Mercedes-Benz launches hip, young GLA

MANILA, Philippines - Last Friday, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its latest GLA compact SUV amid a trendy launch party held along the Fashion Walk in Greenbelt 5, Makati. The GLA Class is the first-ever compact SUV developed by the luxury brand; and its introduction into the local market is bound to attract a rush of young enthusiasts.

The GLA not only looks undeniably handsome, but also offers a host of comfort-enhancing and smart equipment. This face-lifted rendition now replaces the previous gen’s bi-xenon headlamps with LED high-performance headlamps – which consume about 60 percent less energy than xenon, and provide light beams with a color temperature that is actually similar to broad daylight (and therefore making it easier for the eyes to work at night). The vehicle is also engineered with a system of multifunctional fiber optic cables such that changing a bulb will no longer be necessary over the lifetime of the car.

And luxury truly is best described by the meticulousness of these tiny details, the clever thoughtfulness of every single design. Mercedes-Benz never seems to displease in their creative engineering, and this time they thought they would squeeze in that extra bit of modern chic.

Vehicle aerodynamics was also another priority in this latest GLA—Mercedes-Benz engineers in Sindelfingen, Germany spent a lot of time tweaking the vehicle’s body shape and protrusions to achieve the best-yet drag coefficient after rigorous testing in their wind tunnel. The result of such aerodynamics optimization is not only better fuel efficiency, but also discreet noise levels even when running at high speeds. 

Inside the GLA are comfortable, snug seats, which I think are perfect for the Filipino size. The red stitching provides a nice sporty accent in the cabin, while the dash is adorned with high-quality ARTICO man-made leather. There is an option available for opening and closing the boot lid hands-free; with this feature, you can open access to the rear compartment with a simple foot gesture (no buttons need to be pressed).

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is mobilized by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged AMG-tuned engine mated to an AMG speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission, and is among the most powerful vehicles in its segment. It promises an output of 381hp with 475Nm of torque, and asserts that it could reach a speed of 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Who would’ve thought that you’d get this much out of your practical compact SUV?

From a carbon footprint point of view, this AMG engine pledges lower exhaust emissions, thanks in part to the architecture of its piezo injectors and its consequent thermodynamic efficiency. Their biggest, dangling carrot? The vehicle’s (alleged) extremely fast responses to accelerator pressure, proportional to the currently selected AMG Dynamic Select driving mode.

Furthermore, for enthusiasts who feel that there’s nothing like the song of a high-performing car engine – there is an option for an AMG performance exhaust system, wherein the driver can increase the intensity of the (already sporty) engine sound via a switch (or by running through the different drive programs). The sound can even be further enhanced for the people inside the cabin, at the touch of a button.

Last but not the least – being a compact SUV, the GLA offers intelligent, variable all-wheel drive to take you to more adventurous places you may otherwise not have had access to reach. Hence, with the assets of a proper sports car, good looks, and the flexibility of an all-wheel drive SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is bound to make waves in the market, especially with the young and young at heart.

Globally, the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class petrol-powered lineup is composed of the GLA 180, GLA 200, GLA 250 and the flagship GLA 45 AMG.

Prices for the locally available models are P2.790 million (for the GLA 180) and P3.090 million (for the GLA 200). - Photos by Angel Rivero