India-bound 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA espied in production-ready guise

-    Expected to break cover later this year.

-    Will adopt the new design language as seen on the A-Class and GLB.

-    Will surely make its way to India after its global debut.

Mercedes-Benz is on a product offensive this year revamping the entire product portfolio. After the GLE, GLS, GLC and the all-new GLB, it is now the GLA’s turn for a comprehensive update in the carmaker’s SUV lineup. A production-ready prototype of the 2020 GLA was spotted recently in the production guise ahead of the imminent reveal.  

Unlike the boxier GLB, the new GLA maintains its hatchback like body. However, since it is based on the new-generation A-Class, the GLA has a shorter wheelbase than the bigger GLB, as is seen in the pictures. Meanwhile, the ride height of the prototype seems to have increased over the current model. This will be a great deal for the smallest SUV in the line-up since it will lend it the much needed jacked-up stance compared to the model it replaces. 

In terms of styling, we expect the headlight and the grille design to be akin to the A hatchback. On the other hand, the taillight and the rest of the rear will match the updated GLC. The cabin too will get all the bells and whistles as well since it will be shared with the rest of the models in the Three-Pointed family. 

As the new GLA is based on the same MFA2 (Mercedes Front-drive Architecture) as the A-Class and refreshed CLA, there will be similar powertrain options under the hood. So there will be the usual 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines mated to a dual-clutch transmission. There will also be all-wheel-drive variants for the baby SUV. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid is also on the cards but that will come at a later date. On the other hand, the potent AMG variant will be in the GLA35 and GLA45 guise packing in between 300-450bhp. 

The new and updated GLA-Class is expected to break cover in the coming few months before going on sale in 2020. It will promptly make its way to India given that the GLA has been one of the most successful models for the German carmaker in the country.