SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: Baby Benz SUV leaks out
Leaked images of Mercedes' first compact SUV emerge as Benz readies GLA concept for Shanghai debutThe first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz has emerged in official images that were leaked overseas ahead of the Concept GLA’s global debut at the Shanghai motor show tomorrow (April 19).
The leaked images follow the release of a single design sketch of the Concept GLA on Mercedes’ Facebook page yesterday.
While full details and a teaser video will be formally released tonight, motoring.com.au can confirm the high-riding hatchback concept seen here is an accurate preview of the production GLA that will appear at the Frankfurt show in September.
Based on the same MFA platform that underpins the new A-Class (and will form the basis of most of Mercs sold in the future), the GLA has been confirmed for release in Australia, where it’s due in the second half of next year.
When it’s joined by the next-generation C-Class-based GLK mid-sizer, the GLA will be the entry point to a full range of SUVs from Mercedes-Benz for the first time, including the M-Class, GL-Class and G-Class. An M-Class-based rival for BMW’s X6, dubbed the MLC, is also believed to be in development.
Providing Benz with its first direct rival to popular small SUVs from BMW (X1), Audi (Q3) and Range Rover (Evoque), the high-riding junior crossover shares its mechanicals with the A-Class hatch, B-Class people-mover and upcoming CLA small sedan.
Like those compact sister models, the GLA range will open with front-wheel drive versions and close with an all-wheel drive AMG flagship, as evidenced in these recent spy shots.
However, the GLA will be the first MFA-based model to be available with all-wheel drive in a non-AMG variant.
The concept seen here wears an edgy new five-door hatchback (rather than wagon) bodyshell that shares design similarities with the A-, B-, and CLA-Class at the front, but adds obligatory SUV cues like roof-rails, underbody guards and wheel-arch and side skirt cladding.
The Shanghai show car also featured 20-inch alloy wheels and an intricate, futuristic brown leather-lined interior, but whether the latter transfers to the showroom model remains to be seen.
According to information leaked overseas, the Concept GLA rides on the same 2690mm wheelbase as the A-Class, but measures 4383mm long, 1978mm wide and 1579mm high, making it longer but narrower and higher than the X1.
Power comes from the same 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine seen in the A 250 Sport, which also donates its seven-speed twin-clutch 7G-DCT automatic transmission.
Expect the twin-turbo GLA 45 AMG to slam out a corking 265kW/450Nm, which in the outrageous Haldex 4MATIC-equipped A/CLA 45 AMGs is enough for 0-100km/h acceleration in about 4.6 seconds.
Mercedes is yet to indicate which engines will be available in Australia, but the GLA 250 Sport and GLA 45 AMG are certain to top the range.
In Europe, the GLA will also be available with 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8- and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines.
Like the A- and CLA-Class, the GLA will come with all of Merc’s latest infotainment and multimedia systems, in an effort to appeal to its young, progressive target audience.
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