New entry-level Merc SUV is now available for P3.29-M

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz Philippines has just announced the local availability of the new GLA compact sport utility vehicle, which takes its place as the entry point into the Stuttgart-headquartered carmaker’s SUV portfolio. The eight model in the lineup is said to round off the current Modular Front Architecture (MFA) of Mercedes-Benz.

Presently, there are 20 units available (presumably until the end of 2020) of the new GLA in the inventory of Mercedes-Benz Philippines – imported from Rastatt, Germany where they are made along with the A-Class and B-Class, and CLA.

Auto Nation Group-Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars Product Planning and Development Senior Manager Benjie Bautista acknowledged that the compact SUV segment is a growing niche, and is targeted at “young families and young executives.”

Owing to what he described as its “competitive pricing” of P3.29 million, the GLA is also positioned as having the potential to be one’s first luxury car.

In a release, Mercedes-Benz Philippines described the GLA as combining “the best from the two high-volume segments: compact cars and the SUVs. It embodies the perfect synergy between pure beauty and robust off-road elements. It carries the Mercedes-Benz signature SUV design and trailblazing technologies as a true demonstration of modern luxury.”

Powering the only variant for sale here (the GLA 200 AMG) is a turbocharged 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 163hp and 250Nm. It is mated with a 7G dual-clutch automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive vehicle comes with cruise control and Dynamic Select, which enables the driver to choose from the following performance profiles: “Eco,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Individual.”

Taller than its predecessor by more than 10 centimeters, the GLA 200 AMG Line gets a diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, 19-inch five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, a black roof liner and polished aluminum roof rails. The GLA is equipped with a new-generation multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

Available for viewing in all Mercedes-Benz Philippines showrooms in EDSA Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang and Cebu City, the GLA also highlights a so called “comprehensive touch operation concept” – offering the options of a touchscreen, touch pad on the center console, and touch control buttons on the steering wheel.

The vehicle is also said to offer more space, with a rear seat backrest having a 40:20:40 split option, with each section folding down individually, for even more cargo room. Loading is also made easier via a lower boot sill. Meanwhile, the luggage compartment height “can be adjusted in two stages, thanks to a continuous luggage compartment floor console (which) enables even better use of the available space.”

As with other newer models of the German brand, the GLA now gets the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) – highlighted by a seven-inch instrument and media display and an intelligent voice assistant activated by the  and has its own intelligent voice assistant which is activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard for ease of connectivity.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive’s suite of safety and convenience features are also in the GLA. “With these intelligent systems, Mercedes-Benz is not only setting standards in automotive engineering, but is also taking another important step forward on the road to accident-free driving. This therefore allows the driver to experience a new dimension of safety, convenience and stress relief,” added the release.

The GLA 200 AMG Line also has a Light and Sight Package for a heightened interior and optimum visibility in the vehicle through functional comfort- and safety-enhancing illumination. Parking is made easier with a Parking Package: Active Parking Assist with reversing camera, providing support when parking and maneuvering. On the other hand, a tire pressure loss warning system monitors the pressure of all four tires while driving.

For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.ph/GLA.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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