Mercedes-Benz->ke187 USA has a potential problem on its hands with the 2015 GLA-Class. No, it's not the kind of problem that can spell doom and gloom for the new crossover itself. It's the kind of problem that spells doom and gloom for U.S. customers of the GLA-Class. That's because the supply of GLA models headed to the U.S. could be scarcer than anybody expected.

Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon lamented on the potential dearth of GLA models headed stateside, telling Auto News that demand in other markets could cut off the allocation of the compact crossover in the U.S. Demand for the GLA-Class in China, for example, is as strong, maybe even stronger than the U.S. Even sales in Europe have rebounded to the point that models Mercedes-Benz USA usually receives from its European counterpart aren't arriving this year.

All that points to the GLA being even scarcer than the CLA-Class compact sedan that went on sale in the U.S. last year. So if you were planning on buying the GLA-Class, it might be best to be that early bird that gets the worm. Otherwise, you might end up losing out on the GLA-Class when sales begin here in September 2014 for the GLA250 4MATIC.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes GLA.

Why It Matters

Like the CLA-Class->ke3130 is to the C-Class->ke1593, the Mercedes GLA-Class->ke4658 is the smaller and more affordable little brother to the G-Class->ke1712. It might not have the technology and amenities of the GLK-Class, but it's also a lot more affordable -- the base model GLA250 has a price of $32,225 -- than its big bro.

Paying less for a Mercedes is something customers have embraced so you can imagine how frustrating it could be if somebody loses out on the GLA-Class because Mercedes-Benz USA doesn't have enough models to sell.

I know I'd be ticked if that happens.

Mercedes GLA

There might not be enough GLA-Class models headed stateside, but that doesn't mean the coupe crossover will be any less appealing to any one of us.

The production GLA-Class is built using the same front-wheel-drive architecture that features transversely mounted engines found on the new-generation A-Class->ke452 and B-Class->ke2751.

The GLA250 will be powered by a 2.0-liter, gasoline engine that delivers 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. Meanwhile, the GLA45 AMG will feature an AMG-tuned version of the same engine, producing 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. That's good enough to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds to go with a top speed of 155 mph.

Also, U.S. customers should be prepared to receive "only" two variants of the GLA-Class: the GLA250 and the GLA45 AMG. The GLA250 4MATIC will be the first one to arrive next month at a price of $34,225, followed by the GLA45 AMG in October at a price of $49,995. The base front-wheel-drive GLA250 won't arrive until the first quarter of 2015, but if you can risk the wait, you can get it at the base price of $32,225.