The new Mercedes GLA 250 4Matic responds to the challenges posed by the enthusiastic driver and a family man. GLA is the fourth front-wheel drive model after the Mercedes B Class, A Class and CLA which is based on the same platform. There are several versions of petrol and diesel and the two-wheel drive, petrol version of 1,6 lt and 156 PS is the base model. We are going to talk about the two liter, four-wheel drive version with 211 PS, with a seven-gear automatic dual clutch transmission. In short, the top version, if one excludes the AMG as there’s one with 360 PS.
The GLA has a design that is much more balanced and harmonious than the A Class. An important fact is that it is slightly elevated (4cm), has impressive protectors, on the front, back and side, more bloated bumpers and different luminaires. Although GLA and Class A have the same wheelbase (2,7 m), the one on GLA that is 10cm longer, is significantly more comfortable on the street. This is probably due to the weight distribution between the two axles and the setup of the suspension system.
The small SUV of Mercedes (its full range also includes the GLK, ML, GL and the G) has a McPherson strut front and a multi- link on the rear. The setup of the suspension in GLA 250 4matic tested had 235/40/18 Conti Contact 5 tires and really was perfect. If someone wants something more off-road than the mormal urban use, in the rich list of extras you can find the special adjustable suspension for off road comfort.
The interior of the car, familiar to us from the A Class and CLA, is more comfortable, especially in height. What’s more, it’s impressive for a four-wheel drive model to have this kind of flexibility to change course that easily as it does. This of course is due to the electronic management of AWD . The all-wheel drive (4MATIC) with multi-plate clutch center carries up to 50 % of torque to the rear axle only when needed.
The two-liter 211PS engine is a benchmark in its class for the ratio of performance/ consumption it presents. In practice, the driver enjoys spectacular economy moving in daily rhythms of the city or the suburbs. But when found in provincial uphill path and choose the Sport mapping, the GLA is then transforms. This relatively lightweight (1.500 kg) four-wheel drive SUV takes off. You can feel the power of the engine to 140 – 200km / h and the feeling you get is great.
For more on Mercedes check: Mercedes-Benz S600 | The flagship of the brand, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter L5-B turned into a luxury presidential suite, Mercedes-Benz V-Class |The new dimension of luxury