque the GLA has dynamic performance – accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h – and its driving experience is aimed at sporty and lifestyle-oriented target groups. The design of the GLA 35 is based on the AMG Line, but it also has unmistakable and distinctive AMG features, including its Amg-specific radiator grille, louvre trim in the outer air inlets, and the front splitter in silver chrome or optional high-gloss black.
Other features include 19-inch fivetwin-spoke light-alloy wheels in tantalum grey (wheel options of up to 21 inches are available) and door panels with silver chrome or high-gloss black (optional) inserts. The rear is dominated by a striking rear apron with new diffuser insert, an AMG spoiler lip on the roof, and two round tailpipes. With black, dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar to the rear and black chromeplated exhaust tailpipes, the optional AMG
Night package ensures an even more individual appearance.
Inside, characteristic touches include the man-made leather seat upholstery with contrasting topstitching in red, and red seat belts. Carbon fibre inserts and air vents with a red ring provide further highlights. The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is also featured in the MBUX infotainment system and fully digital instrument cluster with three Amg-specific display styles –Classic, Sport, and Supersport.
Via the AMG menu, various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-force, and Engine Data can be called up. The piano-lacquer finished centre console with standard touchpad has additional buttons to control the threestage ESP, manual transmission mode, and adaptive AMG Ride Control. The optional AMG Track Pace system is integrated into the MBUX multimedia system. All data are displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster, and on the optional head-up display.
Increased stiffness
To strengthen the front section of the bodyshell a “shear panel” (a bolted aluminium plate under the engine) is used to increase the torsional stiffness of the front section of the GLA 35. Two additional diagonal braces at the front of the underbody further reduce torsion and increase stiffness.
Besides the powerful engine, the dualclutch transmission also contributes to the agile and dynamic character of the GLA 35 4Matic. The standard Race-start function allows maximum acceleration from standstill and the functions are rounded off with a temporary M mode for manual gearshifts with the paddle shifters.
Drive from the transmission is sent
to the standard electro-mechanical AMG Performance 4Matic variable all-wheel drive system. To enhance traction in different conditions, five AMG Dynamic Select drive programmes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual, enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics, with the new Slippery mode optimised for low-grip, icy road conditions.
The AMG exhaust system confirms the sporty character of the GLA 35 4Matic but depending on driving mode, the sound signature ranges from emotive (Sport+) to discreet (Slippery, Comfort, Sport). A new AMG Dynamics integrated dynamic handling control system extends the stabilising functions of ESP. While the new GLA model is expected this year, the hot AMG 35 4Matic version is only to be available locally from 2021.