Mercedes-Benz GLA: This Star Points Down

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Mercedes-Benz “leaked” (i.e released) photos of the GLA concept ahead of its debut in Shanghai. The GLA is their latest move down the ladder as far as size and price-points go, but it’s also a harbinger of what’s to come from all automakers; another small, car-based crossover. You are going to be seeing plenty of these in the next few years, especially from premium brands that can squeeze lots of profit out of vehicles like these. Hatchbacks, wagons and body-on-frame SUVs are likely to suffer from this segment’s rise in popularity.





Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Sportyaccordy Sportyaccordy on Apr 18, 2013

    I cant believe this is the same company that made Mercedes in the 70s and 80s. Coming from the W201 190 this thing is an embarrassment. A travesty. I get that MB needs to move more volume but they don't have to do it this way.

    • Summicron Summicron on Apr 18, 2013

      "they don’t have to do it this way." I think the sad point being made is that nowadays, yeah, they do.

  • Wallstreet Wallstreet on Apr 18, 2013

    I'm surprised nobody ask about brown diesel version with stick.

  • Lorenzo People don't want EVs, they want inexpensive vehicles. EVs are not that. To paraphrase the philosopher Yogi Berra: If people don't wanna buy 'em, how you gonna stop 'em?
  • Ras815 Ok, you weren't kidding. That rear pillar window trick is freakin' awesome. Even in 2024.
  • Probert Captions, pleeeeeeze.
  • ToolGuy Companies that don't have plans in place for significant EV capacity by this timeframe (2028) are going to be left behind.
  • Tassos Isn't this just a Golf Wagon with better styling and interior?I still cannot get used to the fact how worthless the $ has become compared to even 8 years ago, when I was able to buy far superior and more powerful cars than this little POS for.... 1/3rd less, both from a dealer, as good as new, and with free warranties. Oh, and they were not 15 year olds like this geezer, but 8 and 9 year olds instead.
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