Mercedes is putting
the finishing touches on the 2020 GLA and Autocar is reporting the model will
be unveiled during an “online presentation” in a few weeks. While the publication doesn’t say when
this will occur, they recently sampled a pre-production model and learned more
about the upcoming crossover.
The GLA has always
been on the small side, but the redesigned model will reportedly be 20 mm shorter than its predecessor. Despite this, the wheelbase will grow by 30 mm to 2,729 mm. The latter change will benefit
rear seat passengers who will find additional legroom. Passengers will also find more headroom
as the second-generation GLA will be approximately 100 mm taller
than its predecessor. The extra height also has styling benefits as the model
will look more like a crossover than an off-road inspired hatchback.
Engine options will be
shared with other MFA-based models and reportedly include a 1.3-liter
four-cylinder with 163 hp. Petrol fans can also expect a
2.0-liter four-cylinder developing 225 hp. On the diesel side, choices are slated
to include an entry-level 1.5-liter with 114 hp. There will
also be two 2.0-liter units with outputs of 148 hp and 187 hp.
Further down the road,
we can expect a plug-in hybrid and a handful of AMG variants. The GLA 35 will
have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 302 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The GLA 45 will also use a 2.0-liter
engine, but it will be rated at 382 hp and 480 Nm of torque. Likewise, the GLA 45 S will have 415 hp and 498 Nm of torque.
