MERCEDES-BENZ CONFIRMS EVEN SMALLER SUV

2013 GLK facelift

Mercedes-Benz, now in third place behind BMW and Audi globally when it comes to selling premium cars, is adding yet another derivative in order to catch up with its two German brethren. According to a statement from company CEO Dieter Zetsche, a smallest Benz SUV is in the works. Surprised? No! Because BMW and Audi already have the X1 and Q3 respectively. Merc has no choice but to compete.

The baby SUV, which slots below the GLK (not in SA, yet…) may be called the GLA, will be based on the same platform as the new A-Class hatch and be built at Rastatt plant. Merc realises that compact premium cars are selling very well in this day and age, a realisation further compounded by the fact that it’s sold over 70 000 new B-Class models since launch and has standing orders of over 40 000 for the A-Class.

The usual raft of engines will make its way into the “GLA”, such as the 1.8-litre turbo petrol with 115kW and the 2.1-litre turbo diesel making 150kW and 500Nm. Hopefully Merc keeps to its sporting heritage and makes us a nice AMG version of over 250kW. Whoa!