The mid-cycle revamp for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is currently inside the Mercedes-Benz oven, is getting closer and closer to production, with new test vehicles showing up this week.
The prototypes were spotted in the German automaker's home city, Stuttgart, with the testers having almost become a normal part of the traffic in the area.
Since the GLA was an all-new development when it came out back in 2013, the upcoming mid-cycle boost won't bring too many changes as far as the eye is concerned.
To be more specific, the front and rear aprons will be redesigned and we can say the same about the headlights and taillights. The crossover features two different lighting packages, with the upper trim one featuring all-LED technology for both the front and rear clusters. And this means we'll get to see two sets of updates.
Mercedes is currently working on a new modular engine family, but this is destined for the company's next-generation compact platform (MFA2), so the revised GLA might not bring important updates in the powertrain department.
Speaking of the MFA2, we've "shown" you the platform at work under the next A-Class, but the range of models it will serve is set to become greater than ever before. Aside from the B-Class, CLA-Class and CLA Shooting Brake, we could also expect an SLA Roadster and well as another crossover - potentially dubbed GLB, the high-riding model, which we recently spied (this path requires a grain of salt, though), would be slotted in between the GLA and the GLC.
Since we mentioned ride height, we have to explain that the second coming of the GLA will also see the vehicle getting a heftier ground clearance, as the current model ties many standard hatchbacks in this regard. Yes, an Offroad Package that lifts the car to 6.7 inches (170 mm) is available, but this is an option extremely few customers go for.
With the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA set to make its debut next year, we should see the test vehicles dropping some of their camouflage soon - as proven by multiple prototypes, such as the S-Class Facelift of the E-Class Coupe, the German automaker heavily relies on the spyshot teasing strategy these days.
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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