Mercedes most successful GLA nameplate is entering its second generation with some major tweaks. The German automaker recently unveiled the 2nd-gen 2021 Mercedes GLA with an updated exterior design and lots of improvements inside.
The compact crossover is now 0.6 inches shorter (at 173.6 inches), and 4.1 inches higher than the ongoing model. However, the automaker improved the wheelbase by 1.1 inches. Thanks to the changes, the rear occupants will now have more space for their elbows, shoulders, and legs. However, they have to compromise on the headroom a little. Similarly, the occupants in the front will have extra room for elbows, shoulders, and head, but legroom space drops a bit.
By making it a little taller, Mercedes ditched the stigma of it being looking similar to a hatchback. It now gives a proper crossover vibe complemented by extended tracks on both the front and rear.
The standard model for the U.S. and the UAE will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine generating 221 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. While in the U.S., the standard model will give a choice of both front-wheel and all-wheel, in the UAE, we may get GLA 250 4Matic, only. The 2021 Mercedes GLA can speed to 96 km/h in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 209 km/h.
If you love to push the pedal and yearn for better performance, you can opt for the 2021 AMG GLA 35 creating the power of 302 horses and making 400 Nm of torque. The engine is assisted by the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission but 0 to 96 kph time reduces to just five seconds. The top speed stands at 250 km/h.
Customers can also opt for the Off-Road Engineering Package (best for our region) featuring an additional driving mode, downhill assist function, an off-road animation on the screen, and a unique light function for going off the road.
The options for European customers differ a lot. First off, they will get GLA 200 as an entry-level model. This vehicle features a modest 1.33L engine churning out 161 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In Europe, the automaker also plans to introduce a diesel engine and a plug-in hybrid GLA model. Moreover, customers will get even beefier options in terms of power. Mercedes will introduce AMG GLA 45 and 45 S models creating 382 hp and 480 Nm, and 416 hp and 500 Nm of torque, respectively.
One thing we really love about the 2021 Mercedes GLA is its car wash function, which it has borrowed from the GLS. Once triggered it folds the mirrors and shuts all the windows, including the sunroof. The rain sensor isn’t automatic, which means drivers have to manually activate it. Furthermore, the optional 360-degree camera system allows the driver to maneuver the crossover during a car wash.
The new 2021 Mercedes GLA will first hit the European markets in the first quarter of next year. The deliveries in the U.S. and the Gulf States are expected by the next summer.
Source and Images: Motor1