The presentation of the A-Class five-door hatchback is only the beginning for Mercedes-Benz’s smallest model series that will give birth to several models in the coming years including the CLA four-door sedan that we saw in Beijing as a concept as well as compact-size crossover.
The latest news comes via Car magazine, which reports that the A-Class SUV will be labeled the GLA after the German company’s new but rather confusing nomenclature that will see the letter “G” being used as the new suffix for SUVs and crossovers.
Naturally, the GLA will share its MFA platform (Mercedes Front-Wheel Drive Architecture) with the W176 A-Class hatchback, retaining the same 2,700mm long wheelbase. The premium SUV is expected to measure around 4.4 meters in length or roughly the same as its two chief rivals, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
The four-cylinder diesel and gasoline powerplants as well as the transmissions and the available all-wheel drive system will be shared with the A-Class range.
The British publication says that the GLA will debut about a year after the CLA sports sedan, which is expected to launch into the market in 2013.
* The opening photo is from a previous Mercedes-Benz Concept
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