2017 Detroit Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz GLA Facelift unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the facelifted model of their entry-level SUV, the GLA, at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. The mid-life refreshment of the crossover gets cosmetic updates with an additional variant and a reworked interior.

The visual changes include a redesigned bumper, new lightweight alloy wheels, tweaked avant-garde grille and reworked LED headlamps which replace the current bi-xenon ones. The unit also incorporates new DRLs and the manufacturer says that the headlamp bulb need not be changed over the entire lifetime of the car. The taillights get multi-level illumination with a smoky finish. A new ‘canyon beige’ exterior colour is added as well. With reworked aerodynamics, the drag coefficient is improved from 0.29 to 0.28. The ride height is increased by 30mm with the optional off-road suspension set-up.

The notable changes inside the cabin are an eight-inch infotainment screen, new upholstery options, revised instrument cluster, 360-degree camera as found in bigger Mercedes-Benz’s SUVs, and little chrome garnishes all around the cabin. The Exclusive Package consist of further add-ons, whereas the Night Edition gets an all-black treatment according to the German manufacturer. Safety features include assisted braking and attention assist.

The new GLA gets an additional AWD variant in a form of GLA220 4MATIC which produces 184bhp and 300Nm and slots in between the two existing petrol variants – the 200 and 250. Whereas, the diesel variants remain unchanged.

The top-of-the-line GLA45 AMG has received an update as well and gets redesign front air dam, a front splitter inserts in silver chrome plus flics in high-gloss black. The AMG grille is new and the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels can be had in two finishes. At the rear are new diffusers and roof spoiler. On the inside, the cabin is finished in bespoke AMG treatment. The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 376bhp and 475Nm is coupled with a short-shifting 7-speed SPEEDSHIFT transmission. The car can propel from 0-100kmph in 4.4second and top speed is limited to 250kmph. The new GLA45 AMG is also available with a limited Yellow Night Edition, which gets gloss black paint with yellow highlights and the wheels sporting the same colour scheme.

The European deliveries of the updated GLA will commence right away. While the Indian debut is expected by the middle of this year, as it will be assembled locally. When launched in India, it’ll take on the likes of Volvo XC60, Audi Q3 and BMW X1.