Mercedes-Benz GLA undergoes mid-life update – What’s new

Mercedes-Benz is steadily continuing the refresh cycle of its vehicles with the latest model to undergo a mid-life update being the GLA.

The brand’s entry-level SUV has received numerous enhancements including a revised design, more standard features, and electrified powertrains.

What’s new

Visual revisions for the new GLA comprise redesigned LED light signatures, new 17-inch five-twin-spoke wheels in high-gloss black, and a front bumper with visible underride protection that signifies the crossover’s “off-road genes,” said Mercedes.

Standard fitments for the facelifted Mercedes then include LED High-Performance headlamps with high beam assist, Artico man-made leather/fabric seats, a 7-inch instrument cluster, and the Parking, Mirror, and USB packages.

A 10.25-inch multimedia screen is now also equipped and runs on the latest-generation MBUX software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time, while providing Classic, Sport, and Discreet display styles.

With the optional individualisation package installed, the system will also bring new mini-games to the central touchscreen including Sudoku, Shuffle Puck, Pairs, Match 3, and “a quiz.”

To further tailor the crossover to their individual tastes, buyers have the choice of adding two 10.25‑inch wide-screen displays, a Burmester stereo, trailer manoeuvring assist, new Spectral Blue exterior paint, 18 to 20-inch alloys, and three different interior colour combos namely black, macchiato beige, and sagegrey, with the AMG Line additionally providing red pepper/black.

All the GLA’s petrol drivetrains have been upgraded with a 48-volt belt-driven starter generator for the new iteration.

This system allows for additional boost during acceleration, coasting with the motor switched off, brake energy recovery, and lower vibration and engine noise levels, according to the manufacturer.

Like the current generation, we expect to see only the front-wheel-drive GLA 200 and GLA 200d going on sale in South Africa, with the specifications of these drivetrains as follows:

Specification	GLA 200	GLA 200d
Engine	1.3l turbo-petrol	2.0l turbo-diesel
Gearbox	7-speed DCT	8-speed DCT
Output (Boost)	120kW (10kW)/270Nm	110kW/320Nm
Fuel cons.	6.6-7.3l/100km	5.3-5.9l/100km

AMG-specific updates

Like its toned-down siblings, the sporty flagship GLA 35 has seen its fair share of revisions in the form of redesigned LED lights, body-coloured wheel arch extensions, and a restyled radiator grille with vertical louvres, a horizontal fin, and an AMG logo.

Continuing inside, it now comes with the AMG Performance steering wheel as standard, as well as active lane-keeping assist, the Parking package, and the upgraded infotainment system with wireless smartphone mirroring and mini-games.

Fitting its high-performance status, the 35 also has the most powerful engine in the GLA family generating 225kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine which likewise has gained a 48-volt electrical system for 10kW of overboost.

Drive is translated to all four wheels via an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission enabling a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h, while reporting an average fuel usage of 8.8-9.2l/100km.

Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced when the new GLA is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa, however, it will likely not debut before 2024 as it currently does not form part of the local subsidiary’s vehicle introduction timeline for 2023.