Mercedes released a couple of sketches of a cool looking crossover to announced the launch of the new GLA Class at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the new A-Class platform, the GLA is Daimler’s answer to the hugely popular compact crossover segment.

Those of you with a photographic memory have already recognized this car as the Mercedes GLA Concept. The production GLA will be visually very close to the concept car, and save a few fancy details, the interior will be similar as well.

Underneath that high-riding and muscular body, you find the underpinnings of the A-Class hatchback, which is a good thing, because that car is one of the best in its class.They also share the same engine lineup, and that will include, in a year or so, the 360 horsepower AMG four-banger turbo.

The GLA is like an A-Class with high ground clearance, a larger boot, and a funkier design. And it belongs to a segment of the market that has been on the rise for a couple of years and shows no signs of slowing down. So it should be a winner.