ProProduction Record: Mercedes-Benz builds more cars than ever before

In the first half of 2013, over 700,000 passenger cars rolled off the production lines at Mercedes-Benz plants � more than ever before in the same period. For 2012 as a whole, Mercedes-Benz had already reached a production record of more than 1.34 million vehicles. "We are planning for further growth. With an attractive offering of models and higher flexibility in production, we managed to build more vehicles in the first half of the year than ever before. We are also very optimistic for the year as a whole", said Andreas Renschler, Management Board Member of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement, Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans. In the first half of 2013, Mercedes-Benz posted yet another new record with sales of 694,433 vehicles (+6.4%). The brand with the star plans to sell over 1.4 million vehicles by the end of the year.

The Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy has arrived at the plants. This year has already seen launches of numerous new vehicles: in January, the Kecskem�t plant began production of the new CLA coup�, the new E-Class sedan and estate have been rolling off the lines in Sindelfingen since March, and the team in Bremen has brought the new coup� and convertible of this model series on the road. In mid-June, the production start of the new S-Class in the Sindelfingen Plant achieved yet another milestone in the product campaign of Mercedes-Benz.

To accommodate customer demand, this year 21 special shifts have been agreed for the production of the A- and B-Class at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant, among others. The Tuscaloosa plant worked on 10 Saturdays and thus increased the production of SUVs. The powertrain plants are also running at full speed: workers of the Untert�rkheim plant have been working special shifts every weekend this year to enable the construction plants to be supplied with engines, transmissions, axles and components.

Production has been running non-stop at most locations during the summer months. Around 4500 vacation workers were hired as additional manpower for the vacation months, and the preparations for further launches are running at full speed, for example at the Rastatt plant, where the first GLA will be rolling off the production line later this year. In September, the compact SUV will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show. The plants in Bremen, Tuscaloosa, USA, East London, South Africa and Beijing, China are making intensive preparations for the new C-Class, which will be on the roads in 2014.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Successful premium customer support: Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center in Maastricht celebrates 15th anniversary

Customer satisfaction and brand loyalty are major factors that contribute to Daimler AG�s sustainable success in the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. Since its establishment in 1998, the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (CAC) in Maastricht (Netherlands) has been a key precondition for customer satisfaction.

At the beginning the CAC offered Mercedes-Benz customers services such as roadside assistance and complaint and enquiry management for 11 countries in six languages. Over the years the center�s service portfolio has continued to expand with an increasing number of brands, languages and countries. Today, 600 employees of more than 25 nationalities provide service to customers in 15 European countries in 12 languages. The CAC is integrated into Global Service & Parts, the division responsible for service and parts operations of all Daimler brands worldwide.

�Our Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center in Maastricht strongly contributes to the improvement of customer satisfaction with our products and services,� says Wolf-Dieter Kurz, Head of Global Service and Parts. �The international workforce provides expert assistance and advice to existing and potential customers as well as to the retail network with a range of services that are unique in the automotive industry.�

Consequently, the CAC provides services for the entire European range of Daimler products: passenger cars, buses, vans and commercial vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz, smart, Maybach, Setra and Fuso brands. Since 1998, some 11 million customers and interested parties have taken advantage of the services. Last year the CAC employees addressed about 800,000 inquiries. Customers can choose from vehicle telematics, email, letter, fax or phone to contact the CAC. Cost- free access to services is available to customers through a so-called Universal International Free Phone number: 00800 1 777 7777 for the Mercedes-Benz brand (passenger cars and commercial vehicles), and 00800 2 777 7777 for the smart brand.

Vehicle telematics allow a more effective analysis of vehicles' problems and solutions. Mercedes-Benz Contact has been standard equipment in passenger cars since 2009, enabling customers to contact a Mercedes-Benz service employee from their vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz service fleet that provides roadside assistance also uses telematics. 15 years ago, data related to the request for assistance was forwarded to the repairer by fax, today data is transmitted directly to the service technician�s smartphone, subject to due authorization by the customer.

In recent years, the CAC has expanded its support for the Daimler retail network. For example, the Dealer User Helpdesk provides support for vehicle diagnostics systems such as the Star Diagnosis used in workshops. Data that is collected from vehicles, customers and dealers is also used to develop and improve Daimler products and services. 

