Luxury SUVs: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class – Review

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Mercedes recently confirmed Nigeria’s importance to the world’s automotive industry with the berthing of its GLA class SUVs in Nigeria. Westar Associate, the authorized distributor of Mercedes-Benz cars in Nigeria, said that the Mercedes-Benz GLA class made appreciable impact on the German automaker’s portfolio, thanks to its massive acceptance in Europe. The German auto maker has decided to consolidate on the gains earlier achieved with the launching of its premium GLA class SUVs in Nigeria. We shall examine some of its exciting features and specs under the following subheadings -

Performance

When it comes to performance, the 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA class lived up to its billing in terms of power and efficiency. The GLA class comes in two variants – one of which is the GLA 250, 208-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-Cylinder engine, capable of pumping out 258 lb-ft of torque. And the second is a GLA 45 AMG, 355-horsepower turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 332 lb-ft of torque. The 4Matic models are able to accelerate from 0-60 mph under 6.4 seconds and that’s according to specs provided by its manufacturer. When the AWS system senses loss of traction, it’s able to distribute 50% of torque to the rear wheels, helping to keep the vehicle stabilized.

Styling
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The 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA looks very much like a Sport utility vehicle from afar, but when you take a closer look at GLA you would discover that its external body and proportions has so many similarities with a 5 door compact hatchback. The GLA 250 is 1.2 inches higher than most European utility vehicles with a ground clearance that measures 8 inches. The GLA SUV comes with a well rounded design, making it appear smooth, sleek, yet very sporty. The front view of the GLA shows its well-designed headlights sweeping backwards and then blending-in with the fenders. The sculpted body work adds so much beauty and elegance to the overall design of the GLA.

Interior

The 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA interior comes furnished with some of the best 21st century technologies and styling making the rounds in automotive industry. The seats are well designed and ergonomically shaped to offer optimal comfort to occupants. The two front seats come with power adjustment for both positions and rake, allowing the driver and passenger make necessary adjustments as they deem fit. The GLA 45 AMG comes with well designed, Recaro sport seats with good contrasting stitching. The rear seats and space isn’t disappointing either, because it offers much headroom but less legroom. This GLA comes with two storage bins, one of which can be found under the elbow of the driver and the other, close to the gear shift.

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The dashboard features has lots of similarities with features you’d find in an aircraft’s cockpit, with LCD screens and electronic gauges providing real-time information. A floating screen display sits at the top of the dashboard, although many are sharply split about its placement. However, it is well placed, providing the driver easy access to operational information. The 5 air-conditioning vents are quite massive in size, with three located at the center and one at both end of the dashboard.

Safety

One of the most important features to look out for when purchasing vehicles is the safety feature and this is one of the strongest points of the 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA. To start with, the GLA comes with 8 airbags designed to protect passengers against the harmful effect of crashes and impacts. During collisions, the airbags deploy instantly to protect the front, knee and side of front seat occupants. The side curtain airbags, whose protection cuts across the front and rear seat windows, shields occupants from side impacts. Other features designed to improve driver and passenger’s protection include – traction control, anti-lock brakes and stability control. The GLA also features the Collision Prevention Assist Plus with automatic braking. This computerized system is designed to scan and detect imminent collision, and then activates the automatic breaking function should the driver fail to react on time.


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Fuel Economy

With rising fuel prices and cost of procurement, especially in this part of world, this is one aspect most Nigerians would love to scrutinize with keen interest. The GLA comes with small and highly fuel efficient engines, especially when you take into consideration the world’s quest for a greener environment. The All-wheel drive GLA 250 4Matic model fuel consumption is pegged at 27 miles per gallon (mpg), but when you opt for the two-wheel drive, you could push up the stats to 29 mpg. The GLA 45 AMG almost twice as powerful as the GLA 250, so it would be economical of you to expect less miles per gallon. The fuel consumption of the GLA 45 AMG is rated at 25mpg. If you love a stronger, more powerful engine, you should be willing to pay for more gas per mileage.

In conclusion, the Mercedes Benz GLA SUV offers so much protection and features to users. It basically comes in two variants, designed to meet the need of every type of customer. The average prices of the GLA 250 hover around N6.8 to N7.5million, with the 4matic version costing around N7.5million. The GLA 45 AMG prices start at N11,000,000 and could easily hit N15,000,000, depending on the customization and other special request. However, the Mercedes Benz GLA class SUVs is obviously not meant for the middle-class but the upper echelon in the society, especially in Nigeria. With many Nigerians presumably living on less than a dollar a day, it’s clearly a luxury ride they can only hope to own.






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