2017 Mercedes GLA Facelift: Top 5 New Features

1. New Look

When the GLA was first revealed to the world at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, many (including us) commented that the Merc's smallest SUV looked like an A-Class on stilts.

The new GLA features a revised design that gives it more of an SUV look and feel compared to the pre-facelift car. The front and rear bumpers are new and look a lot meaner than before.

Complimenting the look are the brand new grille - featuring chrome elements on the two slats along with a Merc badge that lights up whenever the SUV are locked or unlocked - along with a muscular bonnet.

2. High Rider

Mercedes has raised the ride height of the new GLA by 30mm to 183mm. The increased ride height gives the new Mercedes GLA a more SUV-ish stance and those seated inside get a more commanding view of the road ahead of them.

Combine the raised stance with its new looks and the new GLA looks more like a shrunken down SUV rather than an A-Class on stilts.

3. More Toys To Play With

While the interior of the facelifted GLA remains mostly unchanged, the new Merc sports a new 8-inch infotainment display that is connected to get a CD drive along with Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity and can be controlled via the multi-function steering wheel. Also present on board are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for those who prefer the ease of use of their Android device or iPhone.

4. GST Benefits

While GST may be a dreaded word for eco car-warriors in the country but according to the wallets of the SUV connoisseur in India, the new sales tax regime has proven to be a boon with prices dropping left right and centre.

Prospective owners of the facelifted Mercedes GLA will also reap benefits from the new One Nation One Tax regime under GST with prices dropping by up to Rs 4 lakhs for the new Mercedes SUV.

5. New Colour Option

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes in five different colour options including the usual grey white and black suspects. For those looking to add a bit more colour to their SUV life there is the rather loud Jupiter Red. However, if loud colours are not your style then the new chocolaty tones of the new Canyon Beige colour should appeal to those who are not neon crazed.

DriveSpark Thinks!

With its new looks and stance, the GLA finally looks more of an SUV than a crossover. The new 8-inch display while not a touchscreen brings the new Merc on par with its German rivals thanks to the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Add in the big drop in prices thanks to the aftermath of GST implementation and Mercedes has a small SUV that can give the BMW X1 a real run for its money.