The all-new, second generation Mercedes-Benz GLA will go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2020, before rolling out to other markets. The model will be produced in three locations - Rastatt (Germany), Hambach (France), Beijing (China).

The compact SUV is the latest model to join the Daimler’s MFA2 family, whose members include the A-Class, A-Class Sedan, B-Class, CLA, and GLB.

Unlike the previous model, this all-new GLA is no longer a jacked up A-Class hatchback (below), at least not in the same way as before.

Yes, it still shares the same platform and powertrain as the A-Class (and the rest of the MFA2 family), but its body is now significantly different from the A-Class.

In fact, the all-new GLA is leaning closer towards the 5+2 seater GLB and the 5-seater B-Class than the little A-Class hatchback. Even Daimler’s press materials referred to the GLA and GLB brothers as the two off-road models of the MFA2 family.

The three-row seat 5+2 seater (optional) GLB is aimed at customers who need more practicality from their compact SUV, while the 5-seater only GLA is aimed at fashion conscious buyers.

Viewed from the side, the close relation between the GLA with the B-Class and GLB is obvious.

Only the B-Class and its derivative model GLB have a rear three-quarter window outside the door frame. The GLA is no different. Normally, such a design is only used on MPV-type vehicles

The additional rear three-quarter window is necessary to maintain better outward visibility for the driver, while at the same time allowing the vehicle to be packaged with a bigger boot space, additional legroom and headroom at the rear.

Without it, the C-pillar would have been too thick, giving it a weird proportion for a rather tall-ish car, as well as causing too much blind spot for the driver.

The change in interior packaging, elevated seating position, and need to offer more space inside meant that it was easier to make a compact SUV out of B-Class than the A-Class.

Surprisingly, Daimler has made the all-new GLA smaller than before. The previous GLA wasn’t big at all. In fact it’s barely comparable to a BMW X1. This all-new model is even smaller. It measures 14 mm shorter, but is 30 mm wider and 104 mm taller.

Despite the shorter length, interior space has been improved thanks to a 30 mm longer wheelbase.

Legroom at the rear has been extended by 116 mm, but this is also partly due to some compromise from the front occupants, whose legroom has been shortened by 18 mm.

Boot space has also been increased by 14 litres.

At launch, there are only two variants, the GLA 200 and the GLA 35 AMG 4Matic.

The GLA 200 is powered by a M282 1.3-litre turbocharged co-developed with Renault. The four-cylinder engine makes 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm at 1,620 – 4,000 rpm.

Drive is sent to either the front or all four wheels (4Matic) via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7G-DCT).

The GLA 35 AMG 4Matic uses a larger M260 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It pushes out 306 PS at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm at 3,000 – 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AMG Speedshift DCT 8G).

Models with 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive will be fitted with a new electro-mechanically operated rear-axle, which replaces the previous car’s hydraulic unit. Daimler says this setup is more efficient, with less power loses and its performance is no longer dependent on engine rpm.

4Matic variants will get an Off-Road Engineering Package which adds an additional off-road drive mode, which now controls both the engine and transmission, as well as ABS intervention, with additional display models in the instrument panel.