Mercedes GLA First Official Sketch Released
Set to take on the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, Mercedes just released an official sketch of the GLA compact crossover that is expected to debut during the Shanghai auto show this weekend.
When it reaches dealers, the GLA will be based on the same platform as the Mercedes CLA-Class bound of the U.S. — as is evidenced in the design sketched here.
As previous spy photos showed, the vehicle has a round, oval grille. But those photos didn’t showcase the car’s organic shapes including the headlights and fog lights.
Of course, the vehicle offers a raised ride height over the preferably pavement-driven A-Class and CLA-Class siblings. According to AutoCar, Mercedes will offer a range of engines including a Renault-sourced 1.6-liter with either 120 or 154 hp, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 208 hp, or a twin-turbo version for the AMG model with about 330 hp. There will also be two diesel engines, although the majority of those powerplants are unlikely to reach the market. If Mercedes chose to offer a diesel, it would likely be the larger, 2.2-liter version with 168 hp, but don’t bet on it.
If the CLA is any indication, expect the GLA to come with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG spy photos
Discuss this story at Mercedes CLA Forum
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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