2014 Mercedes Benz GLA Crossover leaks out

The leaks have begun in full earnest even as the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching. The 2014 Mercedes Benz GLA Crossover, which was teased by the German luxury car maker's official Facebook page a couple of days ago, has appeared onto the interweb through a series of leaked images. The 2014 GLA crossover is based on the Mercedes Benz Modular Front Architecture (MFA). As its name suggests, the MFA platform will predominantly be front wheel driven in the interests of keeping cars light and costs low, although it does support the all wheel drive function. 

From the leaked imagery of the 2014 GLA, it is evident that the MFA based crossover does come with a four wheel drive layout, what with the 4MATIC emblem prominently emblazoned on the crossover's hatch lid. Since the GLA is based on the A-Class hatchback, styling similarities abound. On the whole, the crossover is a jacked up version of the A-Class hatchback with looks that employ a butch design. While engine details and technical specifications are yet to be revealed, information already available on the interweb suggests that engines and transmissions will be carried over from the A-Class sports hatchback. 

The interiors of the 2014 GLA crossover, including the dashboard design, follows the layout that other MFA based cars such as the A-Class and B-Class come with. The GLA is expected to land in India sometime next year. Expect both petrol and diesel engine options to be on offer in the Indian car market. A sub 30 lakh rupee price tag will mean that the 2014 Mercedes Benz GLA crossover will be the least priced SUV in the three pointed star range. Competition will come from the likes of the BMW X1, the Audi Q3 and the Volvo V40 Cross Country crossovers. 

Mercedes Benz, without a small crossover in its range (not considering the left hand drive-only GLK) has been looking on from the sidelines even as BMW and Audi have upped the ante in terms of volumes from crossover models such as the X1 and Q3 respectively. Therefore, the arrival of the GLA crossover will give Mercedes Benz the much needed entry-level SUV offering to take on its Teuton rivals in markets across the globe. International deliveries of the GLA crossover are slated to begin from early next year while bookings are expected to open later this year.

Images courtesy Jalopnik