2021 Mercedes GLA-Class Spied from Behind, Shows Taillights

You may think that this is one of the last small cars Mercedes has to develop, but don't forget that compact EVs are also on their way. As we've said in the past, the GLA II is becoming smaller, cuter and aims to attract urban buyers.

Looking at the spy video shot by WalkoArt in Stuttgart, we believe the 2021 crossover model is about the size of the Volkswagen T-Roc. It may be hiding a solid rear axle under that skirt, while the taillights have illuminated squares, which is becoming a Mercedes SUV trademark.

Based on the MFA2 platform, this urban vehicle will rely heavily on the 1.33-liter M282 engine developed with Renault. Normally, it makes up to 163 HP and 250 Nm of torque. However, we know it will also motivate the GLA 220 e and 250 e plug-in hybrids.

As German buyers still love a diesel engine, the new GLA will offer the latest 2-liter unit with 150 or 190 HP, numbers which perfectly match rivals like the T-Roc or the BMW X2. AMG models are also highly likely, starting with the 306 horsepower GLA 35. But since they put so much money into the hyper-powered setup, they might as well offer the 421 HP GLA 45 S too.

During yesterday's sighting of this car, we saw the interior as well and are sad to report it's the same as the A-Class. It's like buying the same sausage over and over again, but in different-colored wrappers - it gets old. Sadly, Mercedes is bleeding money and has a huge array of models, which is why one is spied testing almost every day.

Based on the fact that the camo is beginning to come off, we believe this all-new GLA will debut before or at the 2020 Detroit Auto Show, which is about five months away.