Mercedes has revealed the first official images of its new GLA Concept, which is set to go on show at the Shanghai Motor Show this weekend.
These photos follow the sketch of the new GLA which was released on Mercedes' Facebook page yesterday, and show the car in detail for the first time.
The GLA is aimed squarely at the BMW X3 and the Range Rover Evoque and is based upon the MFA architecture used by the A-Class, B-Class and CLA.
The concept is reportedly highly representative of the car which will reach production. Mercedes will undoubtedly tone the car's styling down slightly before the car goes on sale, but we're led to believe that the changes will be minimal.
The GLA's styling is clearly influenced by the A-Class, and its muscular haunches, striking front end and sharp creases lend the car an aggressive, purposeful appearance.
The headlights of the GLA are both fitted with laser-beam projectors which not only provide light to drive by, but are also capable of projecting images or videos onto a solid surface, just like a cinema projector.
On the inside, the garish interior is swathed in leather and aluminium, and the dashboard features distinctive round air vents. Mercedes will almost certainly tone down the GLA's cabin before it goes on sale; however, the image give a feel of what the production car's cabin will look like.
Under the bonnet, the GLA gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine fitted to the A-Class, developing 211bhp. The power is transmitted to all four wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox.
The production version of the GLA is likely to go on sale early next year.
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