It’s official, theMercedes-BenzConcept GLA premium compact SUV will make its public debut at the Shanghai Motor Show.

“The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA is a compact SUV that combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion.’Escape the everyday’ is the message that this car conveys to its driver. It also makes clear the further potential of our compact vehicle architecture, which provides the basis for the A- and B-Class models that led the German market in their respective segments in the first quarter of 2013.”

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA is one of a kind

The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA will feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a power output of 155kW. It will be mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

Exterior Design Features

The Concept GLA is finished in silver Alubeam paint and is styled with a number of distinctive features including the powerful hood, bold radiator grille and the centrally positioned star which merges elegantly into two horizontal bars. The concept rides on 20-inch wheels that come in a distinctive five spoke turbine design. The Concept GLA continually shows off masculine features above the rear axle which is accentuated by the slightly pulled in C-pillar.

Other features include distinctive door mirrors, frameless side windows that emphasize coupe-like characteristics, and new laser light LED technology. The front headlamps are each fitted with a laser-beam projector, while the indicators feature digital chase lighting strips which blink in a progressive ‘wave’ pattern.

Interior Design Features

The interior is dominated by an exciting contrast of leather and dark galvanised aluminium. The four individual seats and door centre panels are covered in a rich brown natural leather tone. The seat cushions feature central inlay panels in a high quality canvas material and display an embossed pattern that continues the saddle theme. The armrests and centre panels of the door linings are designed as a very clear structural unit, and the dashboard is constructed in several layers.

The air vents in the dashboard are illuminated from behind and have a cool feature that changes colour according to the interior temperature set by the driver. The fibre-optic ambient lighting in the boot visually extends the line drawn by the centre console all the way from the instrument panel through to the rear seats. The model will also feature two HD cameras mounted on the roof rail.

Further details for the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA will be officially revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show.