Progressive in design, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a trusted day-to-day motoring companion ready for any adventure, and with good off‑road capability to match. Whether in the city, to the office or on the beach it reinterprets the crossover segment and effortlessly masters all challenges while being tough enough for rough terrain.
The GLA 250 is highly manoeuvrable around the city, lively on the open roads beyond the metropolis, and dynamic and efficient on the busy streets and highways. The high-quality elements, developed with attention to detail, and the flexible interior clearly position the GLA as a premium crossover with a young spirit- making it the most recent model in the new entry level segment that is widening the world of Mercedes-Benz for customers in the region.
As a versatile day-to-day companion the GLA 250 has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required (optional). The large luggage compartment (421 – 1235 litres) is well laid-out and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which opens and closes automatically as an option.
The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for the GLA 250 which has an engine power of 155 kW (211 hp). The engine features the ECO start/stop function and complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
The GLA 250 exclusively with “Urban” line features a radiator grille with two silver-painted louvres and chrome inserts, 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels and also a twin-pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim integrated into the bumper.
Design: quality and confidence
Sensual purity as an expression of modern luxury – this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that communicate high-tech while exuding an all-embracing emotional appeal. The sensual purity is reflected in the core design values of tradition, emotion and progression. These make up the theme
Mercedes-Benz creates a bridge between modernity and the avant-garde, between tradition and progression. Each model series has an assigned role and a very specific character, depending on the attributes on which the design focuses. And yet a Mercedes-Benz is always recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz. Because in addition to incorporating new stylistic developments, in the interests of keeping tradition alive the designers draw from a gene-pool of styling features typical of the brand.
“The GLA delivers all-round dexterity: whether for business, family or leisure, through urban streets or to the beach, this is a compact car that is emotionally and aesthetically appealing. Add its off-road capabilities, its design credentials and its on-road performance and you have a Mercedes-Benz that promises to be the perfect modern-day motoring companion,” said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant.
As a crossover, the new GLA 250 combines the key design values of progression and tradition, and is the crossover of the future. It is an all-rounder with hallmark Mercedes-Benz genes and good off‑road capability, but more youthful, sculptural and full of subtle drama.
Suspension: for guaranteed adventures
The GLA 250 reinterprets the crossover concept in a new, modern way, fitting perfectly into the day-to-day urban lifestyle. At the same time the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the robust body structure and the variable interior concept guarantee plenty of recreational enjoyment. Rough terrain – the beach, loose ground, unsurfaced gradients – all of these are no problem for the GLA.
The chassis of the GLA 250 features a McPherson front axle and an independent 4-linkrear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are independent of one another. The wheel carriers and spring control arms are made of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. The rear axle carrier is isolated with rubber bushings for the benefit of ride comfort.
High traction reserves: 4MATIC all-wheel drive
The GLA 250 enjoys the new generation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution as standard. This all-wheel drive system excels with high traction reserves and outstanding agility, combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.
The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear-axle gear unit with integrated, hydraulically actuated multi-disc clutch. This set-up allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition and high efficiency.
Confident on light terrain: off-road functions
The GLA 250 4MATIC is equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.
When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the shift points and accelerator characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain, and particularly on loose surfaces, can be met. In combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and COMAND Online (optional extra), the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.
Smart safety: advanced assistance systems
Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA 250 and reduce the driver’s workload. Standard-fit features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to avoid collisions from a speed as low as 7 km/h.
Established assistance systems, such as the optional Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available for the GLA 250. Active Parking Assist allows automatic parking in parallel and end-on parking spaces.
The GLA 250 will be available in the GCC in May 2015 with prices starting from US AED 150,000 ($41,100).