2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA teased ahead of Detroit

Mercedes-Benz will reveal its fresh-faced GLA small-sized SUV next week during the Detroit motor show, teasing minor tweaks to the  fascia and a possible update in powertrain options.

The single teaser image, published to Mercedes’ social media channels, shows the new GLA front-end in a very low-light setting, but – like its recently refreshed A-Class and CLA-Class siblings – expect only minor changes to the premium SUVs styling.

The same angular, dual-lamp headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights can be glimpsed, but positioned lower on the bumper, the inclusion of fog lights and a lightly fettled splitter can be seen.

The prominent grille has also received a tweak, with the new GLA adopting square-shaped patterns along its two horizontal slats.

The GLA finished second behind the BMW X1 in the premium small-SUV segment.

While nothing else is revealed about the new model, the GLA could be offered with a new all-aluminium 2.0-litre diesel powerplant, developed to supplement the outgoing versions’ 2.1-litre oil burner.

The new engine produces 143kW of power and 400Nm of torque in the E220d All-Terrain, an increase of 13kW/50Nm over the current entry-level diesel GLA 200 CDI.

Merecedes’ new GLA range is also expected to come to market with the carryover 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, along with a flagship 280kW/475Nm AMG version, to do battle against the likes of the Audi RSQ3.

Last year, the GLA contributed 3766 sales to Mercedes’ record-breaking 41,226 haul, or 9.14 per cent of total sales.

However, despite last year’s sales tally representing a 25.1 per cent increase over 2015’s total, the GLA finished second behind the BMW X1 (4090) but just ahead of the Audi Q3 (3634) in the premium small-SUV segment.

Does a new look give the Mercedes-Benz GLA the edge in the competitive premium small-SUV market? Tell us what you think in the comments below.