For 15 years, the CAC responds with its service offers individually to customer inquiries. Thus, it is making a major contribution to the growth strategy in marketing and sales "Mercedes-Benz 2020 - Best Customer Experience", which is aimed at reconfiguring the brand's sales organization to bring it in line with customers� changing preferences. The goal is to retain the loyalty of existing customers to the brand while becoming even more appealing to new, modern target groups.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro for Hamburger Hochbahn: The Citaro has been in service in Hamburg for over 15 years

On 15 August 2013 Ulrich Sieg, director of operations and infrastructure at Hamburger Hochbahn AG, and Steffen Rothhardt, head of the buses division at Hamburger Hochbahn AG, commissioned the 50th Mercedes-Benz Citaro to be delivered in 2013. The anniversary vehicle symbolises the more than 15 years of trust which Hamburger Hochbahn AG has placed in the Citaro concept since 1997. Tammo Voigt, Head of Public Transport Fleet Sales at Mercedes-Benz Buses & Coaches, handed over the vehicle at the port of Hamburg. "The anniversary bus stands for the strong partnership which we have enjoyed with Hochbahn for many years now. Around 15 years ago, Hochbahn was one of the first companies to believe in the successful Citaro concept, and it has kept its faith to this day, having taken delivery of over 1000 Citaros in the meantime" said Tammo Voigt during the presentation ceremony. "With its modular design, the Citaro has always managed to combine functionality, modernness and innovation, providing the basis for a successful concept," noted Ulrich Sieg.

Custom solutions from a modular system

Hochbahn has ordered a total of 81 Citaro vehicles for 2013. The anniversary bus, a Citaro LE (LowEntry), will operate in Hamburg as a so-called express bus. In addition to the two LEs, Hochbahn has also ordered 46 Citaro Gs and 33 Citaro rigid buses. It is precisely this broad range of different variants in the modular Citaro line which is valued so highly by transport operators in the many major cities throughout the world where some 37,000 Citaros are in service. Since it went into production in 1988, the Citaro has offered a range of urban and rural buses in different lengths and equipment variants, the diversity of which is unrivalled among low-floor regular-service buses. The first generation of the Citaro covered 28 different variants, ranging from the compact Citaro K measuring 10.5 m in length to the four-axle, 19.54 m long CapaCity articulated large-capacity bus which is also based on the Citaro modular system.

The new-generation Citaro with Euro VI engine technology already comprises 19 model variants. In addition to the Citaro Solo, the artic and the Citaro LE, the range also includes the short variant, the Citaro K, and RHD Citaro models of the Citaro Solo and Citaro K. With this diverse spectrum, the Citaro covers virtually the entire range of transportation requirements of bus companies providing regular urban and rural public transport services.

Hamburger Hochbahn AG

With its order in 2013, Hamburger Hochbahn AG has once again placed its trust in the Citaro as a highly capable and comfortable urban regular-service bus. With its fleet of some 900 buses for the most part Mercedes-Benz Citaros - and an annual passenger volume in excess of 230 million, economy, reliability and environmental compatibility are crucial to the Hochbahn group.

With a workforce of over 4500 and a passenger volume of some 1.2 million on weekdays, Hochbahn AG is not only the largest partner in Hamburg's HVV transport association but also the second-largest transport company in Germany. Hochbahn provides high-quality transport services in Hamburg on four underground railway lines and 100 bus lines. As the orchestrator of a multimodal transport offering, Hochbahn aims to combine bus and rail with complementary mobility services under the "switchh" brand in future, thereby establishing inner-city mobility without the use of private cars as the new standard.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

New at the AMG Driving Academy: A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG - The AMG Driving Academy grows from strength to strength

The AMG Driving Academy is expanding the range of its events: from now on, driver training courses will also take place in the United Arab Emirates as well as in Poland. Events are now held in nine countries around the world; all of them held on famous and even legendary race tracks. New to the programme: AMG Winter Sporting BASIC. This new driver training course in Austria allows participants to enjoy some very special experiences. The vehicles used are the brand-new A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG models. The AMG Driving Academy continues to grow from strength to strength: the team of top-level instructors, all of them with motor racing experience, now includes Cyndie Allemann, Lance David Arnold, Jan Seyffarth and Maximilian G�tz.

