Compact all-rounder as an entry to the world of Mercedes-AMG

The range of compact 35-series entry-level models from the world of Mercedes-AMG is now complete. The five member family that extends from the A-Class hatch and sedan, CLA Coupe, and seven seater GLB, has grown to include the GLA 35 4MATIC.

Exceptional driving dynamics are ensured by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Further enhanced by an optimally tuned 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and variable all-wheel drive, the GLA 35 rockets from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.  

“With the new GLA 35 we are rounding off our attractive portfolio of compact entry-level models to the world of Mercedes-AMG,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Our wide portfolio in this segment now has five models with which we are able to meet wide-ranging customer wishes. This has allowed us to transfer our AMG philosophy of Driving Performance to our dynamically growing compact segment. The muscular design, superior performance, and thrilling handling make the new GLA 35 a sporty crossover with hallmark AMG genes.”

The exterior: hallmark AMG

The exterior design of the GLA 35 features unmistakable design features and elements distinctive of AMG. The AMG-specific radiator grille, trim on the louvres of the outer air inlets, and a front splitter in silver chrome or high-gloss black as an option, clearly indicate the GLA as a fully-fledged member of the Mercedes-AMG family. When viewed from the side, the striking 19-inch 5-twin-spoke light-allow wheels in tantalum grey with a high-sheen finish, and door panels with silver chrome or high-gloss black inserts catch the eye. The rear view is dominated by the prominent rear apron featuring a new diffuser insert, an AMG spoiler lip on the roof, and two round tailpipes on the left and right. The slim, two-section rear lights lend an impression of breadth to the GLA's rear. With the optional AMG Night Package, an even more individual appearance is assured through design features in high-gloss black, dark-tinted glass from the B-pillar to the rear, and black chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes.      

A sporty interior with MBUX

Inside the vehicle, the high-tech and sporty ambience of the new GLA is evident throughout. Characteristic AMG elements add to the design of the GLA, and include seat upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black with red contrast topstitching. Carbon-fibre structures grace the interior trim and add to the sporty character of the GLA. An interior in black/neva grey ARTICO man-made leather is also available. There are also four optional leather upholsteries.

The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details continues all throughout the vehicle and is even evident in the innovative MBUX infotainment system. Emotively appealing presentations accent the easy to use operating system, which features brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover and blend into a Widescreen Cockpit that acts as a visual anchor of the vehicle's interior design.

Whether it's operated with the touchpad, Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, or by voice/gesture control: MBUX is both versatile and flexible. Numerous functions -- even when expressed indirectly, can be activated via the intelligent voice-operated control of "Hey Mercedes".

Fully-digital instrument cluster with AMG-specific displays

MBUX in the new GLA features AMG-specific content. The instrument cluster contains AMG details such as a start-up menu with three selectable AMG display styles: "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport". The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking, and features a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up special displays that include Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data. The touchscreen MBUX multimedia display can also present drivers with telemetry data, and visualizations of various driving programs.

The centre console, finished in piano-lacquer, contains a standard touchpad with additional buttons that control the functions 3-stage ESP®, manual transmission mode, and the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptively adjustable damping.

AMG steering wheel generation with optional steering wheel buttons

The multifunction AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather ensures first-class ergonomics and intuitive operation of the new GLA 35. The steering wheel rim with a flattened lower section, perforated leather in the grip area and red contrast topstitching is both attractive and pleasant to the touch. Galvanized steering wheel gearshift paddles allow for an even sportier driving style with manual gear shifting.

The optional AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA features steering wheel buttons that are visibly and tangibly configured for performance. The material is extremely grippy, and features a 12 o'clock marking reminiscent of motorsport. The steering wheel buttons allow quick and confident operation of specific dynamic functions, leading to a much more performance-oriented driving style.

Sports pedals in brushed stainless steel convey a motorsport-like look and functionality. The rubber studs featured on the pedals ensure extra grip. Floor mats in black with AMG lettering and a nubuck leather-look border emphasise AMG family membership.

Data logger for use on the race track: AMG TRACK PACE

With the optional AMG TRACK PACE, MBUX is enhanced with a virtual engineer that can record and analyze vehicle-specific data and times on closed routes. Many of these values can be displayed on the widescreen cockpit or on the optional head-up display in real-time. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyze, and if necessary, improve their driving skills.

In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved. The driver can record any circuits and open circuits as they wish, and can save them for later vehicle data recording. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm that determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit has been left or has been shortened. This is done using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle: acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, and wheel speeds. The maps displayed can be switched from 2D to 3D and updated online.

The Augmented Reality function of MBUX also allows the ideal line of a stored race track to be displayed on the multimedia display or optional head-up display, allowing the driver to improve lap times with a virtual instructor on board.

Reinforced body-in-white with increased torsional stiffness

Mercedes-AMG has taken specific measures to strengthen the front section of the body shell, forming the basis for the vehicle's precise turn-in ability and the toe and camber stability of the chassis components, even when driving at speed. A bolted aluminum plate under the engine called a "shear panel" increases the torsional stiffness of the front section. Two additional diagonal braces at the front of the underbody also reduce torsion and increase stiffness.

Turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 302 hp

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine has an immediate response to accelerator pedal commands, high tractive power (295 lb-ft max. torque from 3,000 rpm), a supremely lively response and an emotive engine note. The crankcase made of high-strength, lightweight die-cast aluminum reduces the vehicle weight where it matters most for driving dynamics. A twin-scroll exhaust gas turbocharger is used for turbocharging. It combines optimum responsiveness at low engine speeds with a strong power increase at higher speeds.

The high technological standards of the new four-cylinder engine are also underscored by numerous efficiency-enhancing measures. These include CAMTRONIC variable valve train, intelligent thermal management for coolant and oil, high-precision piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition. In production, the patented CONICSHAPE® cylinder honing reduces in-engine friction and also increases efficiency.

