2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA premiers in Detroit

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The refreshed 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA and its AMG sibling premiers at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Detroit. What we are looking at is, of course, the US-spec model, and the changes are minor, yet essential for a mid-cycle refresh. So, here we go.

Firstly, the bumpers have been redesigned with the addition of LED fog lamps, the previously-optional bi-xenon headlamps have made way for LED headlamps characterized by a color temperature similar to daylight, and redesigned 20-inch alloy wheels available in two color variants: matte black or titanium grey finish. Most importantly, there is an addition of a new color named “Canyon Beige” for the 2018 model. Mercedes says, the minor design tweaks have improved the aerodynamics.

Step inside, and there is a standard 8-inch floating infotainment system, and new gauges with red needles. The controls for switches on the electric seat adjustment in the doors have been given silver chrome highlights, and the stowage compartment in the center console is also surrounded by a chrome frame. The US-spec model gets a 360 degree camera, front, reversing and one camera in each of the exterior mirrors. There’s an optional Interior Package with sports seats. The Night Package includes 19-inch AMG wheels and black window trim, exterior mirrors, roof rails, exhaust tips and exterior accents.

The AMG model on the other hand gets red contrast stitching, AMG Performance Seats in MB-Tex / DINAMICA, AMG DINAMICA Performance Steering Wheel, new diffuser insert in the rear apron, the trim in silver chrome and the new spoiler lip on the roof spoiler which is claimed to improve the driving dynamics of the new GLA45.

Numbers and performance figures are the same. The GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC gets 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder turbo petrol with 208 hp and 350 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DCT. The GLA45 AMG on the other hand packs a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol with 375 hp and 474 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT. The AMG’s 4MATIC comes with variable torque distribution.

AMG Performance Exhaust System, off-road comfort suspension which raises the body by 30 mm are optional. The refreshed model goes on sale in the U.S. in summer 2017; prices are yet to be announced.