Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept gets mobbed in China

If the reception it received at the Shanghai Motor Show is any judge of marketplace acceptance, Mercedes-Benz has a hit on its hands in the form of the GLA Concept. And we can understand why – we're quickly becoming fans of Mercedes' recent styling language, as defined by new models like the CLA and this GLA Concept.

The big news on the exterior front are the headlamp clusters, which have frickin' laser beams attached to their foreheads embedded inside that are capable of projecting videos and images on a screen. Plus, a pair of video cameras are mounted on the roof that can be used to capture driving excitement or removed and taken with you. How cool is that? We just hope they have a substantial locking mechanism to prevent would-be thievery... 

With GLA, Mercedes aims for younger shopper

Mercedes-Benz is poised to take aim at the growing compact crossover segment with the five-door GLA -- a vehicle company executives say will be packed with premium features but carry a competitive price tag.

Mercedes is unveiling a concept version of the GLA crossover at the Shanghai auto show. It's a wedge-shaped vehicle that doesn't have the boxy, masculine and in-your-face design of the larger Mercedes-Benz GLK.

That's good because the GLA is aimed at new buyers who probably don't have Mercedes-Benz on their shopping lists.

In other words, this is not a soccer mom's car but a vehicle that could compete with Subaru's Forester, the Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, Range Rover Evoque and BMW X1.

Mercedes-Benz previews GLA Class concept

Mercedes has unveiled its mini-SUV, the GLA Class concept just days before its Shanghai Auto Show 2013 debut. A first impression that the GLA Class will have on anyone is that its an

A-Class on stilts. It is true to some extent considering that the A-Class and GLA Class are built on the same MFA platform. The GLA Class measures a good 4.38 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2690mm.

On the face of it, the SUV looks real butch with a one-piece grill and sweptback headlights. The bulged bonnet and those big airdams look great and should translate to give it a good road presence as and when it makes it into production. 255/45 section rubber wrapped on 20-inch wheels and muscular wheel arches define the side profile. Notably, there are LED lights on

the roof rails. The tail lamps are LED units and there is a roof mounted spoiler and a chrome skid plate with dual Bazooka exhausts.