Mercedes-Benz GLA Compact SUV Concept Bound For April Debut

Mercedes-Benz will offer a first look at its new compact crossover in concept form at April's Shanghai Auto Show.

Speaking with press, Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche also confirmed the new model will then debut in production form at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new model will likely be named GLA, in-line with the carmaker's revised naming strategy: the GL representing its status as an SUV, and the A signifying its small-car proportions.

The new model will ride on the same MFA small car platform that underpins the new A-Class and B-Class models. 

Spy photos obtained in recent months have given buyers an early look at Merc's BMW X1 rival, revealing a look similar to the A-Class, but with broader proportions and a wider body.