Mercedes-Benz GLA 2021, a small SUV dominated by its curves and youthful look

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 2021 is here, and its standout features include its interior space, its curves and its youthful lines.

The star brand has unveiled its new Mercedes-Benz GLA second generation, which aims to pressure small crossovers such as the Audi Q2 and the Ford Focus Active, while joining the new Mercedes-Benz GLB to target more traditional SUV-shaped vehicles such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Ultimately, all these compact models will be bought by buyers who are unaware of, or don’t care about, niche segments invented by car manufacturers.

According to the German brand, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA is more than 10 cm taller than its predecessor, which is somewhat odd given that it is also shorter and wider, hence the slightly more bulky appearance. Overall, however, it still looks like a raised compact hatchback.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 2021, a second generation 10 cm taller

Returning to its dimensions, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,410 mm long, 1,834 mm wide, 1,611 mm high and has a 2,729 mm wheelbase. It is 14 mm shorter, 30 mm wider and 104 mm taller than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has grown by 30 mm.

Besides having much less rear head and leg room, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 2021 is a more spacious car than before. Rear legroom has even grown by 116 mm, which is nothing to laugh at.

The star brand says this is the “lifestyle-oriented brother of the GLB” and, according to the German manufacturer’s calculations, the GLA will become one of its most popular compact models over its full life cycle, second only to the A-Class.

“The launch of the new GLA marks the culmination of a complete renewal of our compact car family,” said Britta Seeger, Daimler’s sales and marketing executive. “The strong demand for our SUVs shows that we can offer the right model for all our customers here. Reflecting customer demand, these include two off-road models, the GLB and the GLA, which complement each other perfectly: the GLB is the more functional and spacious representative of our compact class family, while the new GLA is positioned as its sporty brother and as a lifestyle-oriented SUV.”

Mercedes-Benz GLA, more space inside

Inside, customers can choose between two variants of the popular Mercedes-Benz freestanding display unit: two 7-inch screens or two 10.25-inch ones, powered by the manufacturer’s MBUX system, which also offers a full-colour head-up display, satellite navigation with augmented reality, voice control and much more. Meanwhile, the available driver assistance package includes: DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Route-based Speed Adjustment, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function and the PRE-SAFE Plus system, among other tricks up its sleeve.

A novelty, especially for this segment, is the Car Wash function, similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz GLS. It can fold the exterior mirrors and make sure the windows and sunroof are closed, while suppressing the wipers and switching to air recirculation mode.

Off-road, the new GLA can make use of Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system if the buyer so decides. Getting a 4MATIC GLA also means getting the off-road engineering package as standard, which gives you an additional driving mode.

In terms of mechanics, the new second generation Mercedes-Benz GLA will be available with the latest petrol and diesel engines of turbocharged four-cylinder type, paired with a dual-clutch gearbox and optionally all-wheel drive. The initial range will start with the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, equipped with a 1.33-litre turbo engine producing 160 CV developed with Renault, and will continue with the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220, which already features the 2.0-litre 190 CV; while the entry-level diesel will be the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d with 150 CV, and above it will sit the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d with 190 CV. In its second commercial phase, this range will be completed with a hybrid variant.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA 2021 will arrive in our market in the first half of 2020, and will do so at a slightly higher price than the current model, starting at 35,000 euros and potentially reaching 55,000 euros.