Mercedes-Benz have been know to be working on a compact crossover on the MFA platform, the same platform underpinning the A-Class, and now first shots of the concept car have begun to surface.
The GLA-Class will be the company’s entry-level crossover and will use their new engines and automotive expertise to combine luxury, efficiency and affordability in a package which can handle some of the rough stuff too. The car will be officially unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, which starts on the 21st of April.
The GLA will be primarily front-wheel-driven with optional 4matic intelligent-all-wheel-drive offered on some models. The engine in the concept model is the 211-PS, turbocharged, 2.0-litre, inline-4 petrol which is paired to the seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. When the production model does surface, expect the engine options on offer to be almost the same as what the A- and B-Class offer. There will be a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.8-litre turbo-diesel in two states of tune each. The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (badged the 220 CDI) should also make an appearance, albeit in the top-end diesel trim.
The concept vehicle measures 4383 x 1978 x 1579 (LxWxH in mm) and sports a set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/45 tyres. It also features headlamps which use LED and Laser technology. This allows the car to not just illuminate the way, but also project images, directions and information on any surface ahead. How much of the concept will be reflected in the series production model remains to be seen, but for those who wanted an entry-level Mercedes crossover positioned well-below the ML-Class, this is it!
