2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA spy pics

Mercedes-Benz has started testing the 2019 GLA-Class crossover under the skin of the next-generation A-Class.

Spotted being put through its paces in wintry Sweden, the test car looks just like the A-Class test car spotted last year, but has a higher ground clearance and wider track.

The length of the new-generation GLA will remain more or less the same, but will follow a new design language with a larger front grille, and swanky looking headlamps.

Like the current generation GLA, it will share the same MLA2 underpinnings as the all-new A- and B-Class, as well as the CLA, and CLA Shooting brake, which is an update of the current MLA platform.

This is why using the A-Class hatchback’s body over the crossover’s front- and all-wheel-drive drivetrain wasn’t difficult to achieve.

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Like its platform siblings, the all-new GLA will shed weight through the use of high-strength steel and aluminium components.

New engines, including more powerful 2.0-litre petrol turbos, new generation 2.0-litre turbo diesels and a plug-in hybrid are also in the works.

The GLA is expected to have a slightly bigger sibling in the form of the GLB crossover, which will bridge the gap up to the GLC.

The as yet confirmed GLB will share the MLA2 platform but is expected to be a bit more radically designed with styling cues based on the less-than-subtle G-Class models.

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The GLA is expected to go on sale in Europe at some point in 2019, though it will probably launch here as an MY2020 model.

Meanwhile the facelifted current model Mercedes-Benz GLA is expected to arrive on our shores later this year.