The newest model from Mercedes-Benz – the 2015 GLA-Class – will make its world premiere in just two weeks at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Scheduled to hit showrooms in the fall of 2014, the new GLA will compete with cars like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Range Rover Evoque. But how will it fair against such worthy competitors?
First let’s look at it’s size. Measuring in at 173.9 inches long, 71 inches wide and 58.8 inches tall, the 2015 GLA is larger than its sleek design reveals, and similar in size to its closest competitors in the luxury compact SUV segment. One thing that’s not similar, however is the GLA’s fuel efficiency, with the new compact Mercedes boasting performance as high as 37 mpg, whereas the Range Rover Evoque tops out at 28, the BMW X1 at 34 and the Audi Q3 at nearly 27 mpg. As such, the 2015 GLA is the ideal choice for commuters and virtually anyone that would rather spend their money on something other than gas.
At it’s core, the GLA is a Mercedes, full of premium features we’ve come to expect from a Mercedes-Benz. But the GLA is more than just a luxury vehicle, it’s a true SUV, youthful and perfectly suited to fit all your weekend getaway gear: bikes, surfboards, etc. The GLA is a Mercedes that’s been designed with the active buyer in mind. In terms of performance, one key thing to note is that the 4MATIC GLA has been fitted with DSR or Downhill Speed Regulation as well as an off-road transmission mode. So while you may not be doing IRON-Schöckl along side the G-Class, you’ll have no problem in everyday off-road situations.
Another key area that makes the 2015 Mercedes GLA stand ahead of its competitors is in the immense amount of tech Mercedes has packed into it, starting with the Mercedes mbrace2 system. Mbrace2 allows users to stay connected at all times, whether it be for online, concierge services, smartphone connection, etc. Users are able to take advantage of the newest cloud technology in order to access your personal content.
And while it may not be the first thing on a buyer’s mind, the GLA is packed full of safety features that until recently were only found on the top of the line Mercedes models. These include Attention Assist, to make sure you stay alert while driving; Collision Prevention Assist, a brake assist system that activates at only 4 mph; and Distronic Plus, which when combined with Collision Prevention Assist, will automatically brake the car for you in the event it detects an impending crash situation. Then there’s the Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, Park Assist, and the list goes on.
All of this adds up to the fact that when the new GLA hits the market next Fall, it will will without question be the leader in its respective segment.
Stay tuned as we bring you coverage from the Frankfurt Motor Show with more photos and information on the all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
