Mercedes plans to launch a crossover based on the same MFA modular architecture as the A-Class and B-Class. It will be called the GLA and will sit at the bottom of the offroading range that will start with the letters ‘GL’ for all the models, the “A” indicating this is the smallest of the bunch.
The GLA became official recently, when at the start of production of the new A-class at Mercedes’ plant in Rastatt, Germany, the automaker said the factory would also be making a crossover.
The GLA will act as a direct rival for the BMW X1, which is the best selling luxury crossover in Europe right now.
The full production versions will come with a body that’s only 110 mm longer than the standard A-Class. The engine options will most likely also be pulled from the A-Class, meaning a choice of small displacements turbocharged four-cylinder units with up to about 200 hp. An AMG version is also possible for the GLA, as its brother the A-Class will get a go-fast version.
The GLA will act as a direct rival for the BMW X1, which is the best selling luxury crossover in Europe right now.
The full production versions will come with a body that’s only 110 mm longer than the standard A-Class. The engine options will most likely also be pulled from the A-Class, meaning a choice of small displacements turbocharged four-cylinder units with up to about 200 hp. An AMG version is also possible for the GLA, as its brother the A-Class will get a go-fast version.