FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes-Benz has released official images and details of its all-new small SUV, the GLA-Class, just hours after publicity images were leaked across the internet.

While no less than 61 official images have now been released, confirming the earlier leaked shots as legitimate and depicting a stylish jacked-up five-door crossover, it is the newly announced technical specifications that are of most interest.

Brandishing a slippery 0.29Cd drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than Audi’s Q3 (0.32Cd), the sleek new GLA measures 4417mm long, 1804mm wide and 1494mm high.

That means it’s 37mm shorter, 202mm narrower and 51mm lower than the BMW X1 -- and 32mm longer, 27mm narrower and 96mm lower than the Audi Q3.

The squat five-door bodyshell therefore offers less total cargo capacity than its nearest rivals, with just 836 litres compared to 1350 litres (X1) and 1365 litres (Q3), although it offers more boot space behind the rear seats (421 litres) than both models (360 litres). Like the others, its rear seats can be folded flat or adjusted for angle.

Borrowed from the A-Class upon which it’s based, the GLA’s initial engine options will include a 115kW 1.6-litre petrol engine for the GLA 200 and a 155kW 2.0-litre petrol engine for the GLA 250, while two 2.1-litre turbo-diesels will also be offered in the 100kW/300Nm GLA 200 CDI and the 125kW/350Nm GLA 250 CDI.

Like the A-Class, all models will come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in Australia, while the GLA 250 flagship is the first model to incorporate Mercedes’ new-generation 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system with fully variable torque distribution.

The GLA 250 consumes 7.1L/100km and can hit 100km/h in 6.5 seconds on its way to a 235km/h top speed, while the GLA 200 CDI consumes just 4.3L/100km. All models are fitted with a fuel-saving idle-stop system that shuts down the engine when stationary.

While the GLA joins the G-Class, GL-Class, M-Class and GLK-Class (not sold here) in Benz’s growing SUV model range, it will be complimented by a rash of new SUVs from the company, including the next-generation GLK and its swoopier GLC ‘crossover-coupe’ cousin in 2015, and the all-new M-Class based MLC to rival BMW’s X6.

The GLA is the fourth of five models to be based on the Merc’s new MFA front/all-wheel drive platform, following the latest A-Class hatch, B-Class people-mover and upcoming CLA-Class compact sedan.

As we’ve reported, the GLA will make its world debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, before going on sale in Australia in the second quarter of next year – priced from about $60,000 as Merc’s first direct rival for the X1 and Q3.

The German car-maker expects a similar conquest rate as the A-Class, around half of all European buyers of which are new to the brand.

"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment,” said Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes Benz Cars.

“The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling, so I am very confident that the GLA with its fascinating design and high everyday practicality will fill many new customers with enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz brand."