Photo of 2015 GLA250 courtesy of MBUSA.

Photo of 2015 GLA250 courtesy of MBUSA.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV has arrived for sale in the U.S. as an entry-level luxury SUV expected to attract a new group of buyers seeking affordable luxury in a smaller utility package.

The automaker is offering the 2015 model-year vehicle as the GLA250 and performance-oriented GLA45. Both GLA models will initially be available only in 4MATIC all-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive model will arrive in the spring. The GLA was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2013.

The GLA is offered with a 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The vehicle can reach 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph, according to Mercedes-Benz.

The GLA250 4MATIC delivers an EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

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