Mercedes-Benz has used the Detroit Motor Show to show the facelifted GLA compact SUV that now features revised exterior styling and updated interior appointments.

The GLA compact SUV has received a number of updates to enhance its visual appeal as well as its overall product offering. The facelifted GLA is currently on display at the Detroit Motor Show and is expected to arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2017.

What’s Changed?

'Canyon Beige' as shown here, is the new colour offered on the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA.

On the outside, the changes are subtle yet effective and include revised bumpers, new wheel designs and a new ‘Canyon Beige’ joining the colour palette. An off-road comfort suspension system is offered as an option, raising the body by 30 mm for improved performance in the dirt. LED high-performance headlights are available as an option and are fitted as standard on the range-topping AMG GLA45.

The changes are more pronounced on the inside where you will notice new seat covers and chrome control panels and details. Notable interior upgrades include a free-standing 8-inch media display, new instrument cluster and the inclusion of a 360-degree camera. An Interior Package with standard sports seats will be offered, as well as a Night Package which adds 19-inch AMG wheels, black window trim, roof rails and exhaust tips to give the GLA a more striking look.

Customers looking to go all-out in terms of beefing up the styling of the AMG GLA45 might want to consider the AMG Performance Studio Package, which includes a body painted in either Night Black or Cosmos Black with a combination of Matte Graphite Grey and Yellow sections. Light alloy wheels in matte black with yellow rim flanges are fitted and the AMG twin louvre on the radiator grille is painted in black. Yellow accents are seen on the front bumper, side mirrors, side skirt inserts, rear diffuser and on the rear wing. The aggressive look is further emphasised by AMG sport stripes in matte graphite grey on the bonnet, roof, boot lid and along the side of the car.

The interior gains yellow highlights seen on the AMG performance seats, steering wheel, rear bench, dashboard, armrests, floor mats and air outlets. Yellow AMG logos complete the sporty look.

Engine power

For an extra dose of sporty flair, the AMG Performance Studio Package on the AMG GLA45 gives the car more presence.

In South Africa, the current engine offering includes a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with 115 kW and 250 Nm of torque as well as a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine offering 155 kW and 349 Nm of torque with front-wheel drive and 4MATIC versions on offer. Diesel options include a 2.1-litre turbodiesel in two states of tune with either 100 kW/300 Nm or 130 kW/350 Nm. The local engine offering will likely remain unchanged when the facelifted GLA arrives in the next few months.

The GLA range is headlined by the potent AMG GLA45 fitted with a handcrafted AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 279 kW and 474 Nm of torque. Using a 7-speed dual-clutch sports transmission with shorter ratios, power is sent to all four wheels and the AMG GLA45 will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in about 4.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 249 kph.

We will keep you updated as local specification and pricing becomes available, so stay tuned!

Related content

Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG Edition 1 (2014) Review

Cars Coming to SA in 2017

Want to buy a Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Find a new or used Mercedes-Benz GLA on Cars.co.za