The Stuttgart-based automaker is ready to introduce the second generation of the very popular crossover. Well, after six years and more than a million units sold, the brand new 2021 Mercedes GLA will come to the dealerships next spring. The upcoming model will deliver a significant amount of changes, in comparison to its predecessor.
You’ll notice the unique and elegant styling that will make you think that this is a facelift rather than a next-gen GLA. But, at first glance inside the cabin, you’ll see the new, revolutionary design approach and premium quality which 2021MY delivers.
Dimensions
2021 Mercedes GLA comes with significantly altered dimensions. The upcoming crossover is 0.6 shorter (total length is 173.6 inches, while the wheelbase is extended by 1.1 inches, at 107.4 inches. However, the most noticeable change is of the GLA’s height. The new model stands is 63.4 inches tall. That’s 4.1 inches higher than the predecessor.
Needless to say that the changes in dimensions will affect the cabin as well. Therefore, the passenger gains an extra room for elbows, legs, and shoulders as well. The back passengers can adjust the 40/20/40 split-folding seats by 5.5 inches. Also, the backrest can be modified to make more space for cargo. The driver and front passenger will get more elbow room as well, and headroom. But, the legroom will be decreased a bit.
2021 Mercedes GLA Engine
Under the hood of the forthcoming 2021 Mercedes GLA base model will be the turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline powertrain. The entry-level version comes with a front-wheel-drive, and the turbocharged mill produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. The standard transmission is an 8-speed, dual-clutch automatic, while the 0-60 mph acceleration is 8.6.
The maximum speed of the GLA 250 model is 130 mph (209 km/h). Besides, the more muscular appearance is emphasized even further by the extended track at the front and rear, which have grown by 1.8 inches. Also, the 2.0-liter mill can be linked to an all-wheel-drive system for the GLA 250 4Matic variant.
AMG GLA 35
However, if you want something with more power, there’s a perfect solution. The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA 35 offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, which delivers 302 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. The AMG GLA 35 comes exclusively with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 0-60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds, while the maximum speed is set at 155 mpg (250 km/h). Moreover, this version includes an Off-Road Package with an extra driving mode, an off-road animation on the screen, downhill assist function, and a special light for off-road driving.
2021 Mercedes AMG GLA 45, 45 S, and Release Date
For the European market, the German automaker offers a base GLA 200 with a smaller, Renault co-developed 1.33-liter drivetrain, that produces 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque (250 Nm). The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Also, the GL 200 can be found with a diesel mill as well. On the other hand, a plug-in hybrid is already in developing for the A250 e hatchback, and B250e minivan. Furthermore, the 2021 AMG GLA 45 delivers 382 hp/354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque.
On the other hand, GLA 45 S offers 416 hp/369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm). One impressive feature that thee GLA will borrow from the full-size GLS is the car wash function. When activated, this function folds the mirrors and closes all the windows, including the sunroof. Moreover, the rain sensor is temporarily shut off, so it doesn’t activate the windshield wipers, while the climate control automatically shifts to air-recirculation mode.
On top of that, the new 360-degree camera system helps the driver to maneuver in the car wash. The release date of the new Mercedes GLA is set for the spring of 2021. However, the customers in the States will have to wait until the summer for the deliveries.
