Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG spied in Sweden

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

We've spotted the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA testing a couple times in recent months in getting closer to production form and shedding camouflage, but now it looks like we're see our first look at the AMG version of this compact crossover. The low ride height might trick some into thinking that we're just seeing the already-confirmed A45 AMG out testing, but the unique beltline, rear doors and side windows confirm this is some version of the GLA-Class.

What makes us so confident that this is the AMG model? Well, for starters, this prototype has beefier brakes with cross-drilled front and rear rotors and bigger front calipers, but it also sports dual exhaust outlets poking through the rear fascia and a suspension that has been lowered considerably. Our spy shooters said that this car's exhaust note made it almost certainly an AMG model.

Just to be clear, the GLA AMG will not be powered by a 4.5-liter engine. The closely related A45 AMG will carry the "45" in its name to celebrate the first 45 years of AMG, and our sources seem to indicate the AMG version of the GLA will do the same. We're expecting this sporty crossover to produce as much as 350 horsepower from its AMG-tuned four-cylinder engine, and like the all-new E63 AMG, it could very well come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

With the standard GLA-Class not expected to debut until this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the GLA45 AMG might have to wait until sometime next year to get its official introduction; although, as a note, Mercedes-Benz did reveal all of its E-Class models (including the E63 AMG) at the same this week at the Detroit Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG spied in Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover spotted

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Back in July, Mercedes-Benz officially confirmed plans for an all-new compact crossover, and now we're finally getting our first look at the new model to be called the GLA-Class. Based on the same platform used for the new A-Class and B-Class models, the GLA-Class will go up against the BMW X1.

From these spy shots, it looks like the GLA will get a sportier, more rounded shape that fits in better with the A-Class hatchback rather than other SUVs like the GL-Class and GLK-Class. Compared to the A-Class, which will likely be coming to the U.S. in 2013, the GLA-Class will be more accommodating to rear occupants with larger rear door openings. This test mule also reveals a panoramic sunroof that stretches all the way back to the C-pillar.

The GLA-Class will be built alongside the A- and B-Class in Rastatt, Germany, and it is expected to go into production in 2014. In addition to the A-Class, B-Class and GLA-Class, this platform will also underpin the CLA-Class four-door coupe and SLA-Class roadster.

There's still no word as to whether the GLA will be offered in the U.S., but recent reports that the B-Class will only be available as an EV here leaves plenty of space in the Mercedes lineup for a small utility vehicle like this.

Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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