Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept hints at future compact crossover

April 20th, 2013 by Road Test TV

Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept 02

It’s been quite some time since we’ve been hearing about Mercedes-Benz getting ready to offer a compact SUV/Crossover. At the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, Mercedes showed the new Concept GLA, which hints at the future SUV that will be based on the same platform as the A-Class and the CLA-Class.

The concept is powered by 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine making 211-hp. The engine is mated to a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. That’s the same engine that powers the A250 and the CLA250.

“The Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment – this is a sporty and more coupĂ©-like evolution of this category of vehicle”, commented Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing. “The Concept GLA is a compact SUV that combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion. ‘Escape the everyday’ is the message that this car conveys to its driver. It also makes clear the further potential of our compact vehicle architecture, which provides the basis for the A-Class and B-Class models that led the German market in their respective segments in the first quarter of 2013.”

We’re guessing that Mercedes-Benz will also offer a GLA45 AMG powered by a 360-hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo found in the CLA45 AMG.

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