Even though the yesterday-unveiled GLA crossover/SUV will get an official launch in September - at the Frankfurt Auto Show - and it will go on sale on European turf in March 2014, the car will only arrive on American soil in Autumn, next year.
We're not sure of the reason(s) for the rather long delay between the two market introductions, but we do know that the US-spec GLA will only feature the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-pot with direct injection.
With 208 American hp (211 metric hp) on tap and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in standard, the 4Matic version of the US-spec GLA will reach 60 mph from a standing start in just 6.4 seconds, making it the feistiest little crossover/SUVs available on American ground.
"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment. The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling," Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes' head of sales and marketing, said in a statement quoted by Automotive News.
In the beginning only the 4Matic all-wheel drive version will be offered, with a slightly cheaper, base fwd version, to arrive in early 2015.
Set to compete with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, the GLA 250 4Matic will start at around $32,000 with shipping in the US, making it cheaper than the much larger but still compact GLK by about six whole grand.
With 208 American hp (211 metric hp) on tap and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in standard, the 4Matic version of the US-spec GLA will reach 60 mph from a standing start in just 6.4 seconds, making it the feistiest little crossover/SUVs available on American ground.
"With the compact GLA we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes-Benz model portfolio in this constantly growing segment. The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling," Joachim Schmidt, Mercedes' head of sales and marketing, said in a statement quoted by Automotive News.
In the beginning only the 4Matic all-wheel drive version will be offered, with a slightly cheaper, base fwd version, to arrive in early 2015.
Set to compete with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, the GLA 250 4Matic will start at around $32,000 with shipping in the US, making it cheaper than the much larger but still compact GLK by about six whole grand.