Mercedes shows GLA compact SUV

A production version of the striking Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA is poised to enter the booming compact SUV segment.

The Concept GLA is one of the stars of the Shanghai motor show that gets under way on Saturday, and is described by insiders as being as much as 90 per cent representative of the GLA production car that will go on sale early next year.

It's also the latest model to be spun off Mercedes’ latest front-drive MFA architecture, following the latest A-class and B-class models and the CLA saloon.

The concept is 4383mm long, 1978mm wide and 1579mm high — dimensions that are understood to be almost identical to those of the production car. The wheelbase of the concept has not been given, but it’s believed to be the same 2699mm employed by its siblings.

These dimensions closely match the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque — the three chief rivals that the GLA will face when it reaches the UK market next year. We’ll get to see the finished production car either at the tail end of this year or at the Detroit motor show early next year.