Entry SUV Based on A-Class Chassis

A teaser movie has been released for the Mercedes compact SUV, the "GLA," whose production model debut is confirmed for the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

The production version of the GLA shown in the video basically follows the styling of the "Concept GLA" that Mercedes-Benz world-premiered at this year's Shanghai Motor Show. It is being finished as the most compact model in Mercedes' SUV lineup.

At the previous 2011 Shanghai Motor Show, Mercedes announced the "Concept A-Class," a concept model for the sporty current "A-Class" which emphasized sportiness. Since the A-Class was released to the market in virtually the same form as this concept model, it was thought that the GLA would also be introduced to the market without major design changes, and this has indeed proven to be the case.Concept A-Class" which emphasized sportiness. Since the A-Class was released to the market in virtually the same form as this concept model, it was thought that the GLA would also be introduced to the market without major design changes, and this has indeed proven to be the case.





The differences from the concept model confirmed at this time are in details such as the shape of the front bumper, headlights, and door handles; the overall image remains unchanged.

Like the "CLA" four-door coupe model, which was previously announced in Japan, the GLA utilizes the A-Class platform. It is a compact SUV based on FF, with a 4WD model. The body dimensions of the Concept GLA were 4383 x 1978 x 1579mm (length x width x height), and it can be expected that the production version will have very similar dimensions.

Furthermore, the GLA appearing in the teaser movie has a "GLA250" emblem. Following the example of the CLA, the engine is expected to be a 2.0-liter inline-4 direct-injection turbo engine with an output of 211 ps. This will be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, "7G-DCT," and drive all four wheels via 4MATIC. The 4WD system seamlessly varies torque distribution from 100:0 to 50:50.

The arrival of Mercedes' new SUV, belonging to the C-segment, is likely to further accelerate the global SUV popularity and downsizing trend. This is a new model for which the official announcement is eagerly awaited.