At the 2013 Auto Shanghai, Mercedes->ke187 unveiled the GLA Concept -- the initial preview for the company's fifth SUV. Just a few months after, the production GLA will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235.

The production GLA-Class is built on the same front-wheel-drive architecture that features transversely mounted engines as the new-generation A-Class and B-Class. From the A-Class, the new GLA also borrows its engine lineup, but U.S. customers will only have one variant, the GLA250, which is offered in standard front-wheel drive and optional 4MATIC.

On the U.S. market, the model will be put on sale in the fall of 2014.

Updated 08/14/2013: The production Mercedes GLA will make its world debut in September at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, but Mercedes just released the first official details on the production version GLA.

Updated 07/29/2014: Mercedes announced that the all-new GLA-Class will be put on sale at a starting price of $32,225, while when equipped with the 4MATIC system, the price will raise to $34,225.

Hit the jump to read more about the production version Mercedes GLA-Class.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 208
  • Torque: 258
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy shots

We have caught the GLA-Class testing plenty of times on public roads and on Nurburgring.

When compared to the current GLK, which is currently the smallest SUV in Mercedes lineup, the GLA features a much rounder body. Also, when you put it next to the A-Class, you will notice a beefier and more muscular front end, a more sloped rear window, and, of course, a higher ride height. The AMG version will get a more aggressive look with dual exhaust pipes, bigger wheels and cross-drilled brakes.

TopSpeed Rendering

Exterior

The new GLA offers hallmark Mercedes SUV genes, but Mercedes combines them with design values of Progression and Tradition, making it the SUV of the future. This means that this design may very well be used in the designing of upcoming Benz SUVs.

The front is dominated by twin-louver grille with a central star, a new hood with power-domes and headlights with available LED daytime running lamps. The front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes, while the sill panels are offered in contrasting dark-grey.

The side is also distinguished by the usual Mercedes design philosophy, including a dropping line running from the headlamps and up to the rear wheel arch, while the line of the belt-line trim gradually rises from the rear door to the C-pillar.

On the side, you will notice that the panel features scallops to make the SUV look even more aggressive and unique. The roof rail comes in standard chrome, but it can also be ordered in high-gloss black.

On the rear, the new GLA adds divided tail lights, a curved rear window and a shiny chrome applique between the taillights. The last elements is a large roof spoiler that helps improve the SUV's aerodynamic features.

Dimensions

Length

173.9 inches

Width

71 inches

Height

58.8 inches


Interior

The interior is both luxurious and muscular, thanks to the combinations of high-grade materials, the use of silver-shadow for all trim surfaces and some of the latest technology.

The GLA's dashboard features two different sections -- upper and lower -- both featuring matte and glossy 3D graining and a 3D trim section of aluminum or wood. Just like on any other Mercedes SUV, the GLA offers five round air vents, but with exclusive galvanized bezels around them.

The driver enjoys a three-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanized chrome clasp, while the seats can be ordered in standard MB-Tex or optional leather. For an extra cost, there is also an optional Interior package that adds sports seats.

Drivetrain

In the U.S. market, the only model available is the GLA250. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine that delivers a total of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with the 4MATIC system, this version sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 145 mph.

The engine mates to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission as standard. The standard GLA250 comes with front-wheel drive, but a GLA250 with Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is an option.

When equipped with 4MATIC, the GLA also includes Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and an off-road transmission mode. The DSR system is pretty much self-explanatory, as it holds the GLA's to to a predetermined value for slow and steady downhill crawls,

The off-road transmission mode is a little trickier. When the driver activates this mode, the transmission-shift points and the accelerator responses are modified for light off-road driving. This helps prevent spinning the tires in loss dirt or mud. Additionally, this mode changes the head unit to display pertinent off-road information, including: steering angle, compass, roll angle and slope grade.

Suspension and Brakes

The GLA comes standard with 18-inch wheels, but buyers can opt for a set of 19-inch wheels. The GLA's suspension systems are fairly basic with a McPherson-strut setup on the front and an independent multi-link rear suspension with three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel.

Prices

The GLA250 4MATIC will arrive in the U.S. first, as it will hit dealers in the fall of 2014. The base front-wheel-drive GLA250 will not arrive until early in 2015. Mercedes will announce the pricing details at a later date.

Model

MSRP

GLA250

$32,225

GLA 250 4MATIC

$34,225


Options

Driver Assistance Package

$2,500

Rearview camera

$450

PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist

$970

Blind Spot Assist

$550

Premium Package

$2,300

Multimedia Package

$2,480

Heated front seats

$580

harman/kardon LOGIC7® sound system

$850

iPad® Docking Station

$250

Becker® MAP PILOT prewiring

$200

Interior Package

$1,700


Competitors

2015 BMW X1

The BMW X1 certainly enjoyed a period of supremacy in the world because when it in Europe back in 2009, it was basically the only one of its kind. Unfortunately for Bimmer, things are quickly changing and more competition is on its way.

For the 2015 model, BMW will focus on updating the exterior and the interior look of the X1, while also modifying the current engine lineup to lower fuel consumption. An electric version is also a possibility.

2015 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 hits the U.S. market in the Spring of 2014 and the details are still pretty scarce about the powertrains it will bring from across the pond. In Europe, the Q3 features four four-cylinder engine, including two 2.0-liter engines with 170 or 211 horsepower and two 2.0-liter TDI engines with 140 and 177 horsepower.

Conclusion

The new GLA-Class is a must for Mercedes to stay up to date with the recent trends. Though it is not as impressive as its concept, the new GLA-Class will surely be a hit on the market. We're only hoping Mercedes will be smart enough to keep the price down.