New Model News

Redesigned 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA focuses on value, gets new car wash functionality

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Dec 14, 2019, 4:52 pm

Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the GLA for the 2021 model year.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is signaling an end to its current compact car generation in the U.S. with the reveal of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA. The model has undergone a significant makeover for this new model year including new dimensions, added passenger space, and a fresh list of safety and driver assist technology.

The exterior of the GLA follows closely with the aesthetics that are apparent in the current crop of SUVs and cars. Its new height adds 3.9 inches to the car, which allows for a more upright seating position that gives rear seat occupants additional legroom despite the fact that the model is now about half an inch shorter from nose to tail. Its track is 1.6 inches wider and the wheel arches are now three inches bigger.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA The GLA adopts the latest looks of many modern Mercedes vehicles.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has put a standard four-cylinder engine under the GLA's hood. It achieves 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The car has a top speed of 130 mph.

Front wheel drive is still standard in the GLA and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available. Models equipped with all-wheel drive get the Off-Road Engineering Package and LED Intelligent Light System standard.

The Merc is equipped with three drive modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport.

Mercedes is touting the enhancements made to the car's outward visibility in the new model.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA The new GLA features added cargo space configuration options.Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

They're also promoting the new functionality of the rear seats and cargo space. Now, the rear seats can be adjusted up to 5.5 inches and the rear seat backrest can lean back more. The seat features a 40-20-40 split. Each section can fold down manually individually or as a group.

Inside the car's cabin, the driver information screen, instrument cluster, and infotainment screen are all housed within one panel with cutouts for each function. Two 7-inch screen displays are standard. Buyers can upgrade to two 10.25-inch displays.

The GLA features the latest version of the MBUX infotainment system, which is controlled by a touch pad that proved problematic during a recent test drive of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC. Owners can also use voice commands that activate using the prompt, "Hey Mercedes."

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA The interior of the GLA matches the interior of most Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

New for 2021, the GLA's Driver Assistance Package will including a number of fresh functionalities like exit warning and a reformulated active brake assist.

The GLA will be the first model in its class to get a car wash function, similar to what is in the Mercedes-Benz GLS. With one command, exterior mirrors are folded in and the side windows and sliding roof are closed. The car's rain sensing wiper functionality is suppressed, and the air conditioning automatically changes to air-recirculation mode. If fitted with a 360-degree camera, the new GLA will display the current camera view to assist when driving in/out of the car wash. All of these functions cease when the car reaches 12 mph and above.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA will go on sale in the U.S. in the summer.

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This Brabus-tuned Mercedes-AMG G63 is completely nuts

The G-Wagen was already over-the-top.

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The Mercedes-AMG G63 is rolling excess, in every sense of the word. It's huge, expensive, loud, quick, and demands attention, but some people feel that it needs even more of all of those things. That's where tuner Brabus comes in, and as this G-Wagen shows, people are willing to shell out big money to own a Brabus-tuned G.

Among other upgrades, the Brabus B40S-800 and G800 Widestar packages brought more power, 20-inch forged wheels, a lift kit, a performance exhaust, extra bodywork, and carbon fiber trim as far as the eye can see. The already impressive twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 to boost output to 800 horsepower and 712 pound-feet of torque. An AMG nine-speed automatic transmission handles gear shifts, while a dual-range transfer case and three locking differentials help the hulking SUV handle off-road duties with ease.

2021 Mercedes-Benz G63 Brabus G800 Widestar The G63's interior is opulent and spacious.Bring a Trailer

Inside, the G-Wagen features quilted Nappa leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and aluminum accents throughout. Features include a Burmester sound system, blind spot monitors, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and plenty more. An AMG flat-bottom steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and large center touchscreen highlight the front cabin. Just 900 miles are shown on the odometer.

2021 Mercedes-Benz G63 Brabus G800 Widestar Power output has been boosted to 800 hp.Bring a Trailer

The standard G63 starts at over $156,000, so it's not surprising to see one with far more power and a laundry list of custom features with a current bid price of $376,000. The B40S kit alone costs $35,000, and then there's installation, tuning, and all of the surrounding work. That's before we even get to the lift kit and other work done here. The price tag is steep, but this may be one case where we can actually add things up to see where the selling price comes from, instead of ogling at the six-figure price tag with no context.

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2022 Infiniti QX60 is upscale and attractive

The QX60 is all-new for 2022.

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Infiniti has released detailed specs and features for its all-new QX60 SUV. The upscale family hauler will land later this year with a reasonable starting price, updated tech, a nicely appointed cabin, and plenty more. The automaker offers its new SUV in four trims, each of which is available with all-wheel drive: Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autograph.

The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available, and all models get a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti says that the gearbox has a low first gear that helps deliver better acceleration and power off the line, and taller upper gears for smoother cruising on the highway. The revised all-wheel drive system is more responsive and engages more quickly than the system in the previous model.


2022 Infiniti QX60 The QX60 gets leather and several luxury features as standard kit. Infiniti


An upgraded interior is in the cards for the new QX60, as all models now get leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment. Front passengers' backsides are treated to Infiniti's excellent zero-gravity seats and a stiffer second-row seat frame reduces vibration and noise in the cabin. Infiniti says that the cabin itself has more sound-deadening materials and thicker glass in the second row, which together yield a 7 percent improvement in noise on the highway.


2022 Infiniti QX60 A digital gauge cluster comes on all but the base model.Infiniti


A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard that runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB ports, nine speakers, HD Radio Bluetooth, voice commands, and SiriusXM radio are also standard. All but the base Pure trim level come with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the top Autograph model gets a 10.8-inch full-color head-up display and a smart rearview mirror.

The new QX60 goes on sale this fall in the U.S. and Canada. Pricing starts at $47,875 for the base Pure model and tops out at $64,275 for the top Autograph AWD trim.

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