Video previews Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover ahead of Frankfurt motor show

Mercedes-Benz
We last saw the GLA at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz has released a short video and sketches previewing the all new GLA before its Frankfurt motor show debut in just a few weeks. With BMW's X1 and Range Rover's Evoque breathing down Mercedes-Benz's neck, we knew it was only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz rolled out a compact crossover of its own.

We last saw the GLA in concept form at the 2013 Shanghai auto show, where it seemed to be pretty close to production, though the car seen in the video appears to be styled a little differently. But if the dimensions are any indication, we're expecting the GLA to be fairly close in size to the Evoque on the inside.

Mercedes-Benz
The GLA will take on other premium compact crossovers.

The GLA is part of Mercedes-Benz's rollout of smaller cars, and North America will even get some of them. The CLA is set to go in sale in just a few weeks, followed some time later by the electric B-class, which has been spotted testing around the country in recent weeks. The CLA is expected to share at least one of its engines with the GLA, likely the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

We'll have much more information about the GLA in just a few days, and we'll be sure to bring you a full report on the Benz, and everything else we see on the floor of the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.

By Jay Ramey