Mercedes’ baby SUV is a Mercedes A-Class on stilts.
Mercedes’ compact cars lineup is now larger than ever. It includes an A-Class Sedan as well as a GLB seven seat crossover. China also offers a long-wheelbase A Class Sedan that provides plenty of legroom for the rear passengers. This is a more affordable alternative to the larger and more expensive CClass. The three-pointed star, aside from changing the nameplates, has updated almost all its products in the compact segment. However, one product remains to be upgraded for the next generation.
The GLA was spotted hiding under heavy camouflage last month. According to rumours, Mercedes will unveil its A-Class-style baby crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. A few new renderings try to show the GLA’s near future. They give the compact hatchback an elevated ride height and slightly rugged bodies to make it a small cross-over.
Although it’s a predictable design decision, the GLA 2 is going to be a crossover version of the A-Class . The GLB, which has been added to Mercedes’ lineup, is somewhat similar to the GLK. However the small crossover will still retain the curvy shape from the outgoing model but with a larger body. This is because the next generation is expected grow.
Few people will recall that Mercedes teased an “GLA Coupe”, in an indirect way, on a product roadmap published in July 2016. The crossover-coupe has not been found three years later. However, we wonder if that’s still in the plans. The German brand may be working on something to compete with the BMW X2, Range Rover Evoque and the upcoming AudiQ4.
The regular GLA will continue to inherit the tech and oily bits from the new-era Mercedes compact cars. The high-tech dashboard that you will find in a B Class minivan or CLA wagon, as well as the pair of 10.25-inch screens found on the more expensive models, will be replicated in the small crossover. Because the new has seven seats, it won’t increase in size.
The GLA might not show its production metal in Frankfurt. We may see it at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the second half November. This is because the U.S. market for Mercedes’ entry-level crossover is very important.