Whether you are looking for a car that is reliable, or you just want something to take you from point A to point B, there are several options out there for you to choose from. There are models that offer high fuel economy, or there are models that are designed to be a plug-in hybrid. You can also choose from models that have a car wash mode, or that have interior materials that are upscale.
Interior materials look upscale
Firstly, the Mercedes Benz GLA makes the grade as a worthy competitor to the XC40, Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the commuting department. The company’s most stylish newcomer features a plethora of tech-laden goodies including a bevy of driver assistive technologies and a whopping 10 cylinders in the engine compartment. The all new GLA has more oomph than you might expect and is priced from the low $30,000s. The top trim levels are packed with goodies such as the X-class’s newest generation of active safety technologies and a slew of the latest and greatest connectivity features. The GLA will also receive two updates for the foreseeable future: a revamped center console, an updated infotainment system, and a slew of performance variants. The GLA also has a new naming scheme for the top tier models, the eXecutive and eXecutive Premium. In fact, the top trim levels will soon be the only way to purchase a Mercedes Benz.
Car wash mode
Earlier this month at the New York auto show, Mercedes-Benz introduced its latest GLS-class SUV with a new car wash mode. Designed to be the S-Class sedan for the modern age, the GLS promises to get your hands dirty without you having to get your hands dirty. The new SUV boasts an improved design and a few nifty new features. It’s not the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to feature the car wash mode, but it’s the first to make it available on a mainstream model.
Among the features, the new GLS boasts a 1.9-inch wider track and a 1.1-inch longer wheelbase. It also boasts a four-matic all-wheel drive system and a convenient Easy-Pack tailgate. It also sports a 360-degree camera that helps you navigate your way around obstacles. The new SUV is also equipped with a five-zone automatic climate control system and a keyless-go convenience package that lets you unlock the tailgate without slamming your hands against the door.
Plug-in hybrid models
Earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz unveiled three new plug-in hybrid models. A couple of weeks later, the first of these will go on sale. Its performance is impressive and its range is impressive too. However, while the technology is interesting, the upfront costs must be reduced for wider consumer uptake.
The GLA is a compact SUV. Its styling is similar to the A-Class. It’s built to handle town and motorway driving. It has a smooth gearbox and a good level of technology. Its interior is attractive and well made, with plenty of storage space.
Mercedes-Benz GLA plug-in hybrid models will go on sale later this year. They have a 102bhp electric motor and a 160bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine. Their fuel tank is integrated into the axle installation space, and there’s room beneath the seats for the high-voltage battery.
GLA plug-in hybrid models will have a 37-mile pure-electric range. This range is determined using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and is measured with a fully charged battery.
Fuel economy
Despite its size, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact SUV, so its fuel economy is impressive. A four-cylinder turbocharged engine puts out 200 horsepower and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The GLA has a five-seat interior, and it has 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space. A rear-view camera and a panoramic roof are standard, as are blind-spot monitoring and crosswind assist. It also comes with adaptive damper suspension and hands-free liftgate access.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is also available in a plug-in hybrid version, which pairs an electric motor with a battery. The GLA 250 e is available with a 1.3-litre engine that puts out 221 horsepower. The GLA 250 e has an underfloor battery pack. The GLA 250 e has a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg, which is about the same as the GLA 200.
There are also three petrol engines to choose from, including the 1.6-litre e-tron, which puts out 140 horsepower. These engines have a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg.