Spy photos reveal the next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA ahead of its Frankfurt premiere

Mercedes-Benz has started road-testing the next generation of its compact crossover SUV, the GLA, as these spy photos seem to attest. The official premiere won’t happen until the International Motor Show Germany in September, 2019, so it is worth checking it out now.

The second-gen GLA is based on the same MFA architecture as the GLB, the B-Class compact van, and some CLAs.

Style-wise, the newcomer looks similar to the latest A-Class hatchback. The switch to the new basic architecture likely means the car will be less tall than its first version.

The standard and available feature list hasn’t been revealed yet, but there is no doubt that it will include a digital instrument cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system brought together on the same physical display.

The engine palette will likely include a 1.3-liter gasoline turbo-four, a stronger 2.0-liter engine and a 1.5-liter diesel unit. AMG models will follow later, with their power rumored to lie in the 306 – 421 hp (228 – 314 kW) area.

Photos: motor1.com