Mercedes-Benz GLA facelift unveiled in Detroit

But the big reveal here at the Detroit auto show is their AMG GT C Coupe.

As well as introducing a new member, Mercedes used the Detroit auto show to announce a raft of updates to all existing cars in the Mercedes-AMG family.

Australia is in line to receive the updated versions of all six variants of the four GT models (including coupes and convertibles) in the second half of 2017. The controls for switches on the electric seat adjustment in the doors have been given small yet effective highlights in silver chrome – and the stowage compartment in the centre console is also surrounded by a chrome frame.

Inside, the vehicle will offer owners a standard 8-inch screen, a category-first 360-degree camera and, depending on the options chosen, sport seats and 19-inch AMG wheels. Among these are the Night package, the Light and Sight package, the Aerodynamic package and the Dynamic package. Needless to say, its expressive design and clear SUV character remain the GLA’s strongest selling points. As for the interior, it has also been treated to a variety of cool new features. This is the strategy that is being practiced by Mercedes-AMG in the luxury performance market and it involves following the footsteps of Porsche. The turbocharged 2.0L four’s output remains the same 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GT uses a Wi-Fi connection to send Track Pace real-time data such as its speed, the gear the transmission is in, the steering angle, and the position of the accelerator pedal, letting enthusiasts analyze and improve track runs.

With the optional AMG performance exhaust system, the sound is even sportier through the modified structure of the silencer system. The oil cooler has been repositioned at the front wheelarches as part of the same cooling setup. We’ll have to drive it first, but we have a suspicion that this might be the pick of the GT range.

Inside, the dash is covered with standard MB-Tex and has red contrast topstitching.

The CLA and the GLA established themselves in the United States of America from the word go.

The Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe will launch later this year, initially in a special Edition 50 trim which brings black detailing and exclusive paint finishes.