Mercedes GLA Poses for Its Chinese Debut

MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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announced yesterday that it would give the GLAMercedes-Benz GLA 250Germany, 2013 > present its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20. Today, it released a full gallery and specs for the production-ready concept that will be shown in China.

As we knew, the GLA is a premium compact crossover using the platform from the modern A-ClassMercedes-Benz A-Class Gen.3 [W 176]Germany, 2012 > present33 versions
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. It is 4.383m long, 1.978m wide and 1.579m tall. Power for the concept version comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 211hp and power going to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The GLA is built as a road-focused crossover. While it has all-wheel drive, the coupe-like styling and high-end look do not communicate any ability to go off road. Mercedes uses the term "Escape the everyday" to describe the concept.

In the front, the GLA has a broad, blunt grill with a large Mercedes star in the center. The hood has two slight power bulges on either side. In profile, the GLA has a long hood and steeply raked windshield that gives it a sporty look. The rear glass is also slightly raked, which may remove some interior space, but it does so at the expense of much better style. There are two creases on each side that sweep to the rear to give an outline to the rear fender. At the rear, the body slices into the LED taillights to give them a much more dynamic look. There is also a simulated skid guard that the exhausts poke out from.

The interior mixes metal trim and high-end leather trim but might be the car's weakest element. The problem is the seats that appear hard, uncomfortable and uninviting. It does not look like a nice place to seat. The air vents and dashboard are made from aluminum in a variety of textures from polished to brushed. The vents have interior LEDs to lend them a little light for extra style

For the concept, Mercedes installed laser headlights on the car. The lasers create a very blue light and feature visibly rotating vents in the rear of the lights for cooling. The lasers are reflected off glass lenses to diffuse the light to make them shine out like traditional headlights. The lights are linked to the intelligent key as well and begin to pulsate when the driver approaches the car. Mercedes calls it "Coming home" mode. LEDS are used for the running lights.

Mercedes has not said when the production GLA will go on sale.