The AMG Winter Sporting BASIC programme, held on the Austrian Lungauring near Salzburg, is ideally suited to the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG. Against the backdrop of a breathtaking winter landscape, AMG customers and fans of the brand can experience the proverbial Driving Performance of both high-performance cars on specially prepared ice and snowy surfaces. The technical prerequisites are perfect: the new AMG models both feature an AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 newton metres of torque, along with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Also available for use at the AMG Winter Sporting BASIC is the C 63 AMG Coup� with high-revving V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, offering 358 kW (487 hp).

Alongside the special driving experience provided by AMG Winter Sporting BASIC, the focus of this programme is, above all, on safety: Participants are able to work individually on developing their vehicle control skills and to improve further their driving safety. The new introductory-level BASIC winter driving training programme takes place over one and a half days, with dates from February 2014, and costs 1590 euros (incl. VAT). It is an ideal complement to the AMG Winter Sporting event in Swedish Lapland that has already proved immensely popular over the years. This course is designed specifically for experienced drivers and is provided at skills levels ADVANCED and PRO.

More than 100 experienced instructors around the world

Chief instructor Reinhold Renger's worldwide team of more than 100 instructors includes illustrious names from the world of motor racing such as Bernd Schneider, Thomas J�ger, Bernd Mayl�nder and Karl Wendlinger. The latest members to join the AMG Driving Academy team are, in addition, experienced GT drivers Lance David Arnold, Jan Seyffarth, Maximilian G�tz, Nico Bastian and � last but not least � the Swiss racing driver Cyndie Allemann.

From EMOTION to MASTERS with the SLS AMG GT3

Perfect vehicle control combined with outstanding fun at the wheel and a good helping of passion: the AMG Driving Academy programme encompasses five skill levels (EMOTION, BASIC, ADVANCED, PRO, MASTERS) and offers the ideal event for every proficiency level. Beginning with lifestyle- and motorsport-oriented events (EMOTION), the programme progresses through an introduction to the given critical limits (BASIC) to intensive race circuit training with data recording and individual coaching (ADVANCED, PRO, MASTERS).

As well as concentrating on the improvement of individual driving skills, the events focus on providing an intensive experience with some exciting AMG high-performance vehicles. Course participants get to drive the SLS AMG GT, the SLS AMG Coup� Black Series, the SLK 55 AMG, the C 63 AMG Coup� or the E 63 AMG S-Model. At the highest skill level, MASTERS, the training vehicles also include the gull-wing racing model SLS AMG GT3. To ensure the most effective learning experience, the MASTERS breaks down into four modules: EXPERIENCE, WARM-UP, TRAINING and COMPETITION.

In response to the great demand for exclusive events, the AMG Driving Academy is internationally active. From Europe to the USA, China, Japan, Russia, India or in the United Arab Emirates � AMG fans have the opportunity to experience the thrill of superlative automotive performance in many different places around the world. In addition to legendary race circuits such as the N�rburgring-Nordschleife (Germany), Imola (Italy), Laguna Seca Raceway (USA), the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi and the Fuji Speedway (Japan), training will now also be taking place for the first time in Poland. The race circuit in Portim�o (Portugal) and the completely new Bilster Berg Drive Resort (Germany) will also be used by the AMG Driving Academy in 2013. Training courses are also currently being prepared in three further key markets for AMG.

The sharing of experiences with like-minded enthusiasts, along with a responsible enjoyment of the thrills of driving, is another of the strengths of the AMG Driving Academy: Mercedes-AMG places considerable emphasis on a responsible use of resources, on measures to improve efficiency and on compensating for CO2 emissions through climate-protection projects. All events have been certified as climate-neutral by the T�V NORD inspection agency.

Details of dates and further information are available at www.mercedes-amg.com/driving-academy or by calling the AMG Driving Academy hotline on +49 7144 302-575. Prices start at 390 euros (in Germany, incl. 19% VAT).

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA: Multi-talented - Fit for off-road excursions

Progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and with an off-road capability: as a wanderer between automotive applications, the Mercedes-Benz GLA impressively reinterprets the compact SUV segment. It lightfootedly masters all day-to-day challenges and is also robust enough for off-road excursions.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly manoeuvrable around town (length x width x height 4417 x 1804 x 1494 millimetres), lively on country and pass roads and dynamic and efficient on the motorway (Cd figure 0.29). The high-quality appointments, developed with much love for detail, and the flexible interior clearly position the GLA as a compact premium SUV.

The GLA is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be optionally available with the new-generation permanent all-wheel drive system 4MATIC, with fully variable torque distribution.

The new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio of Mercedes-Benz. With five model series (GLA, GLK, ML, GL and G) the company offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer, and meets all the individual mobility wishes of its customers. At the same time the GLA-Class is the fourth of a total of five new compact models from Mercedes-Benz. The sales figures amply demonstrate how well the new compact models are received by customers: In the first half of 2013, for example, 173,362 units of the A and B?Class and the new CLA Coup� were delivered worldwide (+58.0%). Especially gratifying is the high conquest rate of the new A-Class: around 50 percent of the buyers in Europe come from other brands.

"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes?Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment. The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling," says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes?Benz Cars. "So I am very confident that the GLA with its fascinating design and high everyday practicality will fill many new customers with enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz brand."

As a serene day-to-day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required. The generous luggage compartment (421 � 836 litres) is well-presented and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which opens automatically as an option.

The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for a wide range of applications. Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 115 kW (156 hp) in the GLA 200 to 155 kW (211 hp) in the GLA 250.

The two diesel engines excel with dynamic torque and outstanding efficiency: The GLA 200 CDI develops 100 kW (136 hp) and maximum torque of 300 Nm and has a displacement of 2.2 litres. It emits only 114 g CO2 per kilometre (provisional figure). The GLA 220 CDI likewise has a displacement of 2.2 litres and develops 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm.

The GLA will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (12 to 22 September 2013). Orders will be taken from the end of November, and the GLA will be in dealer showrooms in 2014.

Design: quality and self-assurance

Sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury � this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that communicate high-tech while exuding emotional appeal as a meta-level. The sensual clarity is reflected in the core design values of Tradition, Emotion and Progression. These are the guiding star, and are accentuated differently depending on the model. Mercedes-Benz creates a bridge between modernity and the avant-garde, between tradition and progression. Each model series has an assigned role and has a very specific character, depending on the attributes on which the design focusses. And yet a Mercedes-Benz is always recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz. Because in addition to incorporating new stylistic developments, and in the interests of keeping tradition alive, the designers draw from a gene-pool of styling features typical of the brand.

"With its striking features the GLA embodies our progressive thinking and enthrals with its off-road proportions," says Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG. "The clearly defined surfaces convey power and serenity, and we have managed to combine as much emotional appeal as possible with as much clarity as necessary."

As an SUV, the new GLA combines the design values of Progression and Tradition, and is the SUV of the future. It is an all-rounder with hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV genes, but more youthful, sculptural and full of subtle drama.

The low greenhouse, raised vehicle body and large wheel arches give the GLA great appeal. The clearly defined surfaces are supplemented with sharp lines that provide definition and precision, varying the sculptured contours of the vehicle body which is sensitively modelled and subtly dramatic.

The prominent and self-assured, upright front end with a central star lends a muscular and superior impression to the GLA. Powerdomes structure the bonnet as sporty features, and the twin-louvre grille accentuates the vehicle's width. An impressive front aspect is ensured by the headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. This iconic Mercedes-Benz design feature was developed further using trifunctional fibre-optics, and gives the vehicle its characteristic light signature. The front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. The optional fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. A simulated underride guard and contrasting dark-grey claddings all-round emphasise the SUV characteristics of the GLA. These claddings begin low down at the front bumper and provide protection against stone impact.

The side view of the GLA likewise conveys power and serenity. Following the design philosophy, the "dropping line" emerges at the headlamp and extends to the rear wheel arch. The line of the beltline trim gradually rises from the rear door to the C-pillar. Together the light-catching contour on the curvature and the counter-line to the dropping line at side sill height create an interplay of lines that lends the car flowing dynamism and subtle drama. At the sides the cladding follows the contours of the wheel arches and side sill panels into the rear bumper. The side panel has depressions shaped like an excavator's teeth to accentuate the SUV character. Roof trim strips complete the side view at the top as standard, and as an optional extra aluminium roof rails in high-gloss or polished black are available. On request the GLA is fitted with tyres up to size 19-inch.

The muscular shoulders over the rear axle are emphasised even further by the inward taper of the C-pillars. In combination with the divided tail lights, this emphasises the width of the rear end. Its shape is both dramatic and visually harmonious.

This impression is heightened by the curved rear window and the sweeping chrome handle between the tail lights. Thanks to the divided tail lights, the loading aperture is gratifyingly wide. The large, aerodynamically very effective roof spoiler is another eye-catching feature. It shares the structure of the rear roof cladding and accommodates the third brake light. In the area of the rear bumper cladding there are other SUV-specific features such as an extremely robust external loading sill guard and a simulated underride guard available in high-gloss black, matt silver or silver- shadow.

Interior: attractive design features and high perceived quality

The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the interior. This has a particularly high perceived quality that is achieved by the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. All trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect. The impression is one of perfect detail. The heavy emphasis on horizontals, the dynamic design and the highly attractive design features are other high-quality attributes. The same applies to the great precision of joints and gap dimensions.

The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matt and glossy 3D geometries (graining) create an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section of innovative membrane, aluminium or wood lends a new, modern touch to the interior. The matt satin finish of the wood trim is a further enhancement to the modernity, and makes the surface particularly pleasant to the touch.

Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature, bezels are optionally available around these circular vents whose SUV-look echoes the underride guard and side member claddings. The bezels can be galvanised as an option. The direction of the airflow can be varied by butterfly-shaped inserts which can be optionally galvanised in silver-shadow.

The large, free-standing display has a high-gloss display facing in piano-black and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. This gives the display a particularly high-quality look. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanised chrome clasp is standard equipment. On request an instrument cluster version with two tubes is available. In this case there is a small dial instrument in each of the large dial instruments. When at rest the needles are in the 6 o'clock position. The needle inlays are always in silver.

The wide choice of seat upholsteries in material (e.g. leather, fabric, fabric/leather) and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an optional extra.

The high quality of the sports seats is emphasised by the aperture in the lower section of the head restraint. On the rear of the front seats this aperture is framed by a surround in silver-shadow, and can have ambience lighting on request. In addition to the equipment packages Style, Urban, AMG and Exclusive, an SUV Style package is available that accentuates the SUV character of the GLA even further. The highlight is robust, colour-contrasting "moccasin" topstitching on the outer seat contours.

If the optional Load Compartment package is ordered, the backrest of the rear seat unit can be moved to a steeper position, the so-called cargo position. This enlarges the load compartment capacity by 60 litres, providing space for bulky items while still allowing the rear seats to be used by passengers.

Set into a galvanised surround, the controls for the optional "electric seat adjustment with memory" are arranged on the interior door panels in typical Mercedes style � a unique feature in this segment. The interior door panels are likewise of extremely high quality. The soft, matt surfaces extend right from the beltline to the door pocket. In combination with the equipment packages the door armrests have a high-quality chrome trim strip and, as an option, ambience lighting.

Aerodynamics: goodbye to box-shaped

With the GLA, yet another model series becomes the leader in its segment with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. Its Cd figure is 0.29. At 0.66 m2 the frontal area Cd x A, which decisively affects fuel consumption from around 60 km/h, is likewise a top figure.

The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. These include a low A-pillar step with suitable A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirror housings. The rear end is also streamlined. The measures here include the roof spoiler lip and the aerodynamically shaped tail lights. Rear spoilers at the sides ensure that the airflow breaks off for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Seals in the front bumper (radiator area incl. around the headlamps) and radiator shutters for regulation of the cooling air as required round off the aerodynamic measures.

Extensive underbody panelling, additional panelling in the middle area of the rear axle and an aerodynamically optimised rear silencer followed by a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

Numerous measures have also been taken to reduce wind noise in the GLA. These e.g. include a multi-level door sealing concept, additional sealing of the joint between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Particularly rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and reduce vibrations. External noise has also been minimised by the low A-pillar step and exterior mirrors connected to the body by a stem.

Engines and transmissions: dynamic claim to leadership

The GLA can be driven with a fuel consumption of only 4.3 litres/100 km, setting new standards in its segment. Modern four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct injection, as well as an ECO start/stop function as standard, make for this superior efficiency. The new GLA-Class also takes the lead in its segment with its dynamic performance figures.

Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 115 kW (156 hp) in the GLA 200 to 155 kW (211 hp) in the GLA 250. The GLA 250 4MATIC sprints from zero to 100 km/h in only 7.1 seconds, underlining the dynamic claim to leadership of the GLA-Class. It has a top speed of 235 km/h and a combined consumption figure of just 7.1 l/100 km (151 g CO2/km � provisional figures).

The two diesel engines excel with dynamic torque and outstanding efficiency: The GLA 200 CDI develops 100 kW (136 hp), a maximum torque of 300 Nm and has a displacement of 2.2 litres. This engine has been reengineered for greater efficiency. The modifications include optimisation of the belt drive, a cylinder head package with different roller bearings and additional finishing, optimisation of the vacuum pump, aluminium pistons with optimised assembly clearances and a low-friction ring package, the roller bearings of the Lanchester balancer shaft and pressure sensor combustion control in the cylinder head.

The GLA 200 CDI requires just 4.3 litres of fuel for 100 km, which equates to 114 g CO2/km (provisional figures). It is rated efficiency class A. The GLA 220 CDI also has a displacement of 2.2 litres, 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm.

All the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission (standard for GLA 250, GLA 220 CDI and the 4MATIC models), which unites comfort and sportiness to an outstanding degree.

An overview of the models:

Suspension: for guaranteed recreational fun

With the new GLA Mercedes-Benz is adding a new member to the successful SUV family. This compact model reinterprets the SUV concept in a new, modern way, because the GLA is less long-legged and imposing than previous SUVs, and therefore fits perfectly into the day-to-day urban lifestyle. At the same time the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the robust body structure and the variable interior concept guarantee plenty of recreational enjoyment. Motto: away from the daily routine. Rough terrain � the beach, loose ground, unsurfaced gradients � all of these are no problem for the GLA.

The chassis of the GLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension. Three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel manage the incoming forces. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are independent of one another. The wheel carriers and spring control arms are of aluminium to reduce the unsprung masses. In the versions with 4MATIC, the rear axle carrier is isolated with rubber bushings for the benefit of ride comfort.

Compared to conventional systems, the electromechanical power steering provides better feedback to the driver and makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the servo assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is actually steered. It also allows various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP� control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front-wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.

The GLA has an extremely rigid body, and therefore the basis for stable and safe handling characteristics both on and off the road, as well as a high level of NVH comfort. There are additional reinforcements e.g. to the B-pillars, front damper domes, side members and underbody.

High traction reserves: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The GLA from Mercedes-Benz is optionally available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with high traction reserves and outstanding agility combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the 4MATIC system include the power take-off to the rear axle that is integrated into the 7G-DCT automatic dual clutch transmission, and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. This set-up allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition, and high efficiency.

Confident on light terrain: off-road functions

Models with 4MATIC are equipped with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) and an off-road transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

When the off-road transmission mode is selected using the transmission mode switch, the gearshift points and accelerator characteristics are modified so that the requirements for driving on light off-road terrain and particularly loose surfaces can be met. In combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and COMAND Online (optional extra), the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.

Smart safety: advanced assistance systems

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA and reduce the driver's workload. Standard-fit features for the SUV include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to protect against collisions from a speed of only 7 km/h.

This feature combines with DISTRONIC PLUS (optional extra) to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. This incorporates an additional function: When a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 30 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 20 km/h.

Established assistance systems, such as the optional Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available for the GLA. Active Parking Assist (optional) allows automatic parking in parallel and end-on parking spaces.

"Always on": the multimedia systems

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the GLA boasts new functions, additional apps and a modified graphic colour scheme.

Daimler's Digital Drive Style app concept, which together with the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone�" allows seamless integration of an iPhone� into the vehicle, has been extended. The highlights include Siri voice control and Glympse real-time location sharing. Glympse enables the user to share his or her current location with selected persons. Additional functions include Facebook�, Twitter�, internet radio, AUPEO!� personal radio and the advanced navigation system from Garmin� with internet-based real-time traffic information, an online POI search function including Street View� and a 3D map display.

The COMAND Online multimedia system has also been extended. The latest generation offers improved, photo-realistic map display, an additional Bluetooth� profile (to enable the internet to be accessed via iPhone�, for example, the display of images additionally in bmp and png formats and the real-time transfer of traffic data via LIVE TRAFFIC.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.