• the new mercedes-benz gla-class crossover will make its debut december 11.
• the redesigned model should share much of its design inside and out with the recently redone a-class and cla-class sedans.
• expect the new gla to arrive in the u.s. sometime in 2020 as a 2021 model-year vehicle.

now that the new a-class, cla-class, and glb-class have hit the scene, it’s the gla-class crossover’s turn for a redesign. this new version of benz’s subcompact crossover will officially debut december 11, completing the luxury automaker’s freshened small-car lineup for the u.s.

the new gla is expected to follow closely in the footsteps as these other models with an "a" in their names, as it rides on the same platform and should adopt similar styling both inside and out. this is a boon for the new model's interior, because, if it’s anything like the a-class’s highly modernized, attractive setup, it’ll be a big step up from the current gla’s plasticky, dated cabin. a teaser photo and images of a camouflaged gla prototype show similar proportions as the current model, but with sharper creases and more modern-looking headlights and taillights.

we expect the u.s. to get a gla250 model with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in the cla250. it’ll come with either front-wheel drive or 4matic all-wheel drive. amg-tuned models are sure to follow, likely a gla35 with the same 302-horsepower turbo-four as the a35 and cla35, and an eventual gla45 with the full-bore turbo-four making either 382 hp or 416 hp.

the december 11 reveal, which will take place entirely online, will likely focus only on the non-amg models. we'll know all the details in a few short weeks.