Agile AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission also contributes to the agile and dynamic character of the new GLA 35 4MATIC. The gear ratios have been configured so that the driver experiences very immediate acceleration in all speed ranges, combined with fast shift times and optimum connections during gear changes.

The RACE-START function allows for maximum acceleration from stationary. An "M" mode, activated by shift paddles on the steering wheel, allows for drivers to enter into manual gear shifting, providing for an even more dynamic drive. 

AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive

With AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, the new GLA 35 4MATIC is designed to produce maximum traction and dynamic handling. Torque distribution is infinitely variable to suit the dynamic handling requirements of different driving conditions. The spectrum ranges from front-wheel drive only, to a 50:50 distribution to the front and rear axles.

A multi-disc clutch that is integrated in the rear axle transmission is responsible for the variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Torque distribution is not only influenced by the driving speed; lateral and longitudinal acceleration, the steering angle, the difference in rotational speed between individual wheels, the gear selected and accelerator position, are all taken into consideration.

The main advantages of an electro-mechanical control over an electro-hydraulic system relate to sharper driving dynamics. This is primarily due to the significantly faster response and speed-independent actuation of the discs over the entire adjustment range.

When ESP® is activated, the 4MATIC system stays in "Comfort" mode. As soon as the driver presses the "ESP® SPORT Handling" or "ESP® OFF" button, the 4MATIC system switches to "Sport" mode, for even more agile handling and higher stability limits.

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: Vehicle characteristics with a wide spread

Drivers can choose between five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs that enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics. Toggling between "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual" will change the response of the engine and the timing of the transmission. 

• The new "Slippery" drive program optimizes the GLA 35 for slippery road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve. In this mode, smooth gear changes, earlier up shifts, and the ECO start/stop function support stability focused driving.
• In "Comfort" mode, drivers can enjoy comfortable, fuel efficient driving as a result of very early upshifts. In this mode, suspension and steering are set up with an emphasis on comfort, and the ECO start/stop function is active.
• "Sport" and "Sport+" place the focus on agility and driving pleasure with a more open engine and precisely tuned transmission. In these modes, the sound of the turbocharged engine becomes much more distinctive and the ECO start/stop function becomes inactive. "Sport+" is particularly exhilarating with double-declutching during downshifts and partial cylinder cut-off via a brief delay of the ignition and injection at full load.

The "Individual" driving program enables individual parameters to be selected and saved according to personal preferences. In addition, a gliding function is available in the "Reduced" and "Moderate" drive settings.

AMG DYNAMICS: more agility with high stability

The GLA 35 4MATIC comes equipped with AMG DYNAMICS as standard, a new feature within the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs. This integrated dynamic handling control system extends the stabilizing functions of ESP® with corrective interventions according to the driver's wishes. During dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the rear inside wheel creates a defined yawing moment about the vertical axis. This contributes to the GLA 35 4MATIC's precise steering.

The different manifestations of AMG DYNAMICS are called "Basic" and "Advanced". On the multimedia display, when a drive program is selected, the new AMG DYNAMICS symbol is displayed together with the corresponding additional information.

• "Basic" is assigned to the "Slippery" and "Comfort" drive programs. In this case, the GLA 35 4MATIC shows very stable handling with high damping of the yaw rate.
• "Advanced" is activated in the programs "Sport" and "Sport+". The GLA 35 4MATIC remains neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic manoeuvres such as driving on winding country roads.

AMG suspension with specific component parts

The unique layout of the AMG Sports suspension enables the GLA 35 to achieve exceptional straight-line stability and highly dynamic cornering behaviour. A McPherson suspension strut construction is fitted onto the front axle. A wishbone below the wheel centre, together with a spring strut and respective tie rod, reduce the influence of the road conditions on steering. Aluminum wishbones reduce the unsprung masses and produce a more sensitive response from the springs. The AMG-specific front steering knuckle has a radially bolted brake calliper, a technology usually reserved for motorsport.

The optional AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension presents drivers with a choice of three different suspension control modes. Ranging from comfort-focused to sporty, the system operates automatically, adapting the damping forces for each wheel according to the driving situation and road conditions. This happens within milliseconds and is infinitely variable, with a wide spread of damping characteristics. With AMG RIDE CONTROL, ride comfort and agility are enhanced in equal measure.

Robust high-performance brake system

The high-performance braking system of the GLA 35 ensures fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances. The front axle is fitted with 4-piston monoblock fixed callipers and 350-millimetre brake discs, the rear axle with 1-piston sliding callipers and 330-millimetre brake discs. The discs are internally ventilated and perforated to better dissipate heat and prevent brake fading, even with extreme use. The silver-painted brake callipers have black AMG lettering.

Steering with special rack and variable ratio

A speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical sports power steering supports the GLA 35's sporty driving style with its direct turn-in ability. A special rack with a variable transmission ratio and two characteristic curves (depending on which drive program the driver has selected), provides taut, sporty, or more comfortable steering feedback. The rigid mounting in the integral carrier connects the steering with the body even more, which increases steering precision.

AMG exhaust system with exhaust gas flap for sound modulation

The AMG exhaust system confirms the sporty yet day-to-day character of the new model. Depending on the choice of driving mode, the sound signature ranges from emotive (Sport+) to discreet (Slippery, Comfort, Sport). The sound characteristics are controlled by an exhaust gas flap, depending on engine speed and load.

Technical data at a glance

*electronically limited

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,200 people in 14 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of seven Mercedes-Benz own retail operations and 52 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 49,758 vehicles in 2018. This positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fifth consecutive year.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Dias       416-847-7466             lucas.e.dias@mercedes-benz.ca

Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca.