The Mercedes G-Class->ke1712 has had a very long history in the automotive industry. Currently the model comes in four versions: G, GL, ML and GLK. Starting 2014, however, a fifth version will be added to the lineup. Called the GLA, the new model will be an SUV coupe.

The Mercedes->ke187 GLA will be built on the same front-wheel-drive architecture that features transversely mounted engines, as found in the next A and B-Classes. The production version of the GLA will also borrow lots of its design elements from the same A-Class that inspired it, but of course with an increased ride height.

2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA

Specifications
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  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The future Mercedes GLA will feature the same contemporary styling that we have seen in the new A-Class. Of course, it will not be as extreme as the one revealed by the concept, but still good enough to easily recognize it.

The new GLA Concept is adopting a muscular and sporty look thanks to its powerful bonnet and the sporty radiator grille. Mercedes has also added some "softcubes" that can be found on the radiator grille, the side sill panels and the exhaust tailpipes. On the side, the concept received distinctive door mirrors, with twin supporting struts, fully recessed slim door handles and a set of 20-inch wheels in a distinctive five-spoke turbine design.

At the rear, you will notice that reinforced curvature of the window and the elegant chrome strip between the rear light clusters. There is also a large roof spoiler and a twin-pipe exhaust system.

The most impressive feature of the concept is of course the new set of headlights fitted with a laser-beam projector.

Dimensions:

Length 172.4 inches
Width 77.6 inches
Height 61.8 inches
Wheelbase 106.3 inches


Interior

As much as we like the interior revealed in the GLA Concept, we need to be realistic and imagine it won't make it to production. Instead, Mercedes will opt for something more traditional, with an instrument panel divided into two different sections, a three-spoke steering wheel with 12 function buttons, a display screen featuring a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.

For the concept, however, Mercedes decided to go to the extremes. There are four individual seats wrapped in natural leather in a rich shade of brown - same used for the door center panels. This color is combined with grey leather on the backs of the front seats.

Mercedes also installed some cool air vents that change color, depending on the temperature selected: blue for cooler temperatures and red for warmer ones.

Drivetrain

The concept version is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering a total of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox.

The production version, however, is expected to be offered with the same engines found in the hatchback version. Gasoline engine fans will get to choose between a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 120 or 154 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering a total of 208 horsepower.

For diesel fans, Mercedes will offer a 1.8-liter unit with either 108 or 134 horsepower and a 2.2-liter with 168 horsepower. All the engines will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic offered as an option.

Prices

The production version Mercedes GLA is expected to be unveiled by the end of 2013. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

BMW X1

The first generation X1 was officially unveiled in 2009, but BMW is always on the move, so the second generation is already under development. This new-gen X1 should arrive by the time the new GLA is put on sale.

BMW will focus on updating both the exterior and the interior look of the X1, while the current engine lineup will receive numerous modifications in order to lower the fuel consumption.

Audi Q3

The Q3 is offered with a choice of three engines: one TDI and two TFSI units with power ranging from 140 to 211 horsepower. All engines are combined with direct fuel injection, turbocharging, a start-stop system and an energy-recovery system.

Conclusion

The new GLA has been a missing link in Mercedes’ lineup for some time now. The question is if it really has all the things required to steal customers’ attention from the X1 and the Q3? We'll just have to wait and see.