I see Mercedes have now launched the GLA in America too. Wonder what the Yanks think of it?
Seems to be getting some good reactions so far;
Mercedes-Benz expects its new GLA compact crossover that went on sale this week to draw even more entry-level buyers to the brand than the year-old CLA compact sedan has done.
The GLA will enjoy broader appeal because of added functionality and roominess, especially in the rear seats, company officials say.
“The design is still there -- it is fun and youth oriented. But the GLA adds a level of usability that the CLA doesn't have,” said Bart Herring, general manager of product planning for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The greenhouse is a bit higher, the rear seats have a bit more space. The cargo area is flexible with 60/40 folding seats.”
The CLA, the first front-wheel-drive Mercedes sold in the United States, and the GLA share the same platform.
The compact crossover segment is one of the fastest growing in the United States, Herring noted.
The GLA will battle directly with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 as well as mass-market brands.
“Half of our customers will come from nonluxury -- the customer who does the luxury step up from Toyota, Nissan, Honda -- mainly sedans,” Herring predicted.
Seems to be getting some good reactions so far;
Mercedes-Benz expects its new GLA compact crossover that went on sale this week to draw even more entry-level buyers to the brand than the year-old CLA compact sedan has done.
The GLA will enjoy broader appeal because of added functionality and roominess, especially in the rear seats, company officials say.
“The design is still there -- it is fun and youth oriented. But the GLA adds a level of usability that the CLA doesn't have,” said Bart Herring, general manager of product planning for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The greenhouse is a bit higher, the rear seats have a bit more space. The cargo area is flexible with 60/40 folding seats.”
The CLA, the first front-wheel-drive Mercedes sold in the United States, and the GLA share the same platform.
The compact crossover segment is one of the fastest growing in the United States, Herring noted.
The GLA will battle directly with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 as well as mass-market brands.
“Half of our customers will come from nonluxury -- the customer who does the luxury step up from Toyota, Nissan, Honda -- mainly sedans,” Herring predicted.