Car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz used this year's Detroit Auto Show to stage the announcement of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA. Two models will be released as part of the 2018 GLA series, the GLA250 and the AMG GLA45.

The 2018 GLA250 is available in front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel variants. The AMG GLA45 will be the performance-oriented model of the bunch.

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Both the GLA250 and the GLA45 will sport a fully refreshed exterior and interior designs. The cars also received major upgrades in terms of aerodynamics and embedded technologies, including an optional 360-degree camera and instrument panel.

In a statement acquired by Detroit News, Mercedes-Benz USA President Dietmar Exler said, "To sum it up, our GLA compact SUV gains more functionality and more comfort. If you want all that and more, go for the high-performance lineup."

Under the hood, the 2018 GLA250 packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 208 horsepower and 258 pound-foot of torque. The car can accelerate from zero to 60mph in over seven seconds and has a top speed of 130mph.

The performance AMG GLA45 packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 375 horsepower and 350 pound-foot of torque. This model clocks 4.3 seconds from zero to 60mph and has a top speed of 167mph, according to Digital Trends.

The 2018 GLA series is expected to hit the United States market this summer. Mercedes-Benz is yet to confirm the official pricing of each model. However, as a sort of price point, the 2017 GLA250 was priced at $32,850 for the base model; while the AMD model started at about $50,000.

Tagsmercedes benz, GLA, GLA cars, Mercedes-Benz GLA, 2018 GLA, 2018 GLA250, GLA45, 2018 GLA45