Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept revealed

Mercedes-Benz revealed its concept GLA crossover which when brought to production will renew the already existing rivalry between them and the companies like BMW and Audi. It’s laden with powerful strokes on the outside but the hood is SLK inspired while the drooping shoulder reminds us of the CLS. Mercedes-Benz has finally realised how important the luxury compact SUV segment is and the GLA concept is just a preview of what is in stored.

To be officially unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month, this GLA concept gets the blue-hue headlights which use laser and LED technology. They can project video and patterns onto a screen, a wall, or even on the road surface. The interiors look smashing too.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA's interiors use a combination of leather, aluminium, and plexiglas to bring to life unusual yet very futuristic 3D effects. The crossover gets illuminated air vents, which change in colour according to temperature, but we suspect they won't survive when this concept makes it to production.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA  will get the new M270 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine, the same that is offered in the A Class and CLA Class. This 208bhp churning engine will be mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

Unlike the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1, the GLA will lack the option of a 5 or 6-cylinder engine. But you never know when the German company might pull a rabbit out of the hat by making a GLA45 AMG version of it.