Photo: Daimler AG
Now that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA II has been unveiled online in a special interactive presentation instead of a car show, the Mercedes-Benz compact lineup has finally reached full-circle, at least for the next five years or so.
Just like all the versions comprising the A-Class, B-Class, GLB and CLA lineup, the new compact crossover is based on the MFA2 (Modular Front-wheel-drive Architecture 2) platform, so the engine lineup and interior design aren't exactly a mystery.
Despite being a sportier and more fashionable alternative to the more SUV-like GLB, the second-generation GLA is more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) taller than its predecessor and depending on the trim level has a much higher ground clearance.
The model's decreased length is counteracted by a longer wheelbase, so the passengers not only get more headroom but more legroom as well, especially in the rear. Thanks to the much higher seating position, the driver can literally feel in an SUV now, a characteristic that was not found by too many people in the previous generation.
As mentioned, the engine lineup will be identical to that of its MFA2 brothers. This translates into a gasoline lineup that comprises a 1.33-liter four-cylinder that develops between 109 and 163 horsepower depending on version and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that has an output between 190 horsepower and 224 horsepower.
On the diesel front, the GLA II will feature a revamped version of the Renault-sourced 1.5-liter in the old car with either 95 or 116 horsepower. A transverse version of the Mercedes-Benz 2.0-liter offers between 150 and 190 horsepower in the new compact crossover, but don't expect any of them in the United States, where only gasoline powerplants will be offered.
The future will also bring a plug-in hybrid version, with a 156 horsepower version of the 1.33-liter gasoline engine being accompanied by a 102 horsepower electric motor. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 will come with the same 2.0-liter with 306 horsepower as its other compact siblings, while the GLA 45 and 45S will feature the hardcore 387 and 421 horsepower M139 engine, respectively.
Depending on the engine, the new GLA comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, a 7-speed dual-clutch or an 8-speed dual-clutch, which is only reserved for the 2.0-liter diesel model and the upcoming GLA 45.
Despite being a sportier and more fashionable alternative to the more SUV-like GLB, the second-generation GLA is more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) taller than its predecessor and depending on the trim level has a much higher ground clearance.
The model's decreased length is counteracted by a longer wheelbase, so the passengers not only get more headroom but more legroom as well, especially in the rear. Thanks to the much higher seating position, the driver can literally feel in an SUV now, a characteristic that was not found by too many people in the previous generation.
As mentioned, the engine lineup will be identical to that of its MFA2 brothers. This translates into a gasoline lineup that comprises a 1.33-liter four-cylinder that develops between 109 and 163 horsepower depending on version and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that has an output between 190 horsepower and 224 horsepower.
On the diesel front, the GLA II will feature a revamped version of the Renault-sourced 1.5-liter in the old car with either 95 or 116 horsepower. A transverse version of the Mercedes-Benz 2.0-liter offers between 150 and 190 horsepower in the new compact crossover, but don't expect any of them in the United States, where only gasoline powerplants will be offered.
The future will also bring a plug-in hybrid version, with a 156 horsepower version of the 1.33-liter gasoline engine being accompanied by a 102 horsepower electric motor. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 will come with the same 2.0-liter with 306 horsepower as its other compact siblings, while the GLA 45 and 45S will feature the hardcore 387 and 421 horsepower M139 engine, respectively.
Depending on the engine, the new GLA comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, a 7-speed dual-clutch or an 8-speed dual-clutch, which is only reserved for the 2.0-liter diesel model and the upcoming GLA 45.
Google News