Mercedes-Benz GLA Facelift launch on July 5

Will continue with the same old engine options

After starting slowly in 2017, Mercedes-Benz now seems to want to pace thing up. The company recently added a new E220d variant to the E-Class and quickly followed it up with the launch of the new G63 and the GLS 63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz is about to launch another car on July 5 – the facelifted GLA. While this GLA isn’t an all-new model and continues to be based on the A-Class hatchback as before, it does get some cosmetic changes. The facelifted GLA is also expected to come with a longer list of features.

Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off this refreshed GLA at the Detroit Motor Show earlier in January. While it continues to sport the same silhouette as before, the facelifted GLA gets a redesigned front grille with contrasting chrome elements. The front bumper too has been reshaped and now looks sharper and has larger air dams. While the current model gets Bi-Xenon headlamps, the refreshed GLA will come with a full LED setup. The taillights too are LED and it also gets new alloy wheels.

It is a familiar office on the inside with an identical dashboard design. The most easily noticeable difference is the new 8-inch infotainment system that takes the centre stage. A few other changes have been made to the seat upholstery and the instrument cluster. Additional features include 360-degree parking aid, Active Brake Assist, Electric tailgate and more.

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA will come with the same old 2.0-litre petrol motor that is good for 181bhp and 300Nm. The Stuttgart-based carmaker recently introduced a new 2.0-litre diesel in the E220d but the GLA facelift is likely to continue with the same old 2.1-litre engine that produced 168bhp and 350Nm. Minor tweaks to the suspension setup have helped Mercedes raise the ride height of the GLA by 30mm.

Expect the new GLA to demand a premium over the outgoing model. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will continue to compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the likes.