The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe sporting an all-new body, but with a well-recognized raised hatchback shape.
While this prototype vehicle is clad almost entirely in disguise tape, it’s thankfully fitted with production-spec elements throughout.
The headlights look much like ones seen on the newest CLA and have an LED brow up top. Front and centre is a closed-off faux grille with an array of mini three-pointed stars rather than the more traditional bars or studs.
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Along the side there’s the obligatory black plastic wheel-arch protectors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles. The GLA’s shoulder line design is hidden by a series of rising false panels underneath the tight-fitting disguise.
On the rear the GLA has a chunky set of tail-lights with the corporate’s now compulsory three-pointed star lighting graphic surrounded by a multi-segment squircle light bar frame that stretches into the tailgate.
Under the skin, the brand new GLA will ride on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), which supports each 48V mild-hybrid front- and all-wheel drive variants, in addition to rear- and all-wheel drive electric models.
MMA made its debut under the third-generation CLA sedan and wagon, and may also underpin the larger seven-seat GLB mid-size SUV, in addition to a brand new A-Class hatchback.
Although Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed any of the GLA’s drivetrains, it’s fair to assume they can be shared with the CLA and other MMA-based vehicles.
The brand new CLA was launched in Europe with two electric drivetrains, and three hybrid petrol selections.
All of the petrol variants use a brand new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated 20kW electric motor, and connected to a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
The 1.5-litre hybrid can be offered in 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm outputs and in front- and all-wheel drive layouts.
For EV buyers there’s the CLA250+ EQ with a 200kW/335Nm motor driving the rear wheels, and the 260kW/515Nm CLA350 4Matic EQ that has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system.
Each EV variants have a 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, and a 800V electrical system that supports 11kW AC charging and 320kW DC fast-charging.
Unfortunately our spy photography agency wasn’t in a position to get close enough to snap pictures of the GLA’s interior, but when past practice is anything to go by, it would be very much like the newest CLA.
In top-spec trim, the CLA is on the market with a wall of screens across the dashboard. The so-called MBUX Superscreen houses a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 14.0-inch passenger touchscreen in a single housing.
We’ll undoubtedly know more in regards to the recent GLA within the lead as much as its launch a while in 2026.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
