Mercedes is preparing to debut the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class on December 11th, but before the second-generation crossover arrives, the German automaker dropped a new teaser showing the new GLA-Class’ side profile and parts of the rear section.
The familiar design echoes the looks that we’re now familiar with from Mercedes’ new batch of compact cars. The carmaker took a few design liberties in rendering of the GLA-Class — the wheels and tires are abnormally large — but for the most part, the second-generation crossover carries a host of new design features that should make the GLA Class look sportier than in previous forms.
What We Know About the 2021 Mercedes GLA
The 2021 GLA Class looks similar except for a few things
The design of the new Mercedes GLA-Class’ rear section isn’t a far departure from what we’ve gotten used to with the outgoing model.
The taillights appear to be the outliers here. The overall shape and design of the housing lamps for the second-generation GLA-Class isn't as round and as pronounced as in the outgoing model. There’s an angularity to its design that imbibes a sportier and more aggressive vibe.
The 2021 GLA-Class Has Crossover-like Dimensions
Mercedes has released preliminary technical specifications of the new GLA-Class, and among the more surprising details is that the second-generation GLA will be around 3.93 inches (10 centimeters) taller than its predecessor. This extra space creates more headroom, particularly in the front for the driver and the front passenger.
The 2021 Mercedes GLA-Class Has More cargo room
Considering that the outgoing GLA-Class has one of the smallest cargo spaces — 17 cubic feet under the hatch and 44 cubic feet with the rear seats folded — among models in its class, any improvement in this area is a good thing for future owners of the GLA.
The stretched wheelbase is a big part of the increased storage space and if we’re going to make an educated guess, we think somewhere around 19 to 20 cubic-feet of cargo room would be suitable for the all-new GLA-Class. Related to that would be the standard power liftgate, which should make a return to the GLA. The optional keyless entry feature should also be offered, as it was in the outgoing model.
The 2021 Mercedes GLA Will Have an A-Class Inspired Dashboard
Mercedes adapting this layout for the new GLA-Class means that the old setup with the touchscreen sitting on top of the dashboard will no longer be available. It’s not just the touchscreen, either. The new layout also creates a cleaner dashboard as the array of buttons, knobs, and switches on the center console will no longer be available in the new GLA.
A GLA Coupe could be in the works
The 2021 Mercedes GLA Will Have a Variety in engine options
Don’t expect any bulk changes as far as the second-generation GLA-Class’ powertrain choices are concerned.
Two states of tune will be offered with this particular engine. A 1.5-liter diesel engine will also be offered while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine would power the range-topping version of the GLA. Power and performance figures haven’t been revealed, but expect the 2.0-liter engine to carry more than the outgoing model’s 208-horsepower output.
Engine options available:
-* 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with two states of tune developed by Mercedes and the Renault-Nissan Alliance
-* 1.5-liter diesel engine
-* 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with different states of tune
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is Coming in Two Flavors
A Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is also expected to pop up. The performance-oriented model will be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It will produce two states of tune, specifically a 382-horsepower model for the AMG GLA 45 and a more powerful 416-horsepower model for the meaner AMG GLA 45 S.