New Mercedes-Benz GLA: electric SUV with up to 657 km of range

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has been almost completely reinvented for its third generation. It is larger, moves onto the new CLA and GLB platform, and is now offered with fully electric powertrains for the first time.

This change also streamlines Mercedes-Benz’s compact range. As well as replacing the German brand’s current like-named compact SUV, the new GLA takes over from the electric EQA, bringing mild-hybrid and electric variants together under a single badge. The same approach has already been used for the new GLB, which has also replaced the electric EQB.

We saw the new Mercedes-Benz GLA in Helsinki, Finland. It shares almost all of its technical underpinnings with the CLA and GLB, while seeking to retain a distinct identity of its own. Watch the video to find out whether it succeeds in that objective.

Larger, yet lower

The changes begin with its dimensions. The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is 4,565 mm long, which is 143 mm longer than its predecessor, while its 2,790 mm wheelbase represents an increase of 61 mm.

Despite its added length, it is 20 mm lower. Its reduced height, rear track widened by 31 mm, pronounced wheel arches and 18-inch to 20-inch alloy wheels combine to give it a sportier appearance and a more firmly planted stance.

In person, it remains instantly recognisable as a GLA. It does not represent a complete departure from the previous model, although its styling has been brought closer to that of the latest Mercedes-Benz models. In my view, the rear is one of its most successful areas, particularly because of the way the lighting signature runs across the bodywork.

The front end is likely to prove more broadly appealing on the hybrid models than on the electric versions. The latter feature an almost fully sealed grille with 608 illuminated points and as many as 158 micro-LEDs, together with an illuminated star in the middle. It creates a visual effect that is impossible to overlook. It does not necessarily look bad, but it takes some getting used to, especially when all the lighting animations are activated.

A Mercedes-Benz GLA with CLA influences

Inside, the links with the CLA are even clearer. The dashboard can be fitted with the MBUX Superscreen, which includes a 10.25-inch instrument display, a 14-inch central screen and a further 14-inch display for the front passenger. The latter is optional.

The overall impression is of a CLA in SUV form. Its components, materials and graphics are similar, but the driving position is higher and the cabin provides more space, particularly in the second row.

At 1.81 m tall, I was able to sit behind my own driving position with ample legroom and headroom. The seating position is also natural, with knees not raised excessively, unlike in the new electric C-Class that I drove at the same event, even though its electric version also has its battery mounted beneath the floor.

The longer wheelbase has released an additional 38 mm of rear-seat legroom. Available headroom has risen by 23 mm at the front and 24 mm in the rear, despite Mercedes’ compact SUV now being lower externally.

Material quality is high, including across the upper dashboard and door sections. However, the plastics used on the backs of the front seats and in the middle of the second row are harder and less carefully finished.

More luggage space and a sizeable front compartment

The electric version’s boot has a claimed capacity of 410 litres, 70 litres more than the previous EQA. Folding the rear seats increases this figure to 1,400 litres.

Its strongest selling point, however, is at the front. The electric GLA has a 107-litre compartment under the bonnet, large enough for charging cables, a cabin suitcase or even a crate of drinks.

Together, the two storage areas provide more than 500 litres of available capacity. This is a clear advantage over the mild-hybrid versions, whose boot offers 415 litres but which do not have this front storage area.

Electric range of up to 657 km

The electric line-up will initially consist of three versions. The GLA 200 electric produces 165 kW, equivalent to 224 hp, and uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with 58 kWh of usable capacity.

Above it sits the GLA 250+ electric, with 200 kW (272 hp), an 85 kWh NMC battery and up to 657 km of WLTP range. It will be the longest-range model in the line-up.

At the top of the range is the GLA 350 4MATIC electric. It has two motors, four-wheel drive and 260 kW, equivalent to 354 hp. It completes 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and has a claimed range of up to 579 km.

Its 800 V electrical architecture supports rapid charging at up to 320 kW. Under ideal conditions, the GLA can recover up to 270 km of range in 10 minutes. For AC charging, the onboard charger is rated at 11 kW as standard and can be upgraded to 22 kW. Mercedes-Benz also plans a fourth electric version, fitted with a 71 kWh NMC battery.

The GLA will also be offered with a petrol engine

At the start of 2027, the range will expand with hybrid models based around the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine introduced in the CLA, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The electric motor is integrated into the transmission and delivers up to 22 kW, or 30 hp, for limited periods. It is powered by a 48 V battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh.

Despite its modest capacity, the system enables low-speed electric driving and coasting with the combustion engine switched off, including above 100 km/h, provided the power demand does not exceed 22 kW.

In Portugal, the hybrid range is expected to comprise the GLA 200, GLA 220 and GLA 220 4MATIC. Mercedes-Benz has not announced specifications, but these powertrains are once again shared with the CLA and GLB. Power outputs of 163 hp and 190 hp, respectively, are therefore expected.

When will it arrive?

The first examples of the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLA will reach the European market in November 2026, although its Portuguese launch is scheduled for early 2027 with the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC.

The GLA 200 electric, which will be the entry-level electric variant, is expected later, most likely towards the end of 2027. It is expected to cost less than €50,000, although Portuguese pricing has yet to be confirmed. Orders open in Germany on 30 July, and ordering in other markets is not expected to take much longer.