Why are there two gear levers on the left side of the Mercedes-Benz GLA steering wheel?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz GLA's two gear levers on the left side of the steering wheel are part of a manual and automatic integrated transmission. They serve as paddle shifters for the automatic transmission function, where '+' is for upshifting and '-' is for downshifting. These can only be used when the gear lever is pushed to the S (Sport) mode. The Mercedes-Benz GLA continues the design architecture of the concept car, featuring a front grille constructed with the brand's signature twin chrome louvres and a central three-pointed star emblem, along with an A-Class-inspired three-slat air intake. The GLA is equipped with mudguards under the front bumper, highlighting a more rugged sporty appeal. The GLA series measures 4417mm in length, 1804mm in width, and 1494mm in height, with significantly increased dimensions compared to the A-Class, delivering a more powerful visual impact. The GLA boasts an impressive drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.29, enhancing the model's energy efficiency.
When I first drove the Mercedes-Benz GLA, I also noticed two small levers on the left side of the steering wheel. One is the light control lever, used to turn the headlights on/off, activate turn signals, and adjust high beams. The other is the cruise control lever, which sets speed or enables active driving assist functions on highways, allowing the car to automatically maintain speed and distance. Mercedes designed this to let drivers adjust settings without looking down, keeping controls within easy reach to enhance driving safety. A friend who drove a Japanese car mentioned it only had one lever, but the GLA incorporates more smart technology, integrating it into convenient positions for smooth operation. After driving for a while, you get used to the layout—the light lever is closer to the wheel, while the cruise lever is slightly farther to prevent accidental touches. I recommend new users test-drive it first to familiarize themselves and minimize distractions.
After driving for several years, I've found the two levers on the left side of the Mercedes-Benz GLA's steering wheel to be very practical. One is the light lever, which controls the turn signals and headlight switch—just a gentle push to activate the lights. The other is the cruise lever, used to set the speed or speed limit function; once activated with a button press, the car can accelerate or decelerate on its own. Mercedes arranged it this way to optimize the driving experience, avoiding the need to take hands off the wheel to operate the control panel, which is especially effortless on long drives. I've compared it with other European cars, some of which simplify to a single lever, but the GLA retains the dual-lever setup for added convenience, with the light lever positioned lower and the cruise lever higher up. Over time, this setup helps maintain focus on the road and reduces fatigue.
