GLA (X156) [Official] Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (X156)

[Wolfgang]

^ There are none in the USA either, since they are supposed to start in October or so. Overall it seems the GLA is more popular than the CLA, and petrol versions more popular than the diesels.


"In the first half of the year, 215,205 customers opted for an A-, B-, CLA- or GLA-Class vehicle (+24.1%). At the end of the year, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the fifth member of its compact car family: the CLA Shooting Brake, which will be produced in the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét and will come onto the market in the first half of 2015."

http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-7171-1-1716372-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

 

[Gianclaudio]

Amazingly, I've seen many on our streets. Looks very nice, by far, my favorite of the MFA cars.

 

[Amat46]

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[tennmb]

Wish I could understand what the hell she is saying.

 

[Wolfgang]

Daimler just approved two new tires for the GLA.

Yokohama C.drive 2 .... 235/50R18 97V MO ...... (standard tire, costs about 155 EU retail)
Yokohama C.drive 2 .... 235/50R18 97V MOE ..... (runflat version with a somewhat harsher ride, costs about 180 EU retail)

http://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20140722/NEWS/140729959/yokohama-oe-on-m-b-gla-suv

 

[Wolfgang]

BTW, Remco Meulendijk produced a more rounded GLA Coupe recently, to compare to the Autobild render above.

The proportions may need some work?

http://designrm.wordpress.com/

 

[NTT]

Thank you I enjoyed that.

 

[Merc1]

They're going to sell a shite load of these!

M

 

[ThroughandThrough]

Does anyone know why the hood rises at 1:20?

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[Amat46]

I think that's for the pedestrian safety.

 

[Giannis]

Yeap, hood latches explode, as for the hood to rise and create more empty space between it and the top of the engine (hard area underneath) so that the hood can deform and absorb the energy from a crash with a pedestrian as well as protect the pedestrian from his head hitting the engine.

 

[ThroughandThrough]

Very interesting.

 

[tennmb]

^ There are none in the USA either, since they are supposed to start in October or so. Overall it seems the GLA is more popular than the CLA, and petrol versions more popular than the diesels.


"In the first half of the year, 215,205 customers opted for an A-, B-, CLA- or GLA-Class vehicle (+24.1%). At the end of the year, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the fifth member of its compact car family: the CLA Shooting Brake, which will be produced in the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét and will come onto the market in the first half of 2015."

http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-7171-1-1716372-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

There are plenty of GLAs in the USA. They are sitting at port. I know we have several that have been in New Brunswick VPC for quite a while now. Just waiting on release.

 

[martinbo]

There are plenty of GLAs in the USA. They are sitting at port.

Why? Is MBUSA harbouring doubt over sales success?

 

[Merc1]

I can't wait to see how this thing sells. Now bring on the S-Class Coupe so I can go for a drive please.

M

 

[Wolfgang]

^ Wouldn't expect too much since it might be production limited. The NX will likely outsell it by a mile.

Also noted the US GLA sits higher than its Euro brother, by a couple of inches, which is good.

 

[tennmb]

We got our GLA 250 4matic demo. I just took a 20 minute ride. I like it better than the CLA, although interior is identical.
Both have horrible pedal placement. I like the throttle to be hinged at the bottom to the floor. The CLA and GLA do not and hang like the ML and GL. Something I think is taboo for a Benz. Either way, the pedals are too close to each other, and I cannot get a comfortable resting position. My leg feels constantly stressed.
I'm not a huge guy, 5'11" 185, but I'm probably below average by US standards. These two cars will be limited for that reason. Nothing else to say other than they are small. We used to call the 190 the best four door, two seater made.

The car handles well. Turbo lag seems more prevelant and I don't drive it unless set for 'S' mode. It has more power (statistically) than my 14 C250, but I sure like the engine feel in the C250 compared to these. Also a lot louder than my C, which tells me insulation suffered trying to fit this thing in a price point. Same goes for road noise. Of course it has the dreaded run flats. Just a freaking disaster. I hate these things.

