Details of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class compact crossover released

By John LeBlanc In what is becoming one of the hottest new vehicle segments on the planet, Mercedes-Benz has released images and production details of its forthcoming GLA-Class compact crossover, due to hit showrooms in 2014. Set to make its official world debut at next month’s Frankfurt auto show, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is essentially a taller, crossover version of the existing B-Class tall wagon and CLA-Class compact sedan. Smaller overall than the current  C-Class-based GLK-Class SUV, the new GLA’s chief rivals include the BMW X1 and the foreign-market Audi Q3. However, the Mini Countryman and Buick Encore are also trying to attract customers in a suddenly burgeoning luxury compact crossover class. In addition to these images, Mercedes-Benz has also provided us some mechanical details about its smallest crossover yet. And it’s no surprise that the GLA crossover borrows heavily from the CLA sedan. Power will come from the CLA's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine that makes 208 horsepower 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to Mercedes-Benz, the GLA will scoot from 0 to 96 km/h in 6.4 seconds and top out of 233 km/h. Where the GLA will differ from the CLA is in the traction department. When it goes on-sale in Canada this fall, the CLA will only be available with front-wheel-drive, but the GLA is also expected to offer traction at all four wheels as an option. Other premium GLA features will include electromechanical power steering, collision prevention and attention assist systems and stop-start technology. Options like distance control, lane keeping and parking assistance and the de rigeur sport package will be available too. From a pricing standpoint, the GLA will obviously be less than the larger GLK, which starts at $43,500. Although Canadian pricing and availability has not been announced, speculation sees a $1,000 premium over the CLA sedan’s $33,900 starting price for the FWD GLA, $2,000 for the AWD version. How do feel about yet another small Mercedes? Do these compact models lessen the brand’s luxury image? Or do less expensive (and less capable) ‘Benz models simply make the brand more accessible? Source: Mercedes-Benz

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