Mercedes-Benz GLA revealed Ahead of Shanghai Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the GLA compact SUV before its official global debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this month. The compact SUV will compete against the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The crossover is based on the company's MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform. The compact SUV has been caught in lenses during test rounds number of times over the last few months, and it is also expected that the production ready version will be put on display at the Motor Show.

The compact SUV is an all new model from the German auto-major to appeal younger customers, rather than company's traditional models preferred by business class. Media reports suggest that the crossover will go on sale in North America in early 2014. It is expected that the GLA will be powered by the same engine that also does duties in other MFA based cars. The crossover is likely to house a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which will be tuned to offer wide range of powers from 122bhp to 211bhp, and a diesel engine of the same capacity developing 170bhp. It is also said that the GLA crossover will share most of its ingredients with the company's A-Class hatch, B-Class tourer and the CLA sedan to keep costs in check.

“The Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment -- this is sporty and more coupe-like,” says Joachim Schmidt, head of Mercedes-Benz sales and marketing. The GLA compact SUV is likely to be priced under Rs. 25 lakh and will come as a front-wheel drive option. The car will also make its way to the Indian auto industry by 2014-15 to rival BMW X1 and Audi Q3. 

Image Credit - AutoWeek