The new Mercedes-Benz GLA has joined the firm's revamped line-up of compact models - with company boss Ola Källenius insisting that it is "better in all dimensions" than its big-selling predecessor.
Launching in electric form in November and with a hybrid to follow early next year, the third generation of the Audi Q4 and Volvo EX40 rival sits on the Stuttgart firm's compact MMA architecture, which it shares with the CLA saloon and seven-seat GLB SUV. As with those models, the new GLA merges EV and combustion model lines, with the new electric version replacing the EQA.
It features Mercedes' latest design cues, including a retro-inspired grille, and Källenius said a key focus of the design was to make it look more dramatic. "If you look from the side it's like a sports car SUV," he said, "but still on a compact footprint. It's the ultimate sporty city SUV."
At 4565mm, the new GLA is 143mm longer than its predecessor and the wheelbase has been stretched to 2790mm to provide more cabin space. The car also has a wider rear track, but its roof sits 20mm lower than the previous version's. Wheel sizes vary from 18in to 20in.
Inside, the stretched wheelbase means there is more room for both front and rear occupants than in its predecessor. Despite the car being lower, Mercedes claims there is also more head room. There is a 410-litre boot, while the electric version adds a 107-litre frunk.
The cockpit follows Mercedes trends with a dashboard dominated by touchscreens - including an optional MBUX Superscreen that spans the width of the car and has three screens built in. As with all of Mercedes' latest cars, it features the latest version of the firm's MB.OS software - powered by an advanced Nvidia chip - and offers AI-enabled voice control and advanced driver assistance systems, among other features.
