The compact SUV segment has a new entry and its none other than Mercedes-Benz, which has just revealed the specs of its brand new GLA, the company’s first foray into the compact SUV field. It is also the first to offer the new-generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with fully variable torque distribution.
The GLA completes Mercedes-Benz’ other five model series in the SUV category, which include GLK, ML, GL and G. Compact has been all the rage with the German automaker: the company reports that in the first six months of this year, more than 173,362 units of the A and B-Class and the new CLA Coupé were delivered worldwide.
“With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment,” said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The GLA will be available in either 1.6 or 2.0-liter petrol engines that generate up to 156 hp in the GLA 200 and 211 hp in the GLA 250. The two diesel engines are great alternatives too: the GLA 200 CDI produces 136 hp and maximum torque of 300 Nm while the GLA 220 CDI gets up to 170 hp and 350 Nm.
The GLA will debut at the IAA Show in Frankfurt in September. Although it won’t arrive to dealership until 2014, interested buyers can place orders at the end of November, the company said in a statement.
Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz
