China: Mercedes-Benz GLA concept revealed at Shanghai Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz's new-model surge continues at the Shanghai motor show later this week, when the German automaker unveils a high-riding concept car meant to preview the sharp appearance, contemporary interior and mechanical package of Benz's upcoming GLA. The compact SUV is part of a new-model family meant to appeal to younger customers, rather than Mercedes' more traditional models. It is planned to go on sale in North America in early 2014 at a price expected to pitch it into direct competition with small utes like the BMW X1.
“The Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment -- this is sporty and more coupe-like,” says Joachim Schmidt, head of Mercedes-Benz sales and marketing.
The Shanghai concept car previews the production GLA's look -- that will be shown at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The two share the same body panels, although in usual practice the concept features more flamboyant detailing, including projectors in the headlamps and cameras in the roof rails.
Official figures reveal the GLA is 172.5 inches long, 77.9 inches wide and 62.2 inches high, making it 3.6 inches shorter, 7 inches wider and 1.3 inches lower than the BMW X1.
Based on Mercedes' new MFA (modular front architecture) platform, the compact SUV shares its 106.3-inch wheelbase with all three of the German automaker's latest front-wheel-drive models, including the second-generation B-class, third-generation A-class and recently unveiled CLA sedan.
The concept has frameless doors like the Mercedes-Benz CLA that are intended to provide it with some flair, but the production GLA will have conventional framed doors. The concept has four bucket seats; the production car will have front buckets and a rear bench.
A transverse-mounted, direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter four powers the concept, producing 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is available in several Benzes, and word is the production car will have a choice of four gas and three diesel engines, depending on the market. There's a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and multi-plate clutch all-wheel-drive system -- the same system Benz unveiled on the B-class 4Matic at the Geneva motor show in March.
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