2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA spied with evolutionary new body

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe sporting an all-new body, but with a familiar raised hatchback shape.

While this prototype vehicle is clad almost entirely in disguise tape, it is thankfully fitted with production-spec elements throughout.

The headlights look similar to ones seen on the latest CLA and feature an LED brow up top. Front and centre is a closed-off faux grille with an array of mini three-pointed stars in place of the more traditional bars or studs.

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Along the side there’s the obligatory black plastic wheel-arch protectors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles. The GLA’s shoulder line design is hidden by a series of rising false panels underneath the tight-fitting disguise.

At the rear the GLA has a chunky set of tail-lights with the company’s now compulsory three-pointed star lighting graphic surrounded by a multi-segment squircle light bar frame that stretches into the tailgate.

Under the skin, the new GLA will ride on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), which supports both 48V mild-hybrid front- and all-wheel drive variants, as well as rear- and all-wheel drive electric models.

MMA made its debut under the third-generation CLA sedan and wagon, and will also underpin the larger seven-seat GLB mid-size SUV, as well as a new A-Class hatchback.

Although Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed any of the GLA’s drivetrains, it’s fair to assume they will be shared with the CLA and other MMA-based vehicles.

The new CLA was launched in Europe with two electric drivetrains, and three hybrid petrol choices.

All the petrol variants use a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated 20kW electric motor, and hooked up to a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.

The 1.5-litre hybrid will be offered in 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm outputs and in front- and all-wheel drive layouts.

For EV buyers there’s the CLA250+ EQ with a 200kW/335Nm motor driving the rear wheels, and the 260kW/515Nm CLA350 4Matic EQ that has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system.

Both EV variants have a 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, and a 800V electrical system that supports 11kW AC charging and 320kW DC fast-charging.

Unfortunately our spy photography agency wasn’t able to get close enough to snap pictures of the GLA’s interior, but if past practice is anything to go by, it will be very similar to the latest CLA.

In top-spec trim, the CLA is available with a wall of screens across the dashboard. The so-called MBUX Superscreen houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 14.0-inch passenger touchscreen in one housing.

We’ll undoubtedly know more about the new GLA in the lead up to its launch some time in 2026.

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