► A-class crossover returns
► Launch scheduled 2019
► Mule testing with hatch shell
The Mercedes GLA, Merc’s A-class-based crossover, will return in 2019. It’s expected to launch around a year later than the latest-generation A-class hatchback, which will make its public debut at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show in September and reach customers in early 2018.
These pictures show a mule using the latest-generation A-class bodyshell testing in Germany.
Read CAR’s review of the previous-generation Mercedes GLA-class here
Hang on, these pictures just look like a regular A-class prototype?
Essentially, it is – albeit with a higher ride height, larger wheels and what appears to be a slightly widened track. After all, the GLA is essentially a butched-up version of the A-class hatchback.
The use of a regular A-class bodyshell might be telling us something significant here.
CAR’s photographers have previously spied more heavily camouflaged GLA test mules using built around a regular A-class body. These shots show the car at a later stage in its development, at which point the production body would ordinarily come into play, but this particular car is still using a standard A-class shell. That suggests the new-generation GLA and A-class bodies may be even more alike than before.
Test cars with the full production body will follow; there’s still some time, as the GLA isn’t expected to launch until late 2019.
Click here to read all of CAR’s Mercedes-Benz reviews