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Mercedes-Benz offers many desirable models in its luxury SUV lineup. This includes the GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class. While these luxury SUVs are desired by many, few can actually afford them. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable Mercedes-Benz SUV, you’ll be happy to hear about some good news. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, the cheapest Mercedes SUV, is coming to the U.S.

The lower-priced Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 will be available for sale in America

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, the cheapest Mercedes SUV, driving on a coastal road
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 | Mercedes-Benz

Automakers adjust their model offerings according to different international markets. Some car models sold in the U.S are not available in other countries, and vice versa. Compared to other automakers, Mercedes-Benz has a fairly standardized model lineup around the world. However, until now, there is a lower-priced SUV that has not been sold in the U.S.: the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200. However, that’s about to change. 

Recently, CarBuzz uncovered a trademark filing for the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The trademark filing indicates that the cheapest Mercedes SUV is coming to America. 

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 vs. GLA 200: What are the differences?

Rear view of 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, the cheapest Mercedes SUV
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 | Mercedes-Benz

Currently, the cheapest Mercedes-Benz SUV model available in the U.S. is the 2022 GLA 250, which has a starting price of $36,400 MSRP. In international markets, the GLA 200 is a little cheaper than the GLA 250.

Featuring the same vehicle platform as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and A-Class, the GLA 200 has a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which generates 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the GLA 250 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Also, while the GLA 250 offers both AWD and FWD models, the GLA 200 is only available with FWD.

2023 GLA 200: U.S. release date

Mercedes-Benz filed the patent for the GLA 200 luxury SUV at the USPTO on December 16, 2021. Since then, the USPTO moved the patent filing to the New Application Processing department, with a note that an attorney will examine the application in around six months. 

Since Mercedes-Benz already listed its 2022 model lineup without any mention of the GLA 200, the six-month patent approval timeline suggests that the GLA 200 will be released for the 2023 model year. Also, there is a statement in the patent filing that says “intent to use, which translates to a quick timeline for selling the GLA 200 soon after the patent gets approved.

With all these factors in mind, the U.S. release date of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 will likely be toward the end of 2022. Also, the arrival of the 2023 GLA 200 doesn’t mean the discontinuation of the GLA 250. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson stated, “We will continue to offer the GLA 250 in the US market.” 

No Mercedes-Benz model is inexpensive. However, the 2023 GLA 200, the cheapest Mercedes SUV, is coming to America soon. Mainstream car buyers in the U.S have their best shot at buying a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

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Staff Writer, Producer - SUVs

Mark Putzer

With seven years of experience writing in the automotive industry prior to joining MotorBiscuit in 2021, Mark’s work can be found on dealership websites across North America. A Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison sent Mark into the wilderness for environmental studies. Here, he discovered a passion for driving off-road trucks and SUVs off the beaten path.

During his extensive international travels, Mark developed an affinity for foreign cars and international automotive markets. Inspired by the industry-wide push toward environmentally-friendly EVs and hybrids, Mark covers topics about recent advances in the automotive industry, in addition to everything from off-road concepts to emerging EV technology.