[Sweet Tooth]

While most SUV/CUV drivers will never take their vehicle off-road, they still complain that some new SUV/CUV vehicles do not have the option of off-road features.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has been criticized for having a ground clearance of only 14 centimeters. That isn't really high enough to off-road. That the most hazardous bump that the GLA will likely drive over is a speed bump is besides the point!

Mercedes-Benz is listening and is planning on offering an off-road package by 2014, and that package will increase ground clearance by 4 centimeters.

So if you want to go off-roading in your GLA, you will have to wait till mid-2014 to buy one.

 

[carbonfiber]

If you want more ground clearance get a GLK...
If you want even more ground clearance get a ML.

Want even more? Get the GL.

 

[butterfield]

OR a better idea. If you want to go off roading for $30K buy a Jeep Wrangler, or better buy a used one for $10K and put $10K of mods into it...

This is just another way to increase the razor thin margin on GLA. They're going to stick taller struts in it and ask an extra $10K...

 

[AMGz]

OR a better idea. If you want to go off roading for $30K buy a Jeep Wrangler, or better buy a used one for $10K and put $10K of mods into it...

This is just another way to increase the razor thin margin on GLA. They're going to stick taller struts in it and ask an extra $10K...

90's cherokee for under $5000 with the other $5000 spend on modifications is the way to go

 

[alcatraz]

The absurd part is that people will never actually take the GLA off-road anyway. Even the GLA owners who want or would eventually buy the off-road package won't take their GLA off-road. And if a person did actually want to off-road, they would get a proper off-road vehicle, like a Jeep.

 

[butterfield]

The absurd part is that people will never actually take the GLA off-road anyway. Even the GLA owners who want or would eventually buy the off-road package won't take their GLA off-road. And if a person did actually want to off-road, they would get a proper off-road vehicle, like a Jeep.

because its not about off roading. Its about percieved image for GLA clients and most importantly, more money for Mercedes...

business is an art in itself

 

[A.T.L.]

The absurd part is that people will never actually take the GLA off-road anyway. Even the GLA owners who want or would eventually buy the off-road package won't take their GLA off-road. And if a person did actually want to off-road, they would get a proper off-road vehicle, like a Jeep.

it just won't be the type of extreme off-road you see people do with Jeep's. i can see mercedes showing the GLA on some mild off-road terrain, something a bit more extreme than the terrain someone would come across when going to their cottage or some cabin in the woods.

 

[carbonfiber]

I personally don't see people caring much for off-roading in a GLA.

Doesn't have a full time locking 4x4 system. No lo gear. No skid plates.

 

[butterfield]

I personally don't see people caring much for off-roading in a GLA.

Doesn't have a full time locking 4x4 system. No lo gear. No skid plates.

ah but thats not what GLA off road pack will be for. It will allow GLA owners to take speed bumps without slowing down and assuage their fears of getting stuck on grass.

 

[AMGz]

ah but thats not what GLA off road pack will be for. It will allow GLA owners to take speed bumps without slowing down and assuage their fears of getting stuck on grass.

I believe the S-Class has some similar tech that is more forgiving when going over speed bumps and bad pot holes. Great systems to implement on new cars.

 

[carbonfiber]

so will this offroad pack offer increased ride height, skid plates, and a proper offroading transmission?

 

[A.T.L.]

ideally it should, if there's any way to make it more of a true off-road vehicle. Plus these are easy things they can add. It's not like they need year of R&D to make it happen.

 

[carbonfiber]

well the skid plates are easy. so is the ride height. the better transmission might be tricky.

I think I'll just get this instead.

 

[butterfield]

in this day and age the off road gearing isnt that difficult to achieve. Most of the gear now is electronically controlled so it could be easier to retrofit certain components from larger Mercedes SUV's... although the GLA already does have hill descent and the like... I doubt we're going to get locking diffs or anything seriously substantial, but there could be adjustible ride height like the porsches and Land Rovers...

 

[carbonfiber]

doubt it.

to properly have a off-road vehicle you need a low range gear. I doubt the GLA will have one

This off-road package is probably just a taller ride height and MAYBE some skid packages. I'll pass. Like I said.. If you want something for off-road get something else...

 

[butterfield]

doubt it.

to properly have a off-road vehicle you need a low range gear. I doubt the GLA will have one

This off-road package is probably just a taller ride height and MAYBE some skid packages. I'll pass. Like I said.. If you want something for off-road get something else...

yea and low gear can be engaged electronically now, its not as mechanically difficult as it used to be, you dont need heavy duty transfer cases. Go look at what what porsche did to the Cayennes off road gear in between redesigns, or go look how a modern range rover works...

 

[A.T.L.]

yea and low gear can be engaged electronically now, its not as mechanically difficult as it used to be, you dont need heavy duty transfer cases. Go look at what what porsche did to the Cayennes off road gear in between redesigns, or go look how a modern range rover works...

it's amazing how they integrated it, i know with RR it's just the turn of a knob thats needed to go into the different modes.

 

[carbonfiber]

yea and low gear can be engaged electronically now, its not as mechanically difficult as it used to be, you dont need heavy duty transfer cases. Go look at what what porsche did to the Cayennes off road gear in between redesigns, or go look how a modern range rover works...

I would have my money on not seeing any of those electronic diffs or smart rev holding and gear changing fancy tech on the GLA.