2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA spied ahead of Frankfurt debut
Spy photographers have captured the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA during testing, revealing production-ready exterior styling and a first look at its interior before the official launch.
Mercedes-Benz’s new GLA compact crossover has been caught on camera during late-stage testing, offering the clearest look yet at both its exterior and interior ahead of its public debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The latest images show a lightly camouflaged GLA with much of its final bodywork exposed. The overall design closely follows the GLA Concept shown earlier in 2013, but with toned-down details for production. The crossover sits lower and sleeker than many rivals, with proportions that place it somewhere between a traditional hatchback and a small SUV. Distinctive features include pronounced rear haunches, a roof spoiler and the now-familiar two-bar grille seen across Mercedes-Benz’s compact range.
The GLA shares its platform with the A-Class, B-Class and CLA, and the similarities are clear in the side profile and surfacing. The front end carries the upright stance and headlight design that has become a Mercedes-Benz signature, while the rear treatment is more rounded, with wraparound lamps and a subtle undertray hinting at off-road intent. Despite the crossover styling, the GLA’s dimensions and ground clearance appear closer to a raised hatch than a full SUV, suggesting Mercedes-Benz is targeting buyers seeking style and versatility rather than rugged off-road ability.
Interior adopts A-Class design cues
Interior spy shots confirm that the GLA adopts much of the A-Class dashboard architecture. The central display screen sits proud of the dash, flanked by circular air vents finished in metallic trim. The centre console and switchgear are also carried over, with a prominent rotary controller for the infotainment system. The steering wheel and instrument cluster mirror those found in the A-Class and CLA, reinforcing the family connection. Materials and finishes appear in line with other compact Mercedes-Benz models, with options likely to include leather, aluminium and gloss black trim.
The rear seats look to offer similar space to the A-Class, with a slightly higher seating position due to the GLA’s raised ride height. Boot capacity is expected to be competitive for the segment, although official figures are yet to be confirmed. Practicality features such as split-fold rear seats and a low loading sill are visible in the images.
Engine line-up and AMG variant
The GLA is set to launch with a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines shared with the A-Class, B-Class and CLA. Expected options include a 1.6-litre petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and two diesels: a 1.8-litre and a 2.1-litre. Power outputs are likely to range from 120 to 207bhp, with torque figures up to 350Nm for the higher-spec diesels and petrols. Both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions are anticipated, along with front- and 4MATIC all-wheel drive variants.
- 1.6-litre petrol (120–154bhp expected)
- 2.0-litre turbo petrol (up to 207bhp)
- 1.8-litre diesel (around 134bhp)
- 2.1-litre diesel (up to 168bhp)
A high-performance GLA45 AMG is in development, set to feature the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG. This engine produces 355bhp and 450Nm in those models, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. The GLA45 AMG is expected to offer similar performance, putting it at the sharp end of the compact crossover class.
Position in the Mercedes-Benz range
The GLA will sit below the GLK (not offered in the UK) and the larger M-Class, giving Mercedes-Benz a direct rival for the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The model is part of a broader push into the compact premium segment, following the launches of the new A-Class and CLA. Production is scheduled to take place at the Rastatt plant in Germany, alongside the A-Class and B-Class. For more on the GLA’s production schedule, see Mercedes-Benz Begins GLA SUV Production in Rastatt.
