Mercedes-Benz has dropped the first official details about the new Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV concept, which is going to debut this weekend at the Shanghai Motor Show.
Mercedes-Benz has dropped the first official details about the new Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV concept, which is going to debut this weekend at the Shanghai Motor Show. The GLA rides on the same platform as the A-Class and measures 172.5 inches long, 77.8 inches wide and 62.1 inches tall. The GLA concept is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 208 horsepower that is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.
“The Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment – this is a sporty and more coupé-like evolution of this category of vehicle”, commented Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing. “The Concept GLA is a compact SUV that combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion. ‘Escape the everyday’ is the message that this car conveys to its driver. It also makes clear the further potential of our compact vehicle architecture, which provides the basis for the A- and B-Class models that led the German market in their respective segments in the first quarter of 2013.”
One cool feature on the GLA concept are its new headlights that feature laser technology. These not only provide the light to drive by, but are also capable of projecting pictures or videos onto a screen or other surface. Any media format that can be operated through the COMAND system can serve as a source: pictures or video from a smartphone, the internet, or from a hard drive.
Alternatively, the action can be produced live. The Concept GLA is fitted with two cameras, housed in the front roof rail. And these can be used for far more than just 3D images taken as the Concept GLA drives along: the HD cameras can be removed and, for example, fitted to a mountain bike helmet. An additional lamp unit in each camera ensures that the lighting is right, whatever the situation. As an alternative to the projection option, movies may also be viewed inside the car on the COMAND screen.
The GLA concept previews the production version which is expected to debut this fall.
