We might have developed a fixation for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift, but another three-pointed star model whose mid-cycle revamp is expected to land next year is the GLA and we're here to focus on the crossover.
As confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz product roadmap (check out the image gallery to your right) that surfaced earlier this year, the GLA facelift will bow in 2017, with the serious camo on this prototype letting us know the car is nearly ready for production.
The clip at the bottom of the page allows us to get a complete view of the prototype and, judging by all the covered areas, the (somewhat) high-riding Benz is set to receive a series of changes that should allow for a decent visual differentiation between the model you can buy nowadays and the upcoming one.
Factor in the idea that the styling of the GLA is already well-balanced and we should end up with quite a looker.
In terms of the interior, while we will receive a few cosmetic touches, the greatest drawback of the GLA cabin, namely the slightly cramped feeling, can't be overcome.
When it comes to the A-Class hatchback, whose MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform is shared with the GLA, the German engineers are already testing the next-generation model (here's the 2018 A-Class during a Nurburgring session, for example). That's the first step towards solving the issue mentioned above, but we still have plenty of waiting to do until the new architecture reaches the crossover member of the automaker's compact line-up.
As far as the mechanical changes go, don't expect anything important. After all, the carmaker has introduced some revisions for the 2016 model year, with the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 jumping from the already-insane 355 hp to 375 hp. However, the lesser models will receive a few light upgrades.
Mercedes-Benz has delivered an incredibly successful real-world formula with the GLA and we can't wait to see what happens once the second incarnation of the model lands, one that can fully exploit the practicality and premium potential of the vehicle.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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