2020 Mercedes GLA Spotted Testing A-Class Underpinnings at Nurburgring

The GLA has been both a success and a failure. It's not a good family car because it's not that practical, but it has brought Mercedes 4x4 technology to the "masses," as long as they can afford the $35,000 price tag.

This second generation model is based on a new front-wheel-drive archive, which we've seen with the A-Class sedan, but has a variety of other applications. But even though it's new, the GLA will still give people mixed feelings.

Since the brand is introducing an A-Class sedan model, the GLA no longer has to be the gateway from MB USA. Yet it's still not a very practical shape, more like a slightly bloated hatchback with pumped up shoes.

This could be a chassis testing mule. But considering the GLA II has looked like this for over a year, the look is likely to stick. The upside is that the interior will be much better, provided you pay for the right options.

We've already seen the MBUX infotainment system. Honestly, it's so cool you'd want to take it home with you and use it at as a tablet. The rest of the cabin should be pretty much identical to that of the A-Class, though it has never been spied.

When it debuts, the new GLA will have an array of new engines, such as the 1.3-liter base unit and 2-liter diesels. Mercedes is reportedly also working on a rear-mounted electric motor for all its small plug-in hybrids. AMG versions can't be ruled out, but again, we haven't seen any yet.