With only three days left for the grand opening of the Auto China 2013 in Shanghai this Saturday (April 20, 2013), the first official images of the Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover concept have made their way onto the web.
The study is fairly close to the actual production model that Mercedes will reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year, before it goes on sale worldwide in the first half of 2014.
The A-Class-based premium crossover is 4.38 meters (172.4 inches) long, 1.97 meters (77.6 inches) wide and 1.57 meters (61.8 inches) tall, which makes its slightly bigger than the hatch in all dimensions, while riding on the same 2.69mm wheelbase.
It features a more rugged appearance than the regular hatch with all the usual styling cues one expects from a modern-day crossover like the roof rails, protection plates under the bumpers and wheel arch moldings and then some more, including 20-inch alloy wheels in tires size 255/45 R20.
Inside, the GLA borrows the dashboard and other interior parts from the A-Class adding bespoke trim and materials, and a unique instrument panel. Needless to say, the appearance of the production version will be toned down.
Beneath the skin, you will find the underpinnings of the A-Class updated with a different suspension, but the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four petrol from the A250 that produces 208hp (211PS). A seven-speed dual-clutch 7G-DCT transmission feeds Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The production model will be offered with more engine options, including a range-topping 2.0-liter turbo’d four with well over 300-horses for the GLA 45 AMG.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz via Unternehmen-heute
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