6
NEWS
SPY PICS: Mercedes-Benz GLA
Baby Benz crossover will bolster the Mercedes SUV line-up and present Evoque buyers with another alternativeMercedes-Benz recently previewed its upcoming baby SUV via the Concept GLA at the Shanghai motor show, and the vigilant Automedia lenses have now captured this test mule undergoing development.
Although the bulky disguise makes this prototype look somewhat clumsy, expect the finished product to have sleek, low-slung proportions that will enable the GLA to rival the rakish Range Rover Evoque.
As the nomenclature suggests, the GLA is derived from the A-Class, with a slightly jacked-up ride height and extra body cladding endowing it with at least some degree of off-road pretensions.
The car’s body language is otherwise largely as per the stylish A-Class, with the face distinguished by a two-bar grille, large three-pointed star logo and swept-back headlights.
The high-shouldered flanks and relatively large rims (they look to be 18-inchers) ensure the GLA prototype doesn’t have the tippy-toey stance that mars many baby SUVs – and this is particularly evident in the shot where the car is captured alongside a Volkswagen Tiguan.
Although the production GLA will make do without the radical laser-beam headlights, edgy taillights and 20-inch rims of the Shanghai show car, the proportions have otherwise stayed true to the design study.
Also expect a more toned-down cabin than that of the concept, which featured futuristic tan seats and a plethora of polished aluminium surfaces. Another novel element in the concept was air vents that glowed blue when blowing cold air, emitted white light at 22 degrees, and turned red when you cranked up the heat.
The GLA’s engine line-up is likely to replicate the range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants offered in the A-Class, and there is also the possibility of a stove-hot GLA45 AMG version that will use the same powertrain as the A45 AMG.
Boosting the GLA’s all-weather traction will be the new 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which monitors grip across all four wheels and sends up to 50 per cent of torque to the rear hoops if there’s a loss of grip at the front.
– with Automedia
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Share this article
Written byGautam Sharma
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todaySell your car with Instant Offer™
Like trade-in but price is regularly higher
1. Get a free Instant Offer™ online in minutes2. An official local dealer will inspect your car3. Finalise the details and get paid the next business day
Get a free Instant Offer
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.