Finally, Some Heat: Mercedes-Benz Teases a Twin-free GLA

Every TTAC reader’s favorite Mercedes-Benz, the subcompact GLA, will soon appear with a new body in tow. It’s taller and more bulbous than before, but it’s also more suited to the segment it’s supposedly a member of: the subcompact crossover segment.

The previous GLA, which had an unhappy sibling in the form of the now-defunct Infiniti QX30, suffered from practicality concerns. With its small overall size and low roofline, interior volume was hardly cavernous. This time around, Mercedes-Benz wants to correct past mistakes.

The sketch you see here comes shortly before Wednesday’s German unveiling of the new 2021 GLA-class, which will eventually make its way to this side of the Atlantic. Sporting hilariously oversized wheels, the sketch takes liberties the production version won’t.

Gone is the platform found beneath the first-generation model and its Infiniti twin. In its place, the taught front-biased architecture found beneath the new A-Class, CLA, and GLB. This spells more legroom for rear-seat passengers, thankfully, as the upcoming GLA’s wheelbase stretches further than before (detailed specs to come). The automaker has said in the past that overall length will shrink by six-tenths of an inch, with the roofline reaching skyward by an extra four-tenths of an inch.

What this means for interior volume remains to be seen.

Like the other models plunked on this platform, expect plenty of youth-chasing tech in the cabin, including the latest version of Benz’s MBUX infotainment system. Front-end styling probably won’t diverge much from the A- and CLA-Class. Like before, expect the guys and gals at AMG to work over this pint-sized people mover for added performance. A hybrid should also be in the offing.

[Image: Daimler AG]