GLA (X156) [Spyshots] Mercedes-Benz GLA

[Wolfgang]

http://www.benzinsider.com/2013/01/amgs-crossover-weapon-spied-testing-in-sweden/

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Why are they going for the hathback on steroids look, ala X1, as opposed to a genuine shrunken SUV look like that Q3?

 

[Wolfgang]

This earlier posted render may be the GLA?



Probably not. Might be the 2016 GLK Coupe or GLC instead. Started a new thread here:

http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/mercedes-2016-glc-glk-coupe.48126/#post-619317

 

[Wolfgang]

 

[K-A]

Holy sh** that looks hideous.

Is it a raised up A-Class mule or something?

 

[Wolfgang]

We’ve been reporting for several years on Mercedes-Benz’s plans to launch a new compact crossover based on its ‘MFA’ small car platform, which is currently found in the latest A Class and B Class models sold overseas as well as the 2014 CLA Class four-door coupe that's just landed in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz then made its compact crossover official last July, announcing at the start of production of its new A Class that the MFA platform will eventually span five different models, including the crossover.

Now, we have new spy shots of a prototype for the German automaker’s baby crossover, which is expected to go on sale towards the end of the year as a 2014 model. No name has been formally announced, though we’re expecting it to be called the GLA Class.

To compete against the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1, upcomingLincoln MKC and, to a lesser extent, the MINI Countryman, expect the GLA to be a bit more sporting in appearance than the average crossover, although engines are likely to be pulled from current A and B class offerings.

In other words, expect the GLA to look fast but not go so fast (unless, of course, you opt for the planned AMG version).

As the spy shots reveal, the styling is similar to that of the A Class hatchback, though the vehicle is wider and its grille larger. We can also see the tail-light graphics, which appear to combine elements from both the A Class and latest CLA.

The base engine in the U.S. should be the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the base CLA. Rated at 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, this engine will be able to send drive to either the front or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Other markets will receive less powerful units as well as diesels. An AMG version, most likely labeled a GLA45 AMG, is also in the works, and will be coming with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four with more than 330 horsepower that will be fitted to the upcoming A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG models.

Inside, owners will find something similar to that found in the CLA. This means standard Bluetooth, cruise control, a powered-driver seat, and MB-Tex trim. A 5.8-inch screen will come standard, with Mercedes’ COMAND interface and a 7.0-inch screen offered as an option. A Multimedia package will add items such as a DVD changer, 10 GB music drive, backup camera and voice control.

Stay tuned for updates on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class as development progresses.

Note, to make way for this new compact crossover, Mercedes’ existing offering, the GLK Class, is expected to grow in size for its next-generation.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1079664_2014-mercedes-benz-gla-class-spy-shots

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes Concept Style Coupe as shown at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing -- photo MB Passion Blog

A GLA design study may debut at the upcoming Auto China in Shanghai, April 21 to 29, 2013.
The GLA is supposed to be 4.5m long reports Stern Online, and will be introduced in 2014.

Looks like the GLK will be just slightly longer with 4.536m?

http://www.germancarforum.com/commu...arly-facelift-for-m-class-coming.48118/page-3

 

[tennmb]

Holy sh** that looks hideous.

Is it a raised up A-Class mule or something?

Uhh yep. It's the same platform. My only gripe is that it is too short in the back. Needs more cargo area. Otherwise, whatever. It's going to be in the same category as the CLA, trying to reach new markets down stream.
Both the next gen C and GLK are growing, so this will be the new entry level.

 

[Der Hofmeister]

Dr. Dieter Zetsche during today's speech at Daimler's Annual Press Conference:

"Two months from now, we will provide a first look at our compact SUV in Shanghai. The world premiere of the series version will follow at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September."

So, same as in the case of the A-Class and CLA-Class. First, the Concept GLA-Class (or what ever they may call it) and then the serial GLA-Class.

 

[DexterMorgan]

Holy sh** that looks hideous.

Is it a raised up A-Class mule or something?

The overall proportions still look better than the X1 or the new 3GT BMW just released. But most folks don't buy cars for their good proportions, I'd like to reserve judgement until the black wrap comes off.

 

[Merc1]

Yes Frankfurt, the biggest show of them all. Hopefully we will see the CL replacement and maybe a concept for the Maybach replacement. The Germans naturally have to bring it for their home country autoshow.

M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Yes Frankfurt, the biggest show of them all.

I hope one day I can actually attend that show.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The overall proportions still look better than the X1 or the new 3GT BMW just released. But most folks don't buy cars for their good proportions, I'd like to reserve judgement until the black wrap comes off.

To me it's not looking promising at all. Like an A class has been taking steroids.

 

[Emex]

It's going to have a wider rear track by the looks of it as well.

 

[Mark]

GLA45 AMG

 

[Merc1]

For some reason this thing is looking better and better. The AMG version should be a riot. The U.S. market will never be the same once BMW, Audi and MB all have cars costing the same as a loaded Accord or Camry on sale at the same time.

M

 

[tennmb]

The rear overhand ought to at least balance the front. Not too mention the tiny boot this thing will have. It's just a jacked up A-class. Which basically is an A-class for the US market. I'm not offended at the styling, but if you said it was a Mazda or Hyundai I wouldn't argue. And that really is the market. The battle is this. For MB cheaper means smaller. And the US market is already littered with little crossovers that offer much better size.

 

[Wolfgang]

MB Passion

Mercedes-Benz Confirms Debut of GLA Crossover Concept in China [2013 Shanghai Auto Show]

Mercedes-Benz’s intention to produce a crossover based on the wildly popular new front-wheel-drive architecture underpinning the A-class, the B-class, and the CLA-class is no secret. We’ve spied Benz’s littlest ute being tested, and we know it will be built at the brand’s Rastatt, Germany, production site. Now, after being tipped off by a report from Motor Authority, we hear from company sources that a concept version of the compact crossover, called GLA-class, will bow at the Shanghai auto show in April. The GLA shown in Shanghai won’t be up to production specification, but we can expect a fairly accurate interpretation of what will land at dealerships likely by the end of the year.

The GLA will be offered with front- and all-wheel drive, and a choice of four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines taken from the parts bin available to other Mercedes vehicles making use of the shared architecture. An AMG version is possible, but not confirmed, and it wouldn’t become a reality for some time.

Mercedes’ front-wheel-drive family will receive at least one further model beyond the A-class, B-class, CLA, and GLA. A station wagon version of the CLA—which the Stuttgart-based manufacturer could erroneously call a Shooting Brake—is the likeliest to complete the fab five, but an A-class cabriolet is close to being finalized, as well.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/merced...ver-concept-in-china-2013-shanghai-auto-show/

 

[LaArtist]

interesting.. interior looks smashing

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Well we all know how far removed from reality these concepts are from the A and CLA.