Review: 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA200d
15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The production GLA-Class (X 156) is closely based on the Concept GLA design and was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Orders had been taken beginning from the end of November 2013, and arrived in dealer showrooms during 2014, with Japan and US in the autumn. Mercedes unveiled a mid-life facelift of the GLA SUV at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show in January 2017. The updated model came with some cosmetic tweaks on the outside, including a redesigned grille, new front and rear bumpers and updated 18-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, the bi-xenon headlamps of the previous models were replaced by all LED units, while the taillights too were all LED and got a new design pattern. A new Canyon Beige colour option was also added. The interiors carried forward the same dashboard layout, though the infotainment system received a new 8.0-inch screen that was located on top of the centre console in a free-standing layout. The design of GLA 45 AMG is based on Concept GLA45 AMG, with AMG sports suspension, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system, 3-stage ESP with "SPORT Handling" mode, ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with high-sheen finish and 235/45 R 19 tyres (optional 10-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in 2 a choice of 2 colours (titanium grey with high-sheen finish, matt black with high-sheen rim flange) 235/40 R 20 tyres), AMG front apron with front splitter in matt titanium grey, AMG 'twin blade' radiator grille in matt titanium grey, black flics (air deflector elements) above the large exterior cooling air intakes, bi-xenon headlamps, side sill panels with titanium grey inserts, 'TURBO AMG' lettering on the front wings and the aluminium roof rails, rear diffuser insert with titanium grey trim, rectangular chrome-plated tailpipe trim at the twin tailpipes.
Heritage
The GLA initially was a concept the compact SUV concept car was unveiled in 2013 Shanghai motor show and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and all wheel drive via the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic system. The concept included front headlamps with a laser-beam projector, two cameras housed in the front roof rail, 20-inch wheels and fibre-optic ambient interior lighting. The Concept GLA45 AMG concept car was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, as a high-performance version of the GLA-Class with an AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine, 4Matic all wheel drive, AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed transmission with paddle shifters, and fitted with various AMG-badged accoutrements and an AMG sports exhaust system with an electronically controlled variable vane system to modulate the exhaust note.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Speed Proportional, Electro-Mechanical, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | 7 Speed Automatic |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 18 inch 5 twin spoke alloys |
| Rear Wheel Type | 18 inch 5 twin spoke alloys |
| Front Tire Type | 235/50R18 |
| Rear Tire Type | 235/50R18 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | Independent MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Independent Quad-Link |
| Suspension Features | Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 173.9in, 4424mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 71in, 1804mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 60in, 1494mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 106.3in, 2699mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 3494lb, 1585kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 2.1 litre double overhead cam clean diesel inline 4 cylinder |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 134bhp, 136PS, 100kW @ 3400-4000RPM |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 221lb-ft, 300Nm @ 1400-3000RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 9.8 seconds |
| Top Speed (mph, kmph) | 127 mph, 205 kmph |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 13.2 gallons, 50L |
| Fuel Type | B20 Diesel |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 24mpg, 10kmpL |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 64mpg, 27kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 43.6ft3, 1235L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 43.6ft3, 1235L |