Earlier in February, it was confirmed that Mercedes-Benz will introduce eight new models based on the W177 A-Class‘ platform. At the time, we could only make out six potential models – A-Class Sedan, A-Class Sedan LWB (China-only), CLA, GLA, GLB and the B-Class. That’s three five-door models, a new B-Class and two SUVs.
Well, as it turns out, the seventh piece of the puzzle could well be another SUV, that is the GLA Coupe. Top Gear recently spoke to company CEO Dieter Zetsche who told the publication that none of the eight models will be smaller than the A-Class, so no, there won’t be a direct competitor to the MINI hatch.
In fact, Zetsche has taken the focus to the X2, and said “the new BMW X2 is basically like the [current] GLA.” The new GLA is already a work in progress, but like the GLC and GLE line-up, there are two interpretations.
“You will see a new GLA. As in other segments, we’ll have two interpretations. So the GLA will be more in the SUV direction, and that will expand our scope. It gives us the possibility of doing something between the A-Class and the GLA,” explained Zetsche. Sounds like a the GLA Coupe now, doesn’t it?
To recap, the W177 A-Class will be offered in three variants, all of which are powered by brand new engines. On the petrol side, the A 200 will get the M282 1.33 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 163 hp/250 Nm (replacing the older 1.6 litre unit), while the A 250 is equipped with an M260 2.0 litre turbo unit with 224 hp/350 Nm (current model uses on older M270 unit). The A 180 d gets the new OM608 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel making 116 hp and 260 Nm of torque.
Of course, the A 45 moniker will also make a return, potentially packing over 400 hp from a 2.0 litre turbocharged motor. The bigger news is the introduction of an entry-level AMG, dubbed the A 35. Apparently, it will get a detuned, hand-built M133 engine (not an uprated M260) that’s based on Affalterbach’s one-man, one-engine philosophy.
Now, given that the eight new models share the same platform, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to think that all eight could benefit from AMG’s magic touch, right? How does an AMG GLA 35 sound like to you?
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There are more GLC compare to GLA in M’sia even if it cost slightly more not to mention its more roomy. Why call this a GLA “coupe” ??
Go for Volvo XC40 COTY. why bother all these GLA Coupe + BMW X2 mumbo jumbo.