Mercedes-Benz has revealed the mid-life update of its GLA small SUV with refreshed looks both inside and out.
A lot of these changes to the GLA range mirror those applied to the A-Class and CLA.
At this stage it’s unclear when the updated Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG GLA range will be coming to Australia. We’ve reached out to Mercedes-Benz Australia and will update this story once we hear back.
A highlight of this update is almost the entire GLA range now comes with an electrified powertrain. This includes the AMG GLA35 4Matic, too.
GLA250e
Notably absent from the release is the AMG GLA45 S, suggesting Mercedes-AMG will do a separate reveal for this variant at a later date. It’s unclear how extensive its update will be.
In Europe the updated GLA range is powered by a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with a 48V mild-hybrid system that can provide 10kW of additional power for brief periods.
The 48V onboard power supply powers the belt-driven starter-generator and also recuperates energy during braking.
The GLA250e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a higher usable energy content that leads to more electric range. It’s now claimed to have 62-70km of electric range according to WLTP testing.
AMG GLA35
The PHEV’s electric motor now has a higher power output of 80kW, which is 5kW more than the pre-update. The total system output of remains unchanged at 160kW and 450Nm.
At this stage it’s unclear if the Mercedes-Benz GLA range will change with this update. It currently consists of the GLA200, GLA250 4Matic, AMG GLA35 4Matic, and flagship AMG GLA45 S 4Matic+.
It’s unlikely the GLA250e PHEV will come Down Under as the brand’s local division has pivoted more towards electric vehicles (EVs) recently.
On the outside the updated GLA receives a “modernised” headlight and tail light signature. There’s also a redesigned front bumper with a new radiator grille.
GLA250e
AMG GLA35
The regular GLA receives a new Spectral Blue Metallic paint colour, as well as new alloy wheels that vary from 17 to 20 inches.
Inside, the updated GLA comes with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard.
Dual 10.25-inch screens are optionally available on certain models but are currently standard on all pre-update GLA variants.
The GLA now features the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment software, which comes with redesigned display styles, a voice assistant, and optional in-built games. It also now allows for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other interior tweaks include a new steering wheel, illuminated USB ports, and an additional USB-C port.
The updated regular GLA range is now equipped with comfort seats as standard that are upholstered in Artico artificial leather.
AMG Line models come with Artico artificial leather and Microcut microfibre upholstery that’s available in four different colours: black, bahia brown, sagegrey, and red pepper with black.
Full-fat AMG models on the other hand now receive new protective covers for the standard sports seats or the optional AMG performance seats.
On the safety front, the updated GLA receives tweaks to the lane-keep assist and active steering control. The next-generation parking package supports longitudinal parking, and there’s also now trailer manoeuvring assist available for the first time.
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MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLA
MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG GLA
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz's smallest SUV receives an update