Next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the next-generation GLA SUV.

The new SUV is taller and wider but shorter in length compared to its predecessor. The car measures 4,410 mm in length, 1,834 mm in width and 1,611 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,729 mm. The ground clearance is said to have increased to 143 mm.

At the front, the car comes with a new grille flanked by LED headlights, a sculpted bonnet and a new bumper. It looks more aggressive compared to the previous-generation GLA. The car also gets wheelarch cladding and doorsill cladding along with a chrome window surround. At the rear, the SUV gets new tail lights, a dual tone bumper and twin exhausts. Alloy wheels ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch in size are available.

On the inside, the GLA comes with a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, five circular air vents, a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen head unit varying from 7.0-inch to 10.25-inch. MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is available as standard. Mercedes claims that the car measures your stress level and chooses the lighting and musical moods and massage functions accordingly.

Powering the new GLA is a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The GLA 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre engine producing 161 BHP and 250 Nm. It is paired to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. The GLA 35 AMG comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 302 BHP and 400 Nm. it is paired to an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission and comes with four-wheel drive. All GLA models equipped with four-wheel drive come with an Off-Road Engineering Package.

The next-gen GLA is expected to be launched in Europe in 2020.