How 2015 Mercedes GLA-Class gets tested before its launch

The all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class makes its U.S. launch this fall. What does Mercedes do before it makes its dealer launch?

From the drawing board, to engine and drivetrain development, wind tunnel testing and climate testing, the all-new Mercedes GLA-Class goes through all of this before they even take it out on the road. Mercedes then takes the test mules out to the Nurburgring for severe testing on the “ultimate public road.” Mercedes takes the new luxury on public roads all over the globe for more testing to see how it performs. This is all before it makes its dealer launch in the U.S. this fall.

GLA created for a new generation

Mercedes-Benz created the new 2015 GLA-Class for a new generation of active millennial consumers who have never purchased a Mercedes vehicle before. Just like the new CLA-Class four-door coupe, the GLA is attracting new buyers to the German luxury brand. With GLA, its all about conveying the freedom that the new compact SUV offers. It had a go-anywhere attitude for young active buyers.

Severe testing around the globe

Mercedes needs to test the new GLA-Class is a variety of climates and conditions where this new compact SUV will be used by an active generation. The GLA-Class will be a global vehicle and it opens up the world to this new generation of adventure seekers and freedom lovers. The new GLA creates a new segment in the luxury compact SUV market. It’s a sporty new entry into an untapped market and Mercedes is leading the way.

All systems get tested

The drivers take the test mules all over the globe testing its new high-tech safety features and the new-generation Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system to see how they perform in the real world. All this happens before it ever reaches production. This writer sees some of the test mules being tested at the high altitudes here in Colorado as the cars head up I-70 into the mountains. It’s just one way automakers test their cars in varying conditions and environments.

Take a look at the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class testing video below. It gives a good idea of what the German automaker does before the luxury compact SUV ever reaches U.S. shores as a production model.