GLA [Spyshots] Mercedes-Benz GLA

[mini_cooper4]

There has arguably never been a better time to be a German car enthusiast. I mean really, think about it, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche are running flat out now. New products left and right, what is there to argue about?

M

It really depends. It's tough times for me as I'm kind of old school guy. Some of my favorite German cars are now only offered with AT and E-Steering. BMW is going soft. MB is going ugly and Audi is Audi.
It's great times for the average Joe tho... he has plenty of "premium" to choose between

 

[Merc1]

It really depends. It's tough times for me as I'm kind of old school guy. Some of my favorite German cars are now only offered with AT and E-Steering. BMW is going soft. MB is going ugly and Audi is Audi.
It's great times for the average Joe tho... he has plenty of "premium" to choose between

Well cars have to change. I want Mercedes to go back to just the C, E, S, CL, SL and make them cost no object, over-engineered vehicles, but that will never happen. Considering the really oppressive laws that carmakers have to deal with in every market around the world, I think the Germans are doing good. BMW will sort out the soft issue with the next generation of M vehicles IMO. The regular ones have to be soft now. Enthusiasts just don't buy enough cars to make a cooking 535i some type of corner carver like it used to be. People want luxury apparently and their voting with their checkbooks. Mercedes is sorting out their design issues, the S-Class is proof of that. E facelift too.

M

 

[mini_cooper4]

Well cars have to change. I want Mercedes to go back to just the C, E, S, CL, SL and make them cost no object, over-engineered vehicles, but that will never happen. Considering the really oppressive laws that carmakers have to deal with in every market around the world, I think the Germans are doing good. BMW will sort out the soft issue with the next generation of M vehicles IMO. The regular ones have to be soft now. Enthusiasts just don't buy enough cars to make a cooking 535i some type of corner carver like it used to be. People want luxury apparently and their voting with their checkbooks. Mercedes is sorting out their design issues, the S-Class is proof of that. E facelift too.

M

Yes, I do agree with everything you said but the E-Class part
The next generation M cars featuring extensive CF use will most probably fix everything but right now enthusiasts like me are kind of fcuked up.

 

[Wolfgang]

latest rumors from the Indian Autoblog

Mercedes teases the India-bound GLA crossover

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Nitin Kumar, spied the GLA testing in Dubai on two different occasions. Based on the spy images, it seems that the GLA will be more of an A Class with a rough road package, differently styled taillights and a set of roof rails. We expect the GLA to be more of a Volvo V40 Cross Country competitor rather than an Audi Q3 rival.

There are three international motor shows that are scheduled to take place by the end of this year. Our guess is that Mercedes could show the GLA at the Frankfurt Motor Show commencing on September 10. Or, Mercedes would choose to show it at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show taking place from November 22. The GLA would be making its way into India in 2014, if not early 2015.

Mercedes Benz GLA Class design sketches teased

 

[GianHet]

I think recent Mercs have a bit of their old spirit back..New Mercedes are quite nice to look at, and they're more than ever great cars in general. (for example the W222)

 

[Merc1]

Yes, I do agree with everything you said but the E-Class part
The next generation M cars featuring extensive CF use will most probably fix everything but right now enthusiasts like me are kind of fcuked up.

Well I'm seriously thinking about trading up to a M6 GC so I'll just have to suffer lol.

M

 

[7saen]

First official pics 9 am CET Wed. 14/8/13.

just in time perhaps to steal the thunder from the new M4 Concept presentation at Pebble Beach this weekend.

I'm actually excited about this car.
it's gonna change some of the preception of what a small SUV could be. the proportions are unique. Kind of what the Evoque is to real offroaders. I'm saying "real" because the GLA, just like the Q3, the X1 and Tiguan are not real offroaders.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Well I'm seriously thinking about trading up to a M6 GC so I'll just have to suffer lol.

M

While it might suit you... it won't suit me

 

[Merc1]

While it might suit you... it won't suit me

Understood.

M

 

[martinbo]

Will Mercedes Benz fans be GLAd when this car is revealed? Only time will tell...

 

[Wolfgang]

GLA spy shots from Düsseldorf

http://translate.google.com/transla...sseldorf-noch-als-erlkoenig-erwischt/&act=url

 

[SCOTT27]

The rear lights remind me of the E90 for some reason.

 

[Human]

Certainly not going to be anything that even slightly resembles the concept (except the badge). Where did M-B learn that from, I wonder

Oh yes now I remember! The three-letter word. You OEM's should stop influencing each other @SCOTT27

 

[Wolfgang]

The shape of the rear lights might resemble the A-Class's, but seems to be divided along the hatch shutline on the GLA?

http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/official-mercedes-benz-a45-amg.48307/

 

[SquallAMG]

It is face

More

 

[SquallAMG]

Back

 

[Giannis]

It is face

More

Huh? Are they for real?

