SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (X 156) scooped as a taxi on the Nurburgring

The tradition of the beige Mercedes-Benz taxis in the big European cities will add a new chapter when the future GLA-Class compact crossover gets revealed in September at the 2013 edition of the IAA Frankfurt.

As it appears from the latest set of spy pics, the German constructor is set to release a fleet of proper, fast shuttles for the European taxi companies looking to revamp their image fundamentally. If the A-Class (W 169), new B-Class, C-Class and new E-Class are the classic way of getting around in Europe's cities, the GLA-Class will be the dynamic way to travel in style.

First official images and technical details on the new GLA are to be released in August, prior to the auto show the next month. The styling will mark an evolution of the design exercises applied to the A-Class and CLA-Class. The details will be more roughly cut, to deliver an outstading visual effect. The upright grille, the meaner-looking LED headlights, the bigger air inlets, the muscular side flanks and the beefy rear end are sure to make the GLA-Class look like a sports hatch on steroids.

The higher ground clearance and the optional 4MATIC all-wheel-drive platform will further highlight the X 156 as a worthy member of the Geländewagen family. For the entry-level engine choice such as the GLA 180 CDI, GLA 180 and GLA 200, the crossover will deliver the output to the front wheels thanks to the intelligent MFA modular underpinnings and the efficiency-optimized transmissions. The high-end GLA 220 CDI and GLA 250 will boast the new 7G-DCT automatic gearbox and 4x4 traction as a standard feature.

All the powerplants used for the GLA-Class are shared with its smaller brothers and bare the BlueEFFICIENCY package of eco-friendly measures. From 109 hp up to 211 hp, the driver of the GLA enjoys a smooth, efficient and powerful ride. In early 2014, Mercedes-Benz will complete the range with the addition of the GLA 45 AMG high-performance crossover sporting the M133 2.0-litre supercharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 360 hp and the front-biased, 67:33 ratio 4MATIC platform enhanced by Mercedes-AMG.