If I'm being completely candid then Iquestion whether I would pay the premium for the MB brand and settle for something this size. As a 44 year old dad, it would be unlikely. Especially when I can by a Rav4, or a Santa Fe, or a variety of others that have more room, just as good amentities, and cost a lot less $$. You'd have to really want the MB brand, and I'm still trying to buy that the GLA and CLA provide enough "Benz" for me. In the case of these two it isn't "Hey you're getting a Mercedes." There are a lot of aspects of this car that are compromised and don't embody the rich heritage of Mercedes. I'm not saying it's a bad car, but I'd take a 204 C-class over the CLA or GLA in a heart beat.

My fear is that MB is going to have a void. Yes, they now have two vehicles (CLA and GLA) that are cheaper base priced than anything offered last year. However, the C-class has jumped a price segment. The CLA and GLA will bring in new buyers, but it seems there is now a void as these two don't really replace the C-class (too small) and the C has moved out of the reach of a lot of buyers.

 

[Merc1]

Good points Tennmb. The MFA cars aren't up to Benz standards in every way. I'm sure they safe and will last, but they're just built cheaper and you can tell it if you've had previous experience with a Mercedes-Benz. The thing is though the CLA and now GLA are there to snag people who are new to the brand. That part will work, but will they stay with Mercedes when they start making more money or their needs change? That is the question. I have 2 theories on it: some will leave saying Mercedes' aren't shite because of the CLA/GLA, other will experience a C-Class for a loaner or just look at them when in for service and see the difference in quality and move right on up to a C or E when the time comes.

That said, it appears that MB will partner with Nissan for the next generation MFA cars. If that happens they will be able to lower cost and put a little of the money back into the quality that Mercedes is known for. I see CLAs all the time now and it is a good looking little car with the right wheel, but the car needs work. Hopefully Mercedes will do the right thing and try to put some quality back into the car at facelift time. They've done this before and it made a big difference in the product. With a few key changes in ride, interior trim and NVH they'll keep more of these buyers IMO.

In the meantime, I think you better get read for some long nights putting together deals on the GLA!! I also think the 2K cheaper RWD C300 will be a decent bridge once that model goes on sale. Why they didn't offer it from the start is beyond me. When do you expect the E400 to arrive?

M

 

[tennmb]

Good points Tennmb. The MFA cars aren't up to Benz standards in every way. I'm sure they safe and will last, but they're just built cheaper and you can tell it if you've had previous experience with a Mercedes-Benz. The thing is though the CLA and now GLA are there to snag people who are new to the brand. That part will work, but will they stay with Mercedes when they start making more money or their needs change? That is the question. I have 2 theories on it: some will leave saying Mercedes' aren't shite because of the CLA/GLA, other will experience a C-Class for a loaner or just look at them when in for service and see the difference in quality and move right on up to a C or E when the time comes.

That said, it appears that MB will partner with Nissan for the next generation MFA cars. If that happens they will be able to lower cost and put a little of the money back into the quality that Mercedes is known for. I see CLAs all the time now and it is a good looking little car with the right wheel, but the car needs work. Hopefully Mercedes will do the right thing and try to put some quality back into the car at facelift time. They've done this before and it made a big difference in the product. With a few key changes in ride, interior trim and NVH they'll keep more of these buyers IMO.

In the meantime, I think you better get read for some long nights putting together deals on the GLA!! I also think the 2K cheaper RWD C300 will be a decent bridge once that model goes on sale. Why they didn't offer it from the start is beyond me. When do you expect the E400 to arrive?

M

I just wish MB would quit farting around with Smart and develop an entry brand.

We've got an E400 cab produced and waiting trans-Atlantic shipment. Don't expect a sedan until mid November. They are delaying, I suspect because the new C.

 

[Merc1]

I just wish MB would quit farting around with Smart and develop an entry brand.

We've got an E400 cab produced and waiting trans-Atlantic shipment. Don't expect a sedan until mid November. They are delaying, I suspect because the new C.

Oh ok. There is a new Smart coming, but stupidly they're not going to sell the 4-door model here in the U.S. last I read. That is the one that would sell.

M