Mercedes continues the development of the
next-generation GLA, with our spies spotting a late mule in Germany. Compared to our previous scoops, this GLA
mule has shed a lot of camouflage but it still uses the A-Class bodywork and
not its own, raising questions on what Mercedes is planning to do this time
around.
With the A-Class prototypes having reduced their
disguises to a single wrap, it makes sense for Mercedes to do the same with the
GLA mules using the same bodywork. Real-body prototypes will arrive on the
coming months and then we’ll get a first taste of what the new GLA will look
like, but don’t expect any wild differences. After all, both the A-Class and
the GLA share the same underpinnings.
Compared to its hatchback sibling, the GLA will get
a higher ride obviously, along with slightly wider tracks and bigger wheels to
justify its crossover identity on the market. Most of the engine and
transmissions offered in the new A-Class will be shared with the GLA, as it
happens with the current models as well. The cabin will be heavily inspired by
the S-Class, meaning that even the smallest Mercedes models will offer a
twin-display dash and a familiar luxurious environment.
The new Mercedes GLA isn’t expected to hit the
market before late 2019-early 2020, which means that we’ll see plenty of the
new GLA with its real body on during development before it eventually launches
into the market.
Cr : Carscoops