The GLA, at 14.5 feet long and less than 5 feet high, has compact dimensions, yet comes out as a premium five-seater with a hatchback. In size, the car is remarkably similar to the BMW X1.

Mercedes-Benz will import the GLA250, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, to the U.S. This version uses a turbocharged direct-injection 2-liter engine making 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benz also fits it with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz says the GLA will be its first SUV with the latest version of its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and suggests the car will handle dirt roads and snow.

This being a Mercedes-Benz, the cabin will feature premium appointments, such as leather seating. The four spoke air vents are a new Mercedes-Benz design cue that we previously saw in the 2013 GLK.

Much of the switchgear on dashboard and steering wheel looks standard for Mercedes-Benz. The drive selector is a stalk mounted on the steering column. This photo shows a tachometer with a very low redline, suggesting it is a European-market diesel version.

Mercedes-Benz sets the LCD up from the dashboard, very similarly to BMW's latest cabin designs. As with other Mercedes-Benz models using the Comand cabin tech interface, there is a dial on the console for selecting onscreen content.

This panel is similar to those found in other Mercedes-Benz models, keeping the classic numeric keypad. Among the buttons shown here are one that puts the transmission in off-road mode and another that activates hill descent control.