Next-gen Mercedes GLA spied for the first time

The next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA has been caught on camera and these are the world’s first images of the prototypes undergoing testing. The upcoming compact crossover will replace the existing GLA which has been around for quite some time.

The next-gen GLA is due to be presented alongside or shortly after the arrival of the new A-class in the first half of 2018. Covered in heavy camouflage, the test mules are currently being put through their paces on the frozen roads of northern Sweden. 

The GLA, as we know, is based on the MFA platform which also underpins the A, B, CLA and the CLA Shooting brake. This next-gen model will use the same front-wheel and all-wheel drive platform. 

Dimension wise, the next GLA will remain more or less the same. That said, it will follow a new design language with a larger front grille and swanky looking headlamps. It will also get a lot of new technologies including adaptive cruise control and perhaps semi-autonomous driving assistance. Like the current car, the new GLA will get a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and a range of manual and automatic gearbox options.