Looking more like a SUV!
Mercedes-Benz has finally allowed pictures of its soon to be launched compact GLA SUV to be seen by us. This 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA will probably be unveiled in early 2020 with a Malaysian introduction in the 3rd quarter of 2020.
From the pictures you can see that this next-generation GLA is taller and more SUV-like than the current model. This new GLA will be built at Mercedes’ compact car factory in Rastatt, Germany.
While the design direction has changed, this new GLA will still borrow heavily from its A-Class sibling. So be ready for the A-Class modern cabin and twin smart phone like screens.
Mercedes has increased the ride height so that this GLA looks more SUV like and not a hot hatch with large wheels like the current popular model.
This taller hatchback design will appeal to older buyers who appreciate vehicles that are easy to get in and out of, but aren’t looking for large SUVs like the GLC and GLE SUVs.
The new GLA will feature turbo-4-cylinder engines, a dual-clutch transmission and Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive. A plug-in hybrid option will likely be offered at a later date and there even might be an AMG versions for some buyers.
The Mercedes-AMG division will start with a new GLA35 with 302 horsepower and the GLA45 AMG with a possible 416bhp available will probably come to showrooms as well.
The compact car segment has been very profitable for Mercedes-Benz across the globe. Around the globe, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 609,000 units of Mercedes-Benz’ compacts in the year 2018, which accounted for almost 25 percent of the brands sales and the number this 2019 will probably surpass that due to the revised A-Class the opening of new markets which has seen a surge in sales.
Malaysia however will not enjoy the sales success of the last few years as the National Automotive Policy (NAP) has in 2019 reversed the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) tax incentives that boosted Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s sales by almost double last year.
