By Bob Druckman Publisher South Huntsville Neighbors
While the 2022 Mercedes Benz GLA Class may be the smallest SUV, it goes big on innovation. Its 221hp turbo-4 8 speed, 18 inch wheels, with its digital cockpit and MBUX voice assistant standard features, makes this vehicle a wonderful way to enjoy a Mercedes. The GLA has its Off Road Engineering package standard. Drivers will find this useful especially driving in heavy rains with slick roads. The dual clutch 8 speed is a quicker, smoother automatic or a paddle shifted manual on demand. With Dynamic Select, one console control calls up a range of performance profiles.
Fuel Economy
EPA estimates are 25MPG city and 34MPG on the highway.
Interior Comfort and Cargo
This new generation GLA has much more room than its previous incarnation. There is extra leg room, as well as increased space for elbows and shoulders. Interior materials are upscale and the layout of the controls and climate control vents is similar to the GLB Class, with a mounted column shifter, center console mounted infotainment controller and circular vents along the dashboard. Cargo capacity has also increased and the rear seats fold flat. Makes carrying items from the Costco run a lot easier.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system—for better or worse—is standard across the GLA-class range. Base models come with two 7.0-inch displays, one for the driver’s gauge display and one for the infotainment system itself. Dual 10.3-inch displays are optional… The system can be manipulated either via the touchscreen, using voice commands, or by utilizing the touchpad controller on the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display, and a Burmester premium audio system are all optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Automated emergency braking is standard across the range, but more advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist will require adding the optional Driver Assistance package.
• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Mercedes Benz The Best Or Nothing
South Huntsville Neighbors 