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2019 Mercedes GLA-Class Spied as A-Class Test Mule

We were promised a more practical, SUV-like GLA model. But it seems Mercedes-Benz is up to its old tricks and will make another jacked-up hatchback with an equally jacked-up price. Check out the all-new 2019 GLA, codenamed X157, which is a lot like the old one.
2019 Mercedes GLA-Class Spied as A-Class Test Mule 4 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
2019 Mercedes GLA-Class Spied as A-Class Test Mule2019 Mercedes GLA-Class Spied as A-Class Test Mule2019 Mercedes GLA-Class Spied as A-Class Test Mule
If the shape of this test prototype is vaguely familiar, that's because the body riding on top of that raised suspension belongs to the all-new A-Class hatchback. Of course, the GLA II will get is own styling, which will make the old one look obsolete, but nothing about this prototype screams "SUV."

By contrast, Audi's second Q3 model has been spied looking a lot bigger and very similar to the Q5 in proportions. But there's a rumor about a model called the GLB, which will be taller and shaped a little bit like a G-Class.

One thing we can't forget here is that the new A-Class is supposed to be wider with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. So the same thing should apply to the GLA as well.

This new version of the MFA platform is supposed to be stiffer and will supposedly underpin as many as ten derivatives. Does that include any Infiniti models? We don't know, but an A-Class sedan is already being tested, and there's a rumor about an Audi TT rival.

The GLA should have a bunch of new engines too. There's going to be a transverse version of the 2.0-liter turbo diesel found in the E-Class, which will replace the 2.1-liter used by about a quarter of the range.

Also, Daimer and Renault recently entered a partnership to develop 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter turbo engines. Those sound like exactly what an Audi Q3 rival needs. Back in August, we also learned about an 8 G-Tronic patent filing, so the 7-speed could be replaced by an auto with one extra gear.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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