[Glamorous]

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA with taxi sign spied on the Nurburgring [video]

Debuts in September

A prototype of the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring with a roof-mounted taxi sign.
We've seen the A-Class-based crossover plenty of times during testing procedures but never with a taxi sign. This probably means Mercedes-Benz will sell the GLA also as a commercial vehicle most likely with a front-wheel drive layout and a diesel engine, possibly the base 134 HP (100 kW) 1.8-liter.
The GLA will be unveiled in September at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and will essentially be a high-riding A-Class with bulging rear fenders, tailgate-mounted spoiler and a two-bar grille. It will also be offered in a GLA 45 AMG version powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 360 HP (265 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

 

[Truthiness]

I wonder what cities would be getting GLA taxis? I am guessing that they will stay in Europe. I can't imagine a Mercedes-Benz taxi in any North American city. Mercedes is obviously trying to get some fleet sales going here which should make the GLA even more profitable. I don't think that the CLA will be as good as a fleet vehicle.

 

[carbonfiber]

interesting. A Mercedes GLA taxi? Thats one nice Taxi

 

[AMGz]

thinking about it, a GLA taxi would be practical, with a specific trim it wont cost significantly more, plus it's great for those escort services that use high end cars like this. at random times i do see high end vehicles as regular taxi's

 

[carbonfiber]

Well its a nice taxi. Just an expensive one at that.

 

[parker]

not in Germany its not. Germans have been using Mercedes' as Taxis for years, its like GM to them over there

 

[AMGz]

not in Germany its not. Germans have been using Mercedes' as Taxis for years, its like GM to them over there

With that i bet we'll see some low trim diesel GLA models as taxi's. pretty cool to know that the GLA taxi you're in has a Nurburgring track record.