The new Concept GLA, due to take on BMW’s X1 and Audi’s Q3, will debut at next week’s Auto Shanghai 2013 but in the meantime here are some leaked photos together with an official teaser image.
Based on Mercedes’ new MFA compact vehicle architecture – as used in the A-Class, B-Class and CLA – the GLA will address ever growing segment of small/medium crossovers which represent more than 31 per cent of the total market in Russia and is also the fastest growing segment in China.
The Concept GLA stands at 4,383mm in length, 1,978mm in width and 1,579 in height and is powered by a 1,991cc 208bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Power is transferred to the road via a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Mercedes’ Sales and Marketing Head, Joachim Schmidt, describes the GLA’s as “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. ”.
The production GLA, due to launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, will sit beneath the second generation GLK, a car which we never received here in the UK. Mercedes are also working on a larger SAC to rival BMW’s X6/X4 and Audi’s Q5.
Written By

Steve Davies
Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.
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