Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLA concept revealed before Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz GLA concept revealed before Shanghai Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz GLA concept revealed before Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz didn’t wait for the Shanghai Auto Show later this month to reveal the new GLA concept, instead the German Auto-maker published photos of the sexy new car today.

Take a look at the photo gallery below for an up close and personal sneak peak at the newest small MB concept car.

Expect the production version of this new GLA concept to go on sale in North America in 2014. Tye Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept represents a new push by Mercedes-Benz to appeal to younger and less affluent car buyers.

In other words, it will directly compete with BMW’s X1 crossover.

“The Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment….this is sporty and more coupe-like,” said Joachim Schmidt, head of Mercedes-Benz sales and marketing.

The  GLA is 172.5 inches long, 77.9 inches wide and 62.2 inches high, making it shorter, wider and perhaps more importantly—lower than the BMW X1.

Under the hood you’ll find a direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Power goes to all four wheels via the same all-wheel-drive system found in the new B-class 4Matic. The chassis is shared with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA and so it seems is the sexy new design language.