The next-gen Mercedes GLA will be underpinned by the same platform as the new A-Class and the GLB and it will share a lot of interior parts as well.
The first-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA has been on our roads for quite some time now and Mercedes will soon be replacing it with an all-new model in the coming weeks. Now, there are some more details that have surfaced about the brand’s entry-level SUV. So lets’s take a closer look at what we can expect from the next-gen Mercedes GLA.
The next-gen Mercedes GLA will sit on the carmakers’ latest MFA-II platform. Its also the same platform which underpins the new A-class, the CLA and GLB SUV. Mercedes will opt for a more upright look for the next-gen GLA in contrast to the more flowing look of the current model. The new design will make the GLA about 100 mm taller than the current model but it will also be 20 mm shorter in length than the current model. Its wheelbase will however have grown by 30mm and that should translate to more interior space.
As for the cabin of the next-gen GLA, it will borrow bits from the new A-Class and the GLB. That includes a digital instrument cluster and infotainment display housed within a single binnacle, turbine-inspired air-con vents, and lots of leather with unique trim inserts. The new GLA could also feature adjustable rear seats.
As for what will be under the hood, the new GLA will be powered by Mercedes’ family of four-cylinder engines. The petrol engines will include a choice of a 1.3- and 2.0-litre unit developing 165hp and 228hp, respectively. As for the diesel engines, there will be options of a 1.5 liter and a 2.0 liter diesel engine. The latter will come in two states of tune -150hp or a more potent 190hp. The 1.5 liter engine will have 115 bhp.
There will also be a 218hp plug-in hybrid variant where the 1.3 liter engine will be mated to a gearbox mounted electric motor – similar to that on the new A-class. It is expected to use a 15.6kWh battery pack, giving it an all-electric range of more than 60km. Performance-focused AMG GLA 35 and 45 models are on the cards as well and are expected to debut in the second-half of 2020.
Also Read : Mercedes-Benz Launches Top-Spec V-Class Elite in India for Rs. 1.1 Crore!
The next-gen GLA will come as a front-wheel drive vehicle as standard but Mercedes will be offering a revised version of its 4Matic four-wheel drive that’s capable of fully variable power apportioning to either the front or rear wheels as an option. Gearbox choices will include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic and an 8-speed dual-clutch auto.
Also Read : Mercedes Officially Confirms the Coming of an All Electric G-Class.
Mercedes hasn’t yet confirmed as to when the next-gen GLA would make it to India. However, Mercedes is all set to launch a host of other new cars in India which include the the A-class sedan, GLB, GLE and GLS and GLC facelift. Like the current model, the new GLA will go up against the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 in the market.
