Mercedes GLA: Streamlined Into The Terrain

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

The late appearance of the Mercedes GLA also has advantages. With the now last compact SUV of the German premium representatives, the aerodynamicists from Mercedes were able to set new records.

Mercedes chooses the VW way. It was not until 2007 that the Wolfsburg-based company entered the compact SUV segment very late with the Tiguan, but then drove past all competitors to the left to the top of the class. The Stuttgart-based company now wants to start a similar overtaking process in the premium segment with the GLA, after a gap in the portfolio that has caused great pain so far. Because here the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 have been around for a long time and share the cake of the rapidly growing segment alone.

Mercedes achieves top value in the premium compact SUV segment

But the delayed entry into the compact SUV segment also has advantages. This allowed the company's aerodynamicists to concentrate on setting new records for air resistance. With the CLA, which was launched on the market four months ago, the company presented the reigning Cd value champion with a value of 0.22. This is of course not feasible in the compact SUV segment, but with 0.29 the aerodynamicists did a good job again and topped the value of the two competitors, who come to 0.32.

And the drag area, which is decisive for fuel consumption from 60 km / h, is also the measure of all things with a value of 0.66 square meters. The A-pillar step has been kept low, the rear, as well as the exterior mirror housings, have been aerodynamically optimized. In addition, side rear spoilers ensure optimized airflows along the roof tear-off line and the rear lights. At the front there are seals in the bumper, a radiator shutter regulates the cooling air.

Most economical Mercedes GLA requires 4.3 liters of diesel

In the underbody, an additional paneling was installed in the area of the central rear axle, a diffuser and an aerodynamic rear silencer optimally guide the air flow under the car. And the wind noise has also been greatly reduced. A new door seal concept came into play as well as additional seals for the tailgate and stiff window frames that minimize vibrations.

The measures are rewarded with consumption of just 4.3 liters of diesel and CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometer for the GLA 200 CDI, which uses 100 kW / 136 hp. The entry-level petrol engine is the GLA 200. The four-cylinderhas a displacement of 1.6 liters and develops 115 kW / 156 hp. There is a total of two petrol and two diesel with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive to choose from. At the end of the upper performance spectrum, an AMG version with well over 300 hp will come a little later.

Mercedes GLA starts at around 28,000 euros

However, most of the customers will probably limit themselves to the front-wheel drive. Because around 28,000 euros have to be invested right from the start. Mercedes will announce exact prices at the premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt from September 12 to 22. In order to decorate the GLA even further and to provide it with various driver assistants, it will cost another five-digit amount. (AG / TF)