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Looks nice (for little that they showed). I wonder how they will price it.

 

[Kilcrohane]

BULLSEYE!

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundomotor/2013/08/13/coches/1376407193.html

 

[Wolfgang]

Looks nice (for little that they showed). I wonder how they will price it.

Starting around EU30,000 in Spain if this article is correct.

NEW | From 30,000 euros
New Mercedes GLA: compact and round

Mercedes has begun to catch up with BMW and Audi in the race for leadership among premium manufacturers worldwide, something the brand with the star announced for 2020.

One of the main tasks was strengthening its offering in the compact car class, something that has been possible with the new generation of the A-Class and its derivatives.

Mercedes GLA

The latest sales figures show the good reception that the new cars are receiving: in the first half of 2013, 173.362 units of the A-Class and B-Class and the new CLA-Class were delivered worldwide (an increase of 58.0 %) and a very high rate of achievement especially in the case of "A" (as it is based almost entirely on this GLA) and that about 50 percent of new buyers in Europe come from other brands.

This upward trend will be reinforced with the compact SUV family, the first car of its kind in the centennial history of Mercedes.

As has become the norm in recent releases, the new GLA becomes a reference in aerodynamics in this segment, with its Cd of 0.29 and clearly more rounded features throughout the body which is common in the Mercedes SUV.

Its compact size will allow it to live in town with enough agility (4.42 m long and 1.80 m wide and 1.50 high).

GLA inside

As proposed the vehicle is perfectly suited for the daily life, as the GLA has a flexible interior. The rear seat backs can be folded, but also allow you to adjust the angle of the backrest when upright (if you choose the optional luggage compartment package, which allows increasing the boot capacity by 60 liters, providing space for bulky items, while still allowing the rear seats to be used by passengers).

The trunk (with a volume of between 421 and 836 liters) is well presented and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading height and the large tailgate, which opens automatically (optional).

The dashboard shows a clear separation between the upper and lower sections, generating surface structures with different look and feel. The central color display is finished in piano lacquer with chrome surround, helping to create a sense of high perceived quality.

In the cabin there are very few differences with respect to the A-Class, unless considering the height of the seats and bevel details (exclusive in the GLA) around circular ventilators with butterfly-shaped inserts that adjust the airflow direction. The range of seat upholstery (leather, fabric, or a mixture of both) and color combinations allow ample scope for individualization. As a bonus, sports seats with integrated headrests are available.

Mechanics

Like the A-Class, the GLA chassis features a McPherson front axle and multi-link independent rear suspension. Forces are absorbed by three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are virtually independent of one another.

Wheel carriers and spring links are made of aluminum to reduce unsprung masses. On versions with 4Matic, the rear axle support is insulated with rubber bushings for the benefit of the ride comfort.

The GLA will be mostly used on road, but the new SUV can also be ordered with the AWD system we have mentioned (in fact it is the first Mercedes SUV that the new generation of 4Matic will be installed on) and that gives some light off-road skills (ie. beach, loose soil or stretches of asphalt and not much else.

These versions are equipped with 4x4 DSR (Downhill Speed ​​Regulation in the SUV, which is activated by a button on the center console) and a transmission mode for off-road series, which is selected by the mode switch to adjust transmission shift points and acceleration features so that the requirements for light off-road driving, particularly on loose surfaces, can be met.

In conjunction with the Audio 20 CD (standard) and COMAND Online (optional), the main color screen also takes a specific configuration for 4x4 driving showing the steering angle, the transmission mode selected off-road, the compass angle of rotation in degrees, the percent slope, and the activation of the controlled rate of descent.

The engine range is extensive and consists of four-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection engines all with stop-start, six-speed manual transmission or with a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission (standard on GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and 4x4 versions).

Initially the following engines will be offered: GLA 200 CDI diesel (2.2 liters and 136 hp, 4.3 l/100 km), GLA 220 CDI (2.2 liters, 170 hp) and GLA 200 petrol (1.6 liters, 156 hp) and GLA 250 (2.0 liters, 211 hp, 7.1 l/100 km) and of these only the GLA 200 is only available with front-wheel drive. The same applies to the GLA 180 CDI (1.5 L 109 hp from the Renault cooperation), which will become one of the most demanded versions, although it will reach the Spanish market a few months later, and for a price of around 30,000 euros. [translated from Spanish]

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundomotor/2013/08/13/coches/1376407193.html via MB Passion