GLA-Class SUV

Segment
SUV

Mercedes is working hard at making electric mobility enticing and has recently shown remarkable improvements in the field by smashing its own range record with the EQXX. Similarly, it has been showing its engineering prowess with combustion engines by launching the incomparable AMG ONE and has more to reveal in the coming years as it aims to take the luxury sales crown from its bitter rival BMW. The people in Munich recently unveiled the 2023 X1, and now our spy photographers have captured Affalterbach's answer, snapping the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA with its facelifted front and rear ends. But as a nip-and-tuck rather than a total overhaul, will it be good enough?

As we can see from the images, the GLA crossover will be getting a slightly newer bumper design to bring it in line with recent Mercedes reveals this year, and a new take on the headlights will complement this. The overall shape of the headlights won't be vastly different, but new graphics will help set them apart. The center grille will also be updated, while the rear will see the bumper unchanged and the taillights updated, likely with no more than new graphics too. For those who were expecting something more revolutionary, this will be a disappointment, but changes to the interior should help appease apprehensive buyers.

According to our sources, the trend of a new steering wheel design will continue in the 2023 GLA, while a new center console will help further refine the cabin's aesthetic. The infotainment screen is expected to be mildly updated with new graphics and the latest MBUX updates. The powertrains should be the same as in the current model, but with more efficiency and power and no manual gearbox option. A debut is expected for later this year or early in 2023, and with many Merc products likely to be killed off soon in favor of fully-electric alternatives, it seems understandable that Mercedes is not going all-out with the new GLA.