Reports of a new compact SUV in the Mercedes-Benz family have appeared, showing that Mercedes-Benz was about to launch a rival, the 2013 GLA SUV, for the crossoever BMW's X1 and the latest Audi's Q3 in the middle of the 2013.

The 2012 Mercedes Benz GLA SUV will be based on the Modular Front Architecture(MFA) platform, a platform that reinforces the sports tourer B-Class and hatchbacks of A-Class of Mercedes-Benz.

In terms of dimensions, the 2013 GLA SUV might be similar to the B-Class sports tourer with 4440mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1500mm in height. Taken these dimensions into consideration, the 2013 GLA SUV is expected to slot in between the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in terms of size. What's more, the 2013 GLA SUV will offer 2700 mm wheelbase and a 500 litre of boot space.

As the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV stands up on the MFA platform, it is expected to include the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, which are the same as those of the new A-Class and B-Class, with an option of four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive .

Under the rising sales trend in the SUV field, believe it or not, the GLA could be an aggressive and powerful weapon in Mercedes-Benz's declaration of war as they launch a bid to overtake Audi and BMW to win back market share and regain the reputation of world's top luxury car brand.