Mercedes-Benz debuts GLA concept in Shanghai

By Yoav Gilad - April 18, 2013

Mercedes-Benz chose ‘Auto Shanghai’ (aka the Shanghai Auto Show) to debut an all-new small crossover concept, the GLA. Based on the A-class and B-class, the GLA is fairly straight-forward mechanically and is likely headed for production. Crossovers are very popular in China and a small luxury SUV like the GLA should sell very well, which is why it was debuted there. But the car’s styling is what most impressed us.

While the shape is based heavily on Mercedes’ current form language rather than the Ener-G-Force from the 2012 LA Auto Show, the GLA still boasts muscular fenders, a good bit of tumble-home and a large, aggressive grille. We could do without the fussy little lights on the roof, give us big Hellas or Cibiés instead. The wheels look sharp however, though we fear the 20’s won’t be found on the production model (and neither will the small-ish fender gaps).

Regardless, look for the production version to hit the auto-show circuit early next year as a 2015 model. We can’t wait to drive it!