DETROIT — Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off its 2018 GLA45 luxury compact crossover during a media preview on Sunday evening inside the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.
The GLA45 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine producing 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph or 167 mph if you upgrade to the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
“Ladies and gentlemen, here’s the new GLA in the flesh,” proclaimed Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Diamler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We have big plans for the entire company in 2017. Last year, we unveiled our Concept EQ and introduced our CASE Organization dedicated to the development of the connected, autonomous and shared electric car of the future.”
New additions include modified bumpers, new wheel designs and the “Canyon Beige” exterior paint. LED headlamps replace the bi-xenon headlamps on the outgoing model.
Safety features include “Active Brake Assist” which warns the driver if there is not sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking. If the driver becomes slow to react, autonomous braking will kick in. “Attention Assist” detects typical signs of drowsiness via the steering behavior and will warn the driver.
“Our compact car family in the future will grow from existing five members to eight members in the future,” said Britta Seeger, Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. “We’ll have more details at future auto shows. Stay tuned.”
The evening also included a musical performance by New York City singer/songwriter Bebe Rexha.
Look for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 to on sale later this summer.
