Autoblog

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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Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz

Remember the dowdy original Mercedes-Benz A-Class? It's hard to believe that this sporty new five-door hatch evolved from that frumpy thing. But it has, and the new A-Class is officially rolling off the Daimler assembly line in Rastatt, Germany, as of now.

The A-Class will join its platform-mate B-Class and a forthcoming crossover model at Rastatt. While we've heard plenty of rumors about this crossover, we hope that Daimler's announcement today that it will be the next product sharing the Rastatt line should lead to some more official information about the new model allegedly dubbed "GLA." Daimler sunk some €1.2 billion (nearly $1.5 billion) into the plant to produce the trio of compact vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz says its already had 40,000 orders for the new A-Class since it went on sale in mid-June, with some 70,000 B-Class people movers sold since that model hit showrooms late last year.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed

Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New entry-level Mercedes crossover to be dubbed GLA

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

With BMW readying a refreshed X1 crossover for the U.S. this fall, Mercedes-Benz is looking to play Burger King to the Bavarian automaker's McDonald's, launching its own kiddie-sized crossover next year. According to Car, the new model, formerly known as BLK, is now called GLA, thanks to the marque's new nomenclature.

The GLA will share a platform with the new A-Class and B-Class, riding on what Mercedes refers to as its MFA architecture. Car says the GLA will be about the same size as the B-Class pictured above, at 174.8 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 59 inches tall, with a 106.2-inch wheelbase - just slightly smaller than the X1. The magazine doesn't have any specific information about what might be powering the new crossover, but says it will share powertrains with its platform-mates. This means we can probably expect the turbocharged, 208-horsepwoer, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct injection that we saw in the Concept Style Coupe at Beijing to be fitted underhood once the GLA arrives Stateside.

New entry-level Mercedes crossover to be dubbed GLA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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