There are a lot of friends around me who drive cash Mercedes-Benz GLAs. Every time they ask about their car purchase reasons, the answer seems to be these:
1. Want to buy a luxury brand, preferably Mercedes-Benz (high brand influence) )
2. It is best to be an SUV, but the body size should not be too large (there is a certain pursuit of practicality, and at the same time it must be easy to drive)
3. The budget is limited (the price cannot be too high)
Follow this In terms of logic, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is indeed the most suitable choice. The brand can definitely be known, and the model positioning also meets the needs. Moreover, in the first few years of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, its rivals were few and far between. However, the past few years have been different. There are more and more competing products. Although GLA has undergone minor changes, its product strength is also difficult to compete with its competitors. A major replacement is particularly important. You see, this is not coming.
This is what an SUV should look like
Although the current Mercedes-Benz GLA is positioned as a compact SUV, it looks more like a crossover, but This problem has been improved on the new Mercedes-Benz GLA. The overall body line of the new car is fuller, and the height of the body has increased. So from the first visual effect, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA has become a lot stronger and has the spirit of an SUV model.
Although the new Mercedes-Benz GLA is based on the current A-Class, the designer has made a differentiated treatment in terms of styling. For example, the wide mesh trim strip and the outline of the lamp group are the unique design language of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family.
The headlight group of the test drive car uses an LED light source and is equipped with an automatic headlight function. It is worth mentioning that the daytime running lights of the new GLA adopt a split-up and down design, which is very innovative and invisibly increases recognition.
It is obvious from the side that the new GLA is much stronger than the current model. Although the body length has been reduced, the body width, height and wheelbase are all Increases of different magnitudes.
The 18-inch wheels matched with the test drive did not bring any surprises. The style is relatively ordinary and looks a little stingy. If it can be replaced with 19-inch AMG-style wheels, I believe it will add a lot to the temperament of the vehicle. The tires are ALENZA 001 from Bridgestone, the specification is 235/55 R18.
The design of the new GLA tail is more conventional, at first glance it is very similar to the Mercedes-Benz B-class, the only obvious The difference is the silhouette of the taillight group. GLA uses a triangular design, and the double-ring shape inside is the same as other Mercedes-Benz SUV models.
GLA's lower surround is also decorated with a large area of chrome plating, which is also a customary design method of Mercedes-Benz, the purpose is to enhance the refinement and add a sense of luxury. And it also uses a double-sided exhaust decoration for embellishment, but unfortunately it is a sealed structure inside.
The biggest change in the exterior design of the new model is to get rid of the shortcomings of the current models, making it look like a real SUV. But you don’t have to worry about such a well-prepared body contour will appear old-fashioned, because under the embellishment of many Mercedes-Benz’s latest design elements, this car is still quite fashionable. They liked it even more, but if they didn't believe it, they looked down.
The fully upgraded compartment
is exquisite, luxurious and technological. I dare to ask a few young consumers who do not like this Mercedes-Benz interior. This interior design first appeared on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Perhaps because it was too successful, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA directly copied this interior.
The materials on the center console and the door panel are basically covered with soft materials, and the touch is also very comfortable. In addition, the center console in front of the co-pilot is embellished with imitation metal panels, which has an outstanding texture.
The style of the steering wheel is also very familiar, the grip is full and solid, and the operation buttons on the left and right sides are also easy to use, which is very convenient.
The dual 10.25-inch meter is still cool enough today, and the experience on this Mercedes-Benz GLA is very good.
The latest MUBX interactive system does not need to be said. In terms of function, interconnection and voice control, it belongs to the highest level in its class.
The appearance of automatic air conditioner is not uncommon, but it is puzzling that the air conditioner only supports single-zone temperature control function, which is somewhat lower for a luxury brand compact SUV . The
test drive car is equipped with wireless charging function, while the front row is also equipped with 3 Type-C interfaces, and the rear row is equipped with 2 Type-C interfaces. It is quite convenient to use.
The storage space has also been greatly improved. The front door panels and rear door panels of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA can hold multiple bottles of mineral water. At the same time, the front storage compartment and the central armrest box The practicality is further improved, which is better than the current models.
In terms of riding space, the new GLA is also satisfactory, especially after the wheelbase is lengthened, the performance of the rear space has reached a considerable level of excess, which also makes it practical Further improve.
The trunk is neatly designed, and the volume is also very impressive, and the rear seats support 4/2/4 scale down, which can form a fully flat platform after being down.
Compared with the appearance changes, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA cabin has undergone earth-shaking changes. Both the interior design and the practicality of the cabin have become more attractive. I think this aspect is also the core competitiveness of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, because looking at its competitors at the same level, there are few that can compete with it.
has enough power, but lacks linearity
The new Mercedes-Benz GLA currently only officially released one model, which is the GLA 200 we test drive today. It can be seen from the tail mark alone. It is equipped with a 1.3T engine + 7-speed dual-clutch transmission powertrain. This powertrain has appeared in Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLB. The maximum power is 163Ps and the peak torque is 250N·m. Compared with the current model The parameters of the GLA 200 model have been improved.
The actual power experience is in line with my expectations. This powertrain is quite adequate when placed on the GLA. Although the displacement is reduced, it can still provide enough in the low speed range. Torque output, so when starting or driving at low speed, this new GLA is still very brisk to drive.
At 2000rpm, the engine will have an obvious explosion, and the torque will be released at this time, which will give you a small pushback feeling, but this acceleration force does not last long , The decline in the latter stage is very obvious, so this is also a problem that small-displacement engines will face. It is still slightly thin when accelerating at full force. Although the force is sufficient, it is not long-lasting.
is replaced with 1.3T engine, which brings an improvement in the power level, which makes you step on easily and directly, but this kind of power output style is actually not easy for novices to master. To put it bluntly, the power release is not linear enough, and the driver cannot obtain the required power output according to the depth of the accelerator pedal. It needs to adapt more, and the sudden outbreak loses a certain amount of time.Constant driving comfort is the biggest difference in power between the new GLA 200 and current models.
The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox has a more accurate understanding of driving intent, and the timing of up and down shifts is also very appropriate. The accuracy and smoothness of shifting are both very good. I tried to simulate traffic jams. When driving under the road conditions, this gearbox did not leave any flaws.
Lack of chassis comfort
The steering feel of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA conforms to its own positioning, without deliberately pursuing a sense of movement, the steering strength and feedback are adjusted very appropriately , Suitable for all kinds of drivers, easy to use.
However, the performance of the chassis is not so satisfactory. This GLA is very sensitive to road bumps. I drove it on the road in Changsha City. Due to poor road conditions, this The GLA chassis has very rich feedback on the road surface, and can directly transmit slight vibrations and bumps into the cabin, and the bounce is very obvious. However, this kind of intuitively hard suspension adjustment can not provide effective lateral support when cornering, but will make you feel that the stiffness of the shock is not enough.
In addition, in terms of sound insulation, Mercedes-Benz GLA performs satisfactorily. Both wind noise and tire noise can be effectively suppressed. The only disadvantage is that the engine sounds very rough when the engine speeds up. Affected the overall texture.
Summary
The changes of the new Mercedes-Benz GLA are indeed very big. First of all, from the superficial impression, it is more thick and full, and it will never give you one. It feels like a crossover. At the same time, the newly renewed carriages are more pleasing. Both the design and the practicality have made great progress. This is a very attractive point, and it is also a killer to compete with rivals. But when it comes to internal changes, Mercedes-Benz GLA does not have so many surprises, especially in terms of driving comfort. It is a bit different from the Mercedes-Benz I expected in my heart, and its advantages compared with its rivals are not obvious. So for the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, its user needs are still the points listed at the beginning of my article.
