Tag Archives: GLA
4 Things You Must Know About The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA just went under the knife for a few facelifts and additional features. But in order to see what actually changed, you will have to squint your eyes. Yes, they are that minuscule.
1. New GLA-Class Has Two Models
The 2018 GLA from Mercedes has two new models: the base GLA250 and the AMG GLA45. The base model produces 208 horsepower from its I4, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, standard front-wheel drive, and optional all-wheel drive.
The AMG GLA45, on the other hand, has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 375 horsepower. Standard to the AMG version is an all-wheel drive system.
2. Visual Changes Are Minimal
Here are what you can expect from the car’s exterior changes: newly designed front and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, and LED headlights optional on the GLA250 but standard on the AMG GLA45. European models will get taillights that dim depending on the time of the night. Issues with LED lights are usually on how it hurts the eye when point directly.
3. Interior Updates Are Also Minor
When you sit inside the cabin of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, you’ll notice how it changed so minimal you can almost not see the updates. The seat covers are new on the GLA250. There’s chrome around the control panels, center console, and seat adjustment switches. The new set of gauges has red needles while the air conditioning vents have more noticeable accents around them.
4. Difference Between The GLA250 And GLA45
Since the AMG GLA45 is expected to be priced higher, it’s safe to say that it has a more aggressive styling than the GLA250. The AMG GLA 45 has a rear spoiler lip, larger wheels, and a more aggressive front end. Standard to the GLA45 are sport seats with red contrast stitching. There’s plenty of AMG badging in the cabin while the whole dashboard is covered in premium leatherette.
Mercedes-Benz To Introduce Four Electric Vehicles By 2020
Mercedes-Benz is looking at releasing four electric vehicles by the end of the year 2020. Sources said the company will be producing two sedans and two SUVs to comprise the first tranche of electronically powered vehicles Merc is looking at developing.
Each electric vehicle model will share the basic elements of models already part of Merc’s current lineup, but the company also promised that the models will have distinct designs to set them apart from their conventionally powered counterparts.
This move came on the heels of the German government’s announcement of sales subsidies for all EVs priced at less than €60,000, or $67,150 based on current exchange rate.
This German government policy is part of the bigger scheme to attract would-be buyers to consider EVs instead of gasoline- or diesel-powered engines.
Of course, such a decision from Merc can also be seen as the company’s attempt to keep up with the fast-rising EV market, something other automakers have taken advantage of in the past months. Tesla Model 3’s 370,000 orders certainly made an impact.
Merc has reportedly taken a €500 million expansion of their existing battery production facilities in Germany to prepare for their EV plans.
Although not a surprise, Merc’s move is still a welcome development. There are no details released regarding this new direction the company is taking, but R&D chief Thomas Weber hinted that the current C-Class and S-Class models, as well as the GLA and GLC SUVs, will be the templates for the four EVs planned.
In particular, the GLA-based SUV model will tap the reworked version of the MFA platform that Merc is already using on its B-Class Electric Drive, which is technically Mercedes’ first EV. The other three models, on the other hand, will probably use the evolved version of the MRA, which was developed particularly for electronic vehicles.