Yesterday the German automaker Mercedes-Benz released the first official images with the GLA Concept which will be showcased in a few days at 2013 Auto Shanghai, before the production version arrives in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. What could be described as one of the most interesting concepts seen lately, the GLA has been fitted with a bulging hood, roof rails, a raked windscreen, massive wheel arches with moldings, 20-inch rims wrapped around in 255/40 R20 tires and a dual exhaust setup. There are also protection plates under the bumpers, a massive front grille with a big Mercedes-Benz logo and sweptback headlights.
The bad news is that the production version will look a lot different than this concept as it is expected to take most of its design cues from the A-Class hatchback. Since it will be a crossover, the ride height will be slightly increased.
The concept seen in these photos is 4.38 meters (172.4 inches) long, 1.97 meters (77.6 inches) wide and 1.57 meters (61.8 inches) tall, while the wheelbase spans at 2.69 meters (106.3 inches). Under the bonnet is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine taken straight from the A240. This mill is capable of outputting 211 HP (155 kW) and comes connected to a dual clutch, 7G-DCT gearbox which sends those ponies to the GLA’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
The production version will most definitely take the engine lineup from the hatchback so it will be offered with several 4-cylinder diesels and gasoline engines, with an output of up to 211 HP (155 kW). There’s also going to be a range-topping AMG variant which is expected to feature a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of producing no less than 354 HP (260 kW).
More details will be available on Saturday when Mercedes-Benz will publicly unveil the GLA Concept at 2013 Auto Shanghai. Hopefully they will provide some information about the production version as well which is going to be the smallest crossover in the company’s lineup.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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