2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA enters the local market

MANILA: After making an early global debut, the German automaker has introduced its redesigned GLA Class in the local market. The 2018 GLA was first showcased at the 2017 North American International Auto Show and now, this updated version has finally landed for the Filipinos with restyled exterior and minutes changes in the cabin. The 2018 GLA is the third model of New Global Compact Car (NGCC) series to receive an update after the A-Class and CLA Class.

At the front, a new grille with company’s insignia greets the onlookers accompanied by a new pair of headlights and signature LED daytime running lights. Even the front bumper has been tweaked a bit to give it more refined edges and features slimmer as well as wider air intakes. The side profile has not received any major update and carried forward from the outgoing model. At the rear, the 2018 GLA features darker tail light surround to give it a much bolder touch over the previous model. It also gets a new bumper with redesigned air outlets. Summing up the exterior changes are a new set of alloy wheels which improves the sporty quotient in an efficient manner.

In the cabin, a new COMAND infotainment system with new software, redesigned center stack with flush-fitting buttons and instrument cluster with improved graphics are some of the major upgradations. The 2018 GLA is offered in two variants which include GLA 180 with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and delivers 122 PS of maximum power with 200 Nm of peak torque. The other is GLA 200 AMG that features a 2.0-litre engine which churns out 156 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque. It is further coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and power is delivered to all four wheels via 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Mercedes Benz Philippines has not done a major change in prices and the GLA 180 Urban can be grabbed at Php 2,790,000 while the GLA 200 AMG holds a sticker price of Php 3,090,000.