In a move which marks Mercedes-Benz's efforts to ramp up a small-car offensive, the automaker is set to unveil its new compact crossover - the `GLA-Class' - at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

The 14.5-feet long, and nearly 5-feet high GLA Class compact crossover looks quite similar to the Concept GLA which was introduced at the Shanghai auto show. In addition, most of the keystones of the new compact crossover are also similar to those of the all-new CLA-Class which is also scheduled to hit the showrooms next month.

The new GLA-Class will essentially take on the BMW X1, which was launched as a 2013 model and was the first vehicle to be marketed in the compact crossover segment. The other potential contender of the GLA-Class will include the Audi A3, which will become available in 2014; and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

According to the information shared by Mercedes-Benz, the 2015 GLA250 4Matic will go on sale in the US in fall 2014 September; and will be equipped with the same 208-horsepower four-cylinder and seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission as the CLA250. The `4Matic' moniker in its name suggests that it will come with all-wheel drive. However, in early 2105, a front-wheel drive GLA250 model will also be launched.

Despite the fact that Mercedes-Benz has not officially disclosed the pricing of the GLA-Class compact crossover, the vehicle is speculated to be priced in the range of between $29,900 and $37,480 --- the base-model prices of the CLA-Class and the GLK-Class respectively.