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Mercedes-Benz GLA 250.

How much will people pay for a compact hatchback, even one that comes with Mercedes-Benz badging?

That question is about to be put to the test with the Canadian launch of the latest baby Benz, the GLA crossover. Pricing starts at $37,200 for the GLA 250, which has all-wheel drive and aspires to some off-road capability despite its sleek shape and low-to-the-ground stance.

And if that price seems ambitious for what arguably looks more like a car than a crossover, consider the minimum $50,500 being asked for the over-achieving AMG hot-rod version. Check a few options boxes, and you're north of $60,000.

True, the market is coming around to the concept of premium in a small package. And the 45 GLA AMG does deploy 355 horsepower. But still, can anyone justify spending more than $50,000 on a small hatchback?

Find out in our full GLA preview, coming soon to globedrive.com

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