Currently reading: New Mercedes GLA to be revealed today
Recent spyshots show updated design for second-generation BMW X2 rival

The new Mercedes GLA will be officially revealed later today (11 December), with recent spyshots and a design sketch giving an early glimpse of the BMW X2 rival. 

Although still featuring some front and rear disguise, the recent shots show that the crossover's shape takes inspiraton from the Mercedes A-Class hatchback it shares a platform with, while the headlights are slimmed down variants of those found on the new Mercedes GLB SUV. 

Update: The new Mercedes GLA has been revealed - full story here

The car sits lower to the ground than its predecessor, but Mercedes has previously confirmed that the GLA's roofline is more than 10 centimetres higher off the ground, allowing for enhanced headroom and a more upright seating position in line with larger SUV models. Leg room is said to have been improved as well, despite the model being 1.5cm shorter overall than the outgoing car. 

Earlier this year, spy photographers captured the interior of the compact crossover for the first time. The image shows that the dashboard is also set to be very similar to that of the A-Class and Mercedes' other new compact models, featuring rounded air vents and the twin touchscreens of the MBUX system.

The new GLA will join Mercedes' MFA platform-based range alongside the A-Class hatchback, A-Class saloon, CLA four-door coupé, CLA Shooting Brake estate and Mercedes B-Class MPV.

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It now sits below the Mercedes GLB, the largest car on that platform and a new, fully fledged rival to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. That leaves the GLA to compete with smaller compact crossovers such as the Audi Q2 and Ford Focus Active and is why it likely has a lower, more car-like profile.

Minimal technical details of the GLA have been released, but we know it will be closely linked to the A-Class in terms of interior design and technology, engines and gearboxes. That means it will adopt Mercedes' latest touchpad and voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system, alongside more advanced safety features and increased material quality.

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The engine range will kick off with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit developed in conjunction with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This will likely be available in two states of tune, while a 2.0-litre engine will top out the range for the time being. A 1.5-litre diesel will also be offered. 

Later on in the GLA’s lifespan, we will see a return of the AMG-tuned GLA 45, putting out anything up to 416bhp through a performance-focused four-wheel-drive system. Before that arrives, there will be a 302bhp 35 variant, as is now available in the A-Class. 

The GLA will be produced alongside the A-Class at Mercedes' factory in Rastatt, Germany. The A-Class will also serve as the basis of the EQA, an electric hatchback that's scheduled to arrive next year. 

READ MORE

First ride: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA prototype​

New Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 prototypes spotted

Mercedes EQA: first prototypes seen showing GLA bodywork​

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Ski Kid 11 December 2019

From the pictures here irs a retrograde step

Does not look as stylish as the current mk1 version,just another hatch like the  A class

abkq 10 December 2019

Surprised that Mercedes

Surprised that Mercedes chooses the GLA, the supposedly 'muscular' crossover genre, to return to simpler surfacing. Problem is fussiness is replaced by blandness.
jagdavey 9 December 2019

Mercedes Bling.........

Mercedes Bling does it again!!! Look at all the Bling in the interior! Nice big LED dislpay. Plus the pointed star badge on the bonnet. All what a petrolhead needs, innit????

Takeitslowly 9 December 2019

jagdavey wrote:

jagdavey wrote:

Mercedes Bling does it again!!! Look at all the Bling in the interior! Nice big LED dislpay. Plus the pointed star badge on the bonnet. All what a petrolhead needs, innit????

 

Wow, serious issues there...what premium car competing with others does not have some form of LED display and their own emblem at the front?. You are a fool.....INNIT. Guess your jag is an injection, rather than a car.

FM8 9 December 2019

Takeitslowly wrote:

Takeitslowly wrote:

jagdavey wrote:

Mercedes Bling does it again!!! Look at all the Bling in the interior! Nice big LED dislpay. Plus the pointed star badge on the bonnet. All what a petrolhead needs, innit????

 

Wow, serious issues there...what premium car competing with others does not have some form of LED display and their own emblem at the front?. You are a fool.....INNIT. Guess your jag is an injection, rather than a car.

...and then this.  What a tool.