The new Mercedes-Benz GLA debuted just a few hours ago. GLA is the smallest member of Mercedes’ SUV family, fulfilling the role of SUV to the A-Class portfolio. Mercedes press material says that it is the more lifestyle orientated sibling to the recently launched GLB, another small SUV. Check out the GLB here. This Maybach GLS600 is the daddy of the Mercedes SUV family

More pics of the new GLA can be found on our Instagram account.

All-new

The latest GLA is all-new, and not simply a facelift of the model it replaces. You can see its fresh new appearance in the images (above) and video (below). Its new looks are matched by all-new dimensions as well. It is more than ten centimetres higher than its predecessor, but one and a half centimetres shorter. At the same time, it offers more headroom at the front and considerably more legroom in the rear. Speaking of the interior…

As we expected the new Mercedes-Benz GLA features an interior treatment that is similar to other A-Class models. It has the same futuristic appearance and the company’s latest generation, MBUX, infotainment system. The interface has a full suite of connectivity and boasts voice activation for all major controls.

Powertrains

At the time of launch, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA will be available with one of two petrol engines. The smaller of the two is badged GLA200 and is a 1,33-litre unit that develops 120 kW/250 N.m. The larger engine is badged GLA35 AMG (red car pictured). Its 2,0-litre motor produces 225 kW and 400 N.m. Both engines are turbocharged and both are mated solely with automatic transmissions.

More off-road prowess

New GLA models are available in front- or all-wheel-drive versions, depending on the market. If you opt for the all-paw version then Mercedes throws in the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard. The Off-Road Engineering Package includes an additional drive mode. This adapts the characteristics of the 4matic system and the power delivery of the engine and the ABS intervention control for off-road driving in easy terrain. It can be activated via the dynamic select switch.