New GLA is essentially a jacked-up
crossover version of the current A-Class hatchback in concept form. It rides on
20in wheels, and gets the same ‘swoosh’ styling lines down the flanks as the
CLA, CLS and upcoming S-Class. C-shaped light clusters and chrome skid plates
dominate the rear view. Up front, each headlight is fitted with a laser-beam
projector (really) which not only lights the road ahead, but can also project
photos or films saved onto your smartphone, the car’s hard-drive or streamed
from the internet. Plus, this mobile cinema can act as a camera crew. Twin
cameras in the front of the GLA’s roof rails can record high-definition 3D
movies. The cameras can also be removed for away-from-car shooting. Expect a
less blinged-up, production version to be on sale in a Mercedes showroom near
you from 2015.
The
GLA Concept is distinguished by a muscular and sporty look thanks to its
powerful bonnet, the sporty grille and the large roof spoiler placed at the
rear.
A sporting chance
Same length as an Audi Q3, but slightly
wider and lower. Mercedes is prepping a go-faster GLA 45 AMG, using the 257kW
powertrain from the A45 AMG to fight the Audi RS Q3 for super-crossover honors.
We
will see a choice of both gasoline and diesel-powered engines, with power
ranging from 134 horsepower to 208 horsepower in the 2.0-liter turbocharged
engine.
Below the bonnet?
Concept uses a 156kW four-cylinder turbo diesel
engine, connected to Merc’s 7G-tronic dual-clutch auto. The production GLA will
employ Merc’s new 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which monitors grip across all
four wheels and sends up to 50% of power to the rears if the front tires start
to struggle.
All
the engines will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox with a
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic offered as an option.
Cabin concept
OTT cabin marries usual Mercedes design
cues and buttons with futuristic tan seats and copious polished aluminum
touches. The air vents glow blue when blowing cold air, emit white light at a
balmy 22 degrees Celsius, and turn red when you turn up the heat.
The
interior we saw in the concept is way overboard to put into production
Mercedes
will also offer the highest-quality materials, a wide selection of leather and
woods, plus carbon fiber and Alcantara for the AMG version.
