Automotive

Mercedes Concept GLA unveiled ahead of Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes Concept GLA unveiled ahead of Shanghai Auto Show
Roof rail mounted cameras offer drivers a type of built-in GoPro option
Roof rail mounted cameras offer drivers a type of built-in GoPro option
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Proportions and stylistic overtones are akin to a VW Toureg but the fluidity of the overall design comes off as refreshing
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Proportions and stylistic overtones are akin to a VW Toureg but the fluidity of the overall design comes off as refreshing
Headlamps fitted with laser projectors provide both night time illumination but are also can project pictures or films onto any surface
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Headlamps fitted with laser projectors provide both night time illumination but are also can project pictures or films onto any surface
Roof rail mounted cameras offer drivers a type of built-in GoPro option
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Roof rail mounted cameras offer drivers a type of built-in GoPro option
Sporting a turbocharged 4-cylinder, the GLA is rated at 211 hp via a 1.9 liter engine
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Sporting a turbocharged 4-cylinder, the GLA is rated at 211 hp via a 1.9 liter engine
Working off the same platform as Benz’ A, B and CLA classes, the new GLA is similar in dimension but more stylistically evolved
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Working off the same platform as Benz’ A, B and CLA classes, the new GLA is similar in dimension but more stylistically evolved
Seat cushions, feature inlays of a high-quality canvas material, and an embossed pattern that continues the cowboy theme
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Seat cushions, feature inlays of a high-quality canvas material, and an embossed pattern that continues the cowboy theme
Concept GLA uses more than 20 meters of hand-stitched seams to hold the raw edges of the leather together
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Concept GLA uses more than 20 meters of hand-stitched seams to hold the raw edges of the leather together
Helicopter styled tie downs ensure luggage remains secure, and stylish
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Helicopter styled tie downs ensure luggage remains secure, and stylish
Air vents are illuminated from behind and change colour according to the set interior temperature
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Air vents are illuminated from behind and change colour according to the set interior temperature
Juxtaposed finish of leathers and dark galvanized aluminum finishes adorn the cabin
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Juxtaposed finish of leathers and dark galvanized aluminum finishes adorn the cabin
Roof rail mounted cameras offer drivers a type of built-in GoPro option
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Roof rail mounted cameras offer drivers a type of built-in GoPro option
A "dropping line" extends from the headlights to the rear wheel arch as the beltline trim rises slightly from the rear door towards the C-pillar
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A "dropping line" extends from the headlights to the rear wheel arch as the beltline trim rises slightly from the rear door towards the C-pillar
View gallery - 12 images

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new Concept GLA SUV ahead of this year's Shanghai Auto Show. The 2014 concept, intended as a newly styled compact SUV from Mercedes Benz, is designed for urban use, and packs in high-tech innovations beside old school bespoke finishing techniques.

Sporting a turbocharged 4-cylinder, the GLA is rated at 211 hp via a 1.9 liter engine. Hardly Lamborghini territory here but Mercedes is clearly trying to position the GLA as an eco-conscious luxury alternative. Power is put to the road via a 7G-DCT dual clutch auto-box that delivers powers to all the wheels thanks to Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Working off the same platform as Benz’ A, B and CLA classes, the new GLA is similar in dimension but more stylistically evolved. GLA’s dimensions measure 4.38 meters long by 1.98 meters wide (14.4 ft by 6.5 ft) and 1.57 meters (5.2 ft) tall. Proportions and stylistic overtones are akin to the VW Toureg, but the fluidity of the overall design is refreshing from the house of Benz.

Working off the same platform as Benz’ A, B and CLA classes, the new GLA is similar in dimension but more stylistically evolved
Working off the same platform as Benz’ A, B and CLA classes, the new GLA is similar in dimension but more stylistically evolved

Twenty-inch alloy wheels sport 225/45 rubbers. The wheel arch to wheel proportions and rising lines are similar to Infiniti’s FX50, which is a good thing.

The GLA concept’s interior deserves kudos for its bespoke finish and contemporary styling. Seats and door center panels are upholstered in natural leathers, and Mercedes claims the Concept GLA uses more than 20 meters of hand-stitched seams to hold the raw edges of the leather together.

Air vents are illuminated from behind and change colour according to the set interior temperature
Air vents are illuminated from behind and change colour according to the set interior temperature

The instrument panel, constructed in layers, is comprised of a leather-upholstered surface that rests upon a framework of matte and polished aluminum. Control buttons for Mercedes’ COMAND Online system have been crafted using Plexiglas. Pictograms are etched into the black from the back before being filled in.

A "dropping line" extends from the headlights to the rear wheel arch as the beltline trim rises slightly from the rear door towards the C-pillar
A "dropping line" extends from the headlights to the rear wheel arch as the beltline trim rises slightly from the rear door towards the C-pillar

Another innovative touch can be seen in the air vents. Illuminated from behind, the vents change color according to the set interior temperature, so at 22º C (72º F) they light up in white, but any cooler and they turn blue, and warmer red. Luggage is secured using a four-point helicopter-styled harness system.

The boldest addition has to be the GLA’s laser-shooting headlamps. Believe it or not, the headlamps are fitted with laser-beam projectors. Not only do they provide light for night-time driving, but are also capable of projecting pictures or films onto a screen or other surface. One imagines fitting in a spot of Powerpoint, projected onto the back of a tractor trailer while waiting at a busy crossing.

Mercedes is careful to point out that the projector system, aside from providing innumerable entertainment opportunities, actually has a more serious use. To reduce time drivers require to interpret navigational issues, the projector system could theoretically project the information on the road in the form of turn-here arrows.

The Concept GLA comes equipped with two cameras, housed in the front roof rail. According to Mercedes the cameras can be used GoPro style for recording on the go, or they can be removed and fitted to a mountain bike helmet (or another Mercedes ... or your dog).

Mercedes-Benz will show the 2014 Concept GLA at the Shanghai Auto Show between April 21 and 29.

Source: Mercedes Benz

View gallery - 12 images
2 comments
2 comments
Mirmillion
Nicely done MB, nicely done. Finally a properly designed product that does not resemble a German army helmet!
SteveO
That is the first Mecedes I could see myself buying. I live in a densely packed urban environment and the size of this is perfect. It also seems to have the space and capabilities that I have been looking for. Make it now and I will buy one this afternoon.