The Mercedes-Benz EQA electric SUV is shown ahead of its 2020 debut.

Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the GLA, and the new model will arrive in dealerships this summer as a 2021 model.

A battery EV version of the compact crossover, dubbed EQA in line with Mercedes' EV naming strategy, will also arrive in 2020.

The EQA version is not yet confirmed for sale in the US and may not be introduced. This is because Mercedes is also planning an electric version of the slightly larger GLB, to be called the EQB.

A prototype of the EQA has already been spotted. The car looks very similar to the regular GLA, but is revealed to have some distinctive features that indicate it is an EV, such as a sealed grille for improved aerodynamic efficiency and no exhaust tips.

As for the powertrain, there will be an electric motor on each axle, with a battery capacity of about 60 kWh and an initial range of about 200 km. Other powertrain options may be added in the future. Trademarks filed by Mercedes with the United States Patent and Trademark Office suggest the EQA200, EQA250, EQA320, EQA350 and EQA360.

The EQA was originally planned to be based on the Mercedes A-Class hatchback. In 2017, Mercedes unveiled the EQA concept as an electric hatchback. However, a shift in the consumer trend towards crossovers apparently convinced Mercedes to use the GLA as the base for the EQA.