Now that both the new Mercedes-Benz CLS and A-Class have been revealed, it's only a matter of time before the next-generation CLA arrives. From the front, these models are becoming increasingly difficult to tell apart. A camouflaged prototype of the next-generation Mercedes CLA was spotted by our spy photographers stopping for fuel at a gas station in Sweden, and it might as well be a mini CLS as the exterior shares a lot in common with its bigger brother.

The front styling is well hidden, but the headlights look very similar to recent Mercedes models. From the side profile, the next-generation CLA looks nearly identical to the CLS, albeit scaled down to compact size. It's the same story at the rear, though the trunk appears to have a longer overhang, but that's probably due to the thick layers of camouflage. Being a new-generation model, the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA should ride on the company's next-generation Modular Front Architecture front-wheel drive platform, which also underpins the new A-Class. That means it will also share the same engine line-up as the A-Class in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

In the U.S., the A-Class sedan will act as the new entry-level Mercedes model, while the hatchback version will be coming to Canada. Both will pack a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 221 hp, which should be carried over to the CLA, enabling the A-Class hatchback to hit 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. An AMG A45 has already been confirmed, so hopefully this means we'll see an AMG CLA 45, too, possibly with plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions. No doubt the upgraded interior will be largely similar to the A-Class.

This means the new CLA should feature the sophisticated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which is being rolled out to every Mercedes model. Expect to see the next-generation Mercedes CLA debut sometime in 2019 as a 2020 model.