Mercedes-Benz unveils the new-generation GLA at Pasarbella
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new generation GLA last Friday at a private launch party hosted in the heart of the city, at the modern Pasarbella at Suntec City.
Befitting the GLA’s adventurous nature, the event location created an atmosphere of wanderlust — decked out in fairy lights, colourful picket fences, picnic benches and large beach chairs, guests were provided with a fun escape from the grind of city life.
On display that evening were three key variants of the new GLA crossover, ranging from the entry-level GLA 180 (122 bhp), to the mid-tier GLA 200 (156 bhp), and the range-topping GLA 45 AMG (381 bhp).
First presented in 2013, the GLA has since become a model of success in a segment that it shaped and redefined, characterised by its sportily dynamic design, light-footed handling and extensive individualisation range.
Expressive exterior design is ranked highly by customers — thus the new generation GLA features modified bumpers, new alloy wheels, a new “canyon beige” exterior paint colour, and a restyled grille with crossbars resembling its bigger brother, the GLS. The previous optional bi-xenon headlamps have also been replaced with efficient LED headlamps, which consume approximately 60 percent less energy than conventional xenon headlights.
Emitting light at a colour temperature similar to daylight, the LED High Performance headlamps relieve strain on the eyes during journeys at night with a 34-watt low-beam headlamp featuring LED projector-beam technology, and the main beam featuring LED reflector technology. Multifunctional fibre-optic cables are used for the indicators, daytime running lamps and position light, creating an unmistakable style and increasing convenience by eliminating the need to change a bulb during the lifetime of the car.
An updated interior design sees new dials with red needles, new seat covers and trim parts, as well as chromed control panels. Working together with the new 8-inch media display adorning the top of the dashboard, the new 360-degree camera system records the direct surroundings of the car, shown as a full-image depiction or in seven different split-screen views. The system is also able to display a virtual top view of the car, a feature unavailable in competing models within this market segment.
Safety and convenience features include the Active Brake Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST as standard, together with the optional HANDS-FREE ACCESS. Active Brake Assist avoids collisions by warning the driver if there is insufficient distance to the vehicle in front, and if necessary, initiates situation-appropriate autonomous braking. ATTENTION ASSISST also serves to avoid accidents by detecting signs of drowsiness via steering behaviour, and warning the driver. With the rear compartment of the vehicle a point of focus for engineers, the optional HANDS-FREE ACCESS feature allows the boot to be opened and closed hands-free, and simply with a foot movement.
Prices for the new generation GLA begin at S$166,888 for the GLA 180, while the GLA 200 and GLA 250 retail for S$185,888 and S$194,888 respectively. For drivers that demand more performance, the range-topping GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is also available at S$277,888. All prices are inclusive of COE.
