Facelifted Mercedes GLA crossover spotted ahead of 2024 launch

Testing is underway for the facelifted version of the Mercedes GLA, and as these spy shots reveal, the firm’s smallest SUV will receive a series of updates to keep pace with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. 

The styling revisions will be mild, given that only the front bumper and tailgate of this pre-production car are camouflaged. Even so, the front grille will be reshaped to resemble that of the A-Class hatchback on which the GLA is based. The headlights will also be subtly redesigned, and tweaked lower grille elements are expected beneath the disguise. 

The car’s side profile is unchanged, with the same plastic cladding and chrome trim on the sills, although it’s likely that new wheel designs will arrive as part of the facelift. The rear is also largely the same, but concealed tail lights indicate that these will be refreshed as well.

Inside, the cabin design of the updated GLA will be familiar, save for potential new trim and upholstery options. The double-spoke steering wheel found in the latest Mercedes models could also make an appearance, and while the infotainment system will be updated to the firm’s latest MBUX software, we don’t expect to see a new, larger portrait-orientated display as seen in the new C-Class. The current car’s twin dashboard-mounted screen setup will probably remain. 

Under the skin, the GLA will continue to share its MFA2 architecture with the A-Class, and the car’s suspension setup could be mildly tweaked to improve ride comfort and handling. 

Mercedes will continue to offer the SUV with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and could stick with the outgoing car’s range of powertrains – albeit with minor efficiency and calibration tweaks. These comprise a 161bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine, a 2.0-litre diesel unit with either 148bhp or 187bhp and a plug-in hybrid version. The latter combines the 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a 215bhp total output and a claimed 201.8mpg. 

The AMG models will top the range, and these could receive power increases and dynamic upgrades as part of the facelift. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 currently produces 302bhp, while the hotter GLA 45 puts out 416bhp. 

The GLA has been on sale for just two years, so we expect the updated model to launch in 2024. It’s unlikely to arrive with a pure-electric option, however, since Mercedes already offers the EQA SUV as an EV equivalent.

Now read our full review of the current Mercedes GLA…