With the unveiling of the second generation GLA on December 11, Mercedes-Benz‘s compact car lineup will count no less than eight models. It will remain the most affordable SUV in the family though, slotting under the GLB, GLC, GLE and GLS.
So, with its official presentation fast approaching, the company has started the teasing game by showing a prototype being driven an off-road course. The new crossover hatch features shorter front and rear overhangs compared to its predecessor, as well as improved off-road features, which will make it a tad more potent off the beaten path. Still, you would want to take it easy once the tarmac ends.
According to Benz, the GLA’s height has gone up by more than 10 cm, so occupants will enjoy more headroom. Extra legroom has also been freed up, thanks to clever packaging and the adoption of the latest architecture, despite the overall length being 0.5 cm shorter.
Elsewhere, drivers will be assisted by an assortment of safety features, which are part of the Driving Assistance Package and include the Active Brake Assist, cornering, emergency lane and exit warning functions, as well as a system that detects pedestrians near zebra crossings and informs those holding the wheel.
The usual petrol and diesel four-pots will be part of the engine offering, as well as a few AMG variants. The latter will include the GLA 35, with its 306 PS and 400 Nm of torque 2.0-liter engine, joined by the GLA 45 and GLA 45 S. These will have 387 PS and 480 Nm and 421 PS and 500 Nm, respectively. A PHEV GLA 250e could be included as well.
