Facelifted 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA Spied Flaunting New LED Headlights

The refreshed crossover will launch next year with subtle exterior and interior updates

The only member of Mercedes-Benz's compact family that hasn't been given the obligatory mid-cycle refresh yet is the GLA crossover.

That is about to change soon, as these images of a GLA test prototype show. Our spy photographers caught a thinly-disguised GLA sporting new LED headlights for the first time.

As expected from a model launched in 2014, design changes will be modest. They will include restyled headlights (available optionally with LED technology), as well as a refreshed design for the taillights. In addition, the GLA will sport a more swept front apron, a retouched grille, and new tailpipes.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz will offer new materials, a refreshed instrument cluster, as well as an optional larger display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will also be on the menu.

Under the hood, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA will receive uprated engines, highlighted by the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. As with the A 45 and CLA 45, the GLA 45's output will increase from 360 PS (355 hp) to 381 PS (376 hp) and 475 Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque. The GLA 250 will also see an output increase from 211 PS (208 hp) to 218 PS (215 hp).

Other updates will be an optional adaptive suspension with two modes (Comfort and Sport), as well as the addition of Dynamic Select driving mode selector as standard equipment for both manual and automatic variants, except base engines.

The facelifted 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA will have its world debut next year, most likely at a major auto show in North America or Europe. If you can't wait until then, the following illustration from Christian Schulte should give you a pretty accurate idea of what the facelifted GLA will look like.

Spy shots: AUTOMEDIA
Illustration: CHRISTIAN SCHULTE