Production of Mercedes-Benz’s compact premium SUV is now in full swing and the first GLA rolled off the Rastatt plant’s production line last week. Unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show and the Johannesburg International Motor Show, the GLA takes aim at the BMW X1/X3 and the Audi Q3/Q5. These products have done reasonably well, and it’s obvious Mercedes-Benz wants a slice of the compact premium SUV pie.

Mercedes-Benz GLA coming to South Africa

The new GLA will be launched in South Africa in April 2014. The diesel-powered versions come first, with petrol models to follow towards the end of the year.

“Following our successful premiere of the GLA at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October, we have had numerous enquiries from excited potential customers,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Marketing & Product, Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

“The order book is now open at all Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout Southern Africa. An added convenience is our digital online vehicle configurator, where customers will be able to configure their vehicle with various options and packages. They can then forward their selected specifications to their respective dealer, at a click of the mouse,” adds Govender. So there you have it. The Mercedes-Benz GLA isn’t even on our shores yet, but you can order one. Talk about confidence in the product…

Mercedes-Benz GLA pricing in South Africa

With the class-leading PremiumDrive 6-years/100 000 km maintenance plan, the GLA is introduced at:

GLA 200 R398 800 (incl. VAT excluding CO? tax)

GLA 200 CDI R422 700 (incl. VAT no CO? tax)

GLA 220 CDI 4MATIC R489 000 (incl. VAT excl. CO? tax)

Mercedes-Benz GLA video

You can get a better look at the Mercedes-Benz GLA by watching this video.