The GLA is a pretty new idea for Mercedes. Because Americans don't like hatchbacks, they took the A-Class compact and jacked it up a little bit, adding some chunky styling. It worked well, and now the Germans are working on a second-generation model, which should come out about a year from now.
Yesterday, we saw how the new A-Class was wearing minimal camouflage. The same revised MFA platform is going to be used by as eight or more other compact cars, with priority being given to the GLA and an A-Class sedan. However, the EQ A electric hatchback will also ride the architecture.
The second-generation GLA has only been testing for a few months. Mercedes is doing everything it can to hide the design, but the fact that the mule looks like just a jacked up A-Class means the two have a similar wheelbase and track.
Their interiors should be basically identical too, featuring clamshell seats in the front and an increased reliance on the dual screen setup. We've even got spyshots of the A-Class interior if you're interested.
The rattly engine sound of this prototype suggests it's powered by a small diesel engine like the 1.5-liter Mercedes borrowed from Renault. But there will be other French-sourced mills in this Hungarian-built crossover. The companies are co-developing 1.2 and 1.4-liter mills, which we suspect will deliver around 120 and 150 HP, respectively.
Of course, none of those will make it into U.S. showrooms. However, we've seen the VW Tiguan and Audi A3 introducing de-tuned versions of their 2-liter turbos, so it's possible that a GLA 200 with around 180 HP will join the 250 model. Most models should be available with AWD. While manual gearboxes will still be offered, the GLA should rely mainly on a new 8-speed auto, since no premium crossover buyer wants to work his left foot.
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. Full profile
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