2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover is ready for the outdoors

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA now comes with off-road drive functions for the 4MATIC model variants. Also, a hybrid model and an all-electric EQA version to come.

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover, following the launch of the hot Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 more than a month ago. Moreover, the entry-level Mercedes-Benz crossover now comes with issued driver assistance systems, as well as comfort and convenience features from upper-end Mercedes-Benz models.

Mercedes-Benz says that the GLA is designed to go off-roading – and only if the owner would take one out into the wilderness. Anyway, the GLA is 10cm taller than its predecessor, 1.5 centimetres shorter as well as shorter front and rear overhangs. The driver and passenger now sit higher with more legroom. And likewise, the rear passengers get to enjoy more room to stretch their legs out, despite being shorter.

Moreover, the GLA gets an additional driving program, which is the downhill driving assist function, and an off-road animation in the media display. Also, the Multibeam LED headlamps are adapted for off-road driving.

The interior of the GLA echoes that in the A-Class family; the dashboard is dominated by the free-standing display unit. The screens will come in three different sizes depending on trim levels and markets. This starts with two 7-inch displays (17.78 cm), with one 7 and one 10.25-inch display (26 cm) and, in the widescreen version, with two 10.25-inch displays.

All of which will include as standard is the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). MBUX can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options. The system powered by NVIDIA graphics chips which enable the MBUX system to relay sharp graphics, responsive interaction, full-colour head-up display, navigation with augmented reality and machine learning software.

The new GLA comes with driving assistance systems similarly found in higher Mercedes-Benz model ranges. The crossover features the latest version of the Driving Assistance Package. Depending on variant and locality, the GLA will include:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with the functions:
  • braking for stationary vehicles,
  • extended, automatic moving off in a tailback in conjunction with Active Parking Assist and navigation,
  • activation of “gliding” in the ECO drive mode,
• Active Steer Assist with the functions:
  • Active Emergency Stop Assist – automatically unlocks the vehicle and makes an emergency call to the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Centre when the vehicle comes to a stop (depending on markets),
  • Emergency lane function: in motorway tailbacks at speeds below 60 km/h.
• Active Speed Limit Assist with reaction to changing speed limits in conjunction with Traffic Sign Assist, route-based speed adjustment ahead of bends, roundabouts, toll booths, T-junctions and before joining/exiting motorways, expressways – in conjunction with Live Traffic Navigation, also speed reduction when approaching the end of a tailback,
• Evasive Steering Assist,
• Active Lane Keeping Assist,
• Active Blind Spot Assist,
• Active Brake Assist with turning manoeuvre and cross-traffic function,
• PRE-SAFE^® PLUS: can detect a potential rear impact. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the brakes of the stationary vehicle, minimising the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.

Another feature the GLA gets is the ENERGIZING comfort. By using a combination of lighting and musical moods as well as a number of massage options deliver drivers a wide range of feel-good programs. And the ENERGIZING COACH recommends these programs according to the driving situation.

Better yet, if the driver does have a Mercedes-Benz vivoactive 3 smartwatch or another compatible Garmin wearable linked to the MBUX system, the ENERGIZING system is able to adapt to the driver’s stress level or sleep quality improve the system’s recommendation accuracy.

Featured in the flagship GLS SUV, the GLA comes with the car wash function. With just one command, the exterior mirrors fold in, while closes the side windows and sliding sunroof. In this mode, the rain sensors are switched off and the air conditioning system switches to air-recirculation mode.

For GLAs fitted with the 360° camera, the front image is switched on after a few seconds to assist entry into the car wash. These settings are automatically deactivated when the driver drives out of the car wash and accelerates to a speed above 20 km/h.

Having a transverse engine layout, the new GLA comes with a MacPherson front suspension. The wishbone is forged from aluminium which reduces both weight and unsprung masses while the steering knuckles are made of cast aluminium.

As for the rear, the GLA features a four-link rear axle. The rear axle is mounted on a subframe isolated from the body shell by rubber bushings, therefore fewer vibrations are transferred from the suspension to the body, improving on refinement. The new GLA’s track is 4cm wider than the previous model, measuring at 1605 and 1606 millimetres front and rear respectively.

The new GLA will also come with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, with fully variable torque distribution as an optional extra. And unlike the hydraulic system in the previous model, the 4MATIC system in the new GLA is electro-mechanically operated.

Moreover, the driver can opt for sportier driving through the Dynamic Select switch. In normal driving environments, the “Eco/Comfort” drive mode is set to distribute power in an 80:20 (front and rear respective) ratio, while in “Sport” mode, the power distribution is set at 70:30 ratio. While in off-road mode, the all-wheel-drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, with a balanced power distribution of 50:50.

4MATIC models also include the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard. The package consists:

• In combination with Multibeam LED headlamps, these models have a special off-road light function that is active in the Offroad driving mode. This makes it easier to see obstacles in rough terrain in the dark. With the Offroad function, the cornering lights of the Multibeam LED headlamps are switched on at speeds up to 50 km/h. This results in wide and bright light distribution immediately in front of the vehicle.
• In addition, the Off-Road Engineering Package includes an additional drive mode. This not only adapts to the characteristics of the 4MATIC system but also the power delivery of the engine and the ABS intervention control for off-road driving in easy terrain. This can be activated via the Dynamic Select switch.
• An animation of the driving situation can be called upon the media display. Realistic representation of the gradient, inclination angle and technical settings makes driving manoeuvres easier to judge.
• Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) can automatically maintain a slow, preset speed between 2 and 18 km/h, displayed in the instrument cluster and the optional head-up display. With targeted brake applications, DSR helps to retain control during steep downhill driving.

The new GLA comes with four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines which Mercedes-Benz says that they come with improved efficiency and emissions. Also, the company says that the third-generation plug-in hybrid drive system is already being prepared. Moreover, the all-electric EQA is said to come later this year.

To wrap things up, the new Mercedes-Benz crossover comes with three petrol and diesel engines:

The diesel models at a glance: