Introduced for the 2014 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has reached the point where it receives a facelift, and the 2017 Detroit Auto Show has given us a first look at the upgrades. Not surprisingly, the facelift comprises mild nips and tucks inside and out, which make the GLA a rather bland debut among all those brand-new or redesigned vehicles displayed at Detroit's Cobo Center.

But that's not to say the upgraded GLA is disappointing. Although design enhancements are limited to revised bumpers with larger intakes and new diffusers (alongside a more rugged appearance for non-AMG models), the cabin brings a few more updates. For starters, buyers will find more chrome trim for a more upscale look, a new instrument cluster, and a standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The rearview camera is also standard, while the Parking Assist Package includes a surround-view camera. Mercedes-Benz also added hands-free access to the trunk as an option. The AMG GLA45 gets all of the above plus carbon-like dashboard trim and A/C vents that can be keyed to the color of the seat upholstery.

Nothing's new under the hood though, with the GLA250 using the same turbocharger, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, the same version will be sold with 4Matic, the company's all-wheel drive system. Moving over to the AMG model, the beefed-up four-banger also remained unaltered at 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of twist, but this isn't surprising given that the engine was updated for 2016.

Finally, the update brings a new AMG Performance Studio Package that allows AMG GLA45 buyers to add yellow trim and accents inside and own, a large wing atop the tailgate, and matte Graphite Grey decals above the side skirts. Crossovers using this package can be had in either Night Black or Cosmos Black for a strong contrast with the yellow accents on the bumpers, side skirts, rear wing, and rims. You can find more information on this package here.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why It Matters

Needless to say, this facelift brings nothing new in terms of performance and fuel economy, two factors that usually change with mid-cycle updates, but the larger infotainment screen now offered as standard and the included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility brings the GLA in line with its main competitors. The AMG Performance Studio Package is also a cool way to customize the AMG GLA45 and the roof wing gives it a cool advantage over beefed-up versions of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. On the flipside, the GLA250 needed a more powerful engine given that the X1 sDrive28i is more than a half-second quicker from 0 to 60 mph due to the extra 28 horsepower and quicker eight-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Mercedes GLA - Drivetrain Specifications

Mercedes GLA Vs. Competition

|