Design round-up: New electric Mercedes GLA; Audi Q9; 25 years of Mini design

A new wave of automotive design reveals is taking shape across Europe. Mercedes-Benz is rolling out an electric GLA SUV with a lower silhouette and longer wheelbase, and it becomes the first compact Mercedes to feature an illuminated grille. Inside, the cabin is claimed to feel roomier thanks to a minimalist layout, a panoramic roof, and floating-style door center panels with open storage. The centerpiece is the floating MBUX Superscreen across the dashboard. Audi’s new flagship is the Q9, measuring 5.21 m long, 2.21 m wide, and 1.81 m tall, with seven seats, massaging and ventilated front seating, and a 1.5-square-metre panoramic sunroof. Mini marks 25 years of design with a short video featuring Adrian van Hooydonk and Holger Hampf, while Bentley’s Torcal is due to be revealed in London on 23 September.