The compact crossover market is quite strong these days, as is the entry-level luxury market. More and more, we’re seeing cars priced in the low $30,000 range from marques well known for more stratospheric pricing. With these factors in mind it was inevitable we’d eventually see entry-level compact luxury crossovers, and they are here in a big way.
Audi’s new Q3 and BMW’s X1 are already in dealer showrooms. While a bit smaller than these models but competitively configured, Buick’s Encore could be considered a contender here as well. Though higher priced, Acura’s RDX and Cadillac’s SRX are also players in this segment. Lexus has an all-new model coming soon in the form of the Lexus NX 200t. And, of course, there is now the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Based on our drive experience, the Mercedes-Benz looks to be quite competitive within its class. Sleekly curvaceous and definitively sexy, the new small Mercedes-Benz crossover SUV is based on the company’s new CLA line of smaller cars introduced for 2014. Given Mercedes representatives say sales of the model are constricted only by the company’s capacity to build them, we’ve a feeling they’re going to have similar problem with this new crossover.