GLA [Hot!] Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept

[W201]

 

[SKY]

The concept looks very nice, but I´m afraid the production version won´t.

 

[Kilcrohane]

The concept looks very nice, but I´m afraid the production version won´t.

It doesn't matter, even with framed doors, probably two-piece taillights, and conventional door handles, this compact soft-roader/crossover will be the best looking, most technologically up-to-date, most fuel efficient, and crucially, most price competitive premium compact faux off-roader out there.

The CLA suffered with the transition from concept to production, due to the exaggerated front overhang, mainly. Due to the GLA being taller, it can lose a lot of this aesthetics-destroying overhang in its jacked-up, butch stance, plus its pert short tail won't repeat the unfortunate push-me-pull-me look of the production CLA.

The CLA will still be a huge sales winner, especially in its key U.S. market, with the $30k starting price, but if Mercedes brings the GLA to the U.S. that will in short order become the stand-out sales success for Mercedes, trumping even the CLA. Put a similar, ~$30k starting price on a GLA250 4Matic, with 211 PS, and this thing will be the smash hit of 2013-2014.

 

[marley71]

I'm impressed. They've got a genuinely sexy beast on their hands.

 

[Giannis]

The CLA suffered with the transition from concept to production, due to the exaggerated front overhang, mainly. Due to the GLA being taller, it can lose a lot of this aesthetics-destroying overhang in its jacked-up, butch stance, plus its pert short tail won't repeat the unfortunate push-me-pull-me look of the production CLA.

I gotta say, I quite agree with this statement.

The CLA has a very interesting shape. If it had a smaller front overhand and the rocker panel was designed slightly different (so that it won't look as it is bent in the middle) the car would be perfect.

The GLA has the potential to murder the competition. The X1 is nice and practical, but it lacks the wow factor (just like the 1er vs the new A-Class) and the materials' quality is not on par with the asking price. The Q3, on the other hand, is even more politically correct design-wise. Both are very good vehicles, but let's face it, most of those who are after an "urban SUV" (I hate this term) are not after mechanical excellency and supreme driving dynamics. They are after the best looks, the most fashionable item and the best wow-factor.

 

[Kilcrohane]

^ yep, Giannis.

This is gonna cream the X1/Q3, and the Macan and X4 will take car of what's left of "The Best 4x4 x Far" Joque.

What with Matt Prior's dangerously close to the truth, damning with faint praise test review of the Jag F-type - has Matt been fired yet? - this is a rather fine day!

Bloody nice!

 

[Merc1]

WOW that is really hot looking.....now can we please have that exact car shipped to dealers all around the world exactly the way it is? It would really sell in huge numbers. The next GLK needs to be good looking like this also.

M

 

[Giannis]

Bloody nice!

Truth to be told, I have mixed feelings about this type of cars. I can't picture myself spending a considerable amount of money for a car that neither is a capable off-roader, nor has some proper driving dynamics (either very comfortable, or very fun). These vehicles are too much of a compromise, so that you can have extra amounts of style for your money.

I do catch myself liking them, (I even like the X1), but that's far from considering buying one.

For the same money I would be much happier with a base F30 with about 1000€ spend in upgrading the suspension to something less comfortable, or with a nice Volvo.

When I found myself in that place, I bought a Volvo

 

[Levi68]

Truth to be told, I have mixed feelings about this type of cars. I can't picture myself spending a considerable amount of money for a car that neither is a capable off-roader, nor has some proper driving dynamics (either very comfortable, or very fun). These vehicles are too much of a compromise, so that you can have extra amounts of style for your money.

I do catch myself liking them, (I even like the X1), but that's far from considering buying one.

For the same money I would be much happier with a base F30 with about 1000€ spend in upgrading the suspension to something less comfortable, or with a nice Volvo.

When I found myself in that place, I bought a Volvo

So you are in the minority. Today people don't want to own many cars, so they want a "All-In-One". For that there are compromises to be made.

 

[LaArtist]

hah cool little SUV.. I like it

Would never buy it .. ( im anti small cars..and Anti SUVs) but hey its nice for what it is

Hella nicer than the X1 ..hah

 

[dalab]

this is really good!!, shoking, "similar type" of vehicle like the Kia Sportage, but this is lot better, much more aggressive than some bmw X and I like that, is what you have in the X6 but not in the X4which is nice but lacks the WOW! factor, and this mercedes has it, GOOD JOB

 

[W201]

Dropping line looks bit toned down on this concept.

 

[Gianclaudio]

It looks quite nice, but I've an irremediable fear, that Merc will ruin the concept to production process like they did with the CLA. I just hope they keep this GLA concept headlights design and don't mount the uber grosser large jumbo headlight like they did to the mentioned CLA

 

[martinbo]

^ "Irremediable". What a fine, fine word. Your improvement in English is considerable, Gianclaudio. Props.

 

[Merc1]

I'm really hoping they don't goof it up too badly. If they sold it as it, it would be their best selling SUV/Crossover in a year or so IMO. Its a striking little trucklet.

M

 

[Gianclaudio]

^ "Irremediable". What a fine, fine word. Your improvement in English is considerable, Gianclaudio. Props.

Thanks Martin. The forum, specially from excellent writers like you, have been of tremendous help.

 

[Kilcrohane]

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[Sayyaaf]

I like it. I hope it drives well.

 

[LaArtist]

Are the rear view mirrors made out of rubber?

PS
The interior is really stunning

 

[Sayyaaf]

on a second thought, I don't care if it drives well, I just hope it is safe, comfy and roomy inside. It isn't meant to be driven hard anyways. It should drive decent with some soft off-roading capabilities would be nice.

These types of cars that I really think can suit the wife, she has a fear of low riding cars, and hate the shape of conventional SUVs. So this is perfect if its practical and roomy inside. She doesn't off road but sometimes we go places.