Mercedes-Benz has revealed its all-new GLA compact SUV, underpinned by the same cutting-edge MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform that forms the basis of the lauded new CLA sedan/wagon.
Due to arrive here in mid-2027, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is markedly bigger than the model it replaces, measuring 4565mm long (+102mm), 1873mm wide (+39mm) and 2790mm (+61mm) in wheelbase.
Mercedes-Benz bills the new GLA as an “electric-first” vehicle that’s said to be optimised for battery-electric power, as well as super-efficient combustion engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
By unifying its compact model range under this new architecture, Mercedes-Benz has positioned the new GLA to replace both the outgoing combustion-powered GLA and the all-electric EQA.
CarExpert had the opportunity to view and poke around the new GLA and ‘GLA electric’ in a closed-room reveal during the media launch of the C-Class electric in Helsinki, and our first impressions are that it’s a vehicle which builds on the merits of the outgoing GLA with its greater interior space and superior tech credentials.
The gaping-mouthed grille may or may not be to everyone’s tastes, but the rest of the package gels quite well visually as it’s distinguished by a more modern and sporty persona than its predecessor.
There is some hard plastic trim inside, but faux metal and carbon-fibre-look finishes make even these bits look okay. However, there is also a dose of screen overload, with physical switches almost entirely banished from the cabin.
The GLA electric is built around an 800V electrical system that delivers a claimed WLTP range of between 394-447km for the GLA200 electric, 577-657km for the GLA 250+ electric, and 555-643km for the range-topping (at least initially) GLA350 4Matic electric.
Fast-charging is also touted as a USP, with a 10-minute zap via a 320kW DC charger adding 270km in just 10 minutes.
For those not ready for a full EV, Mercedes-Benz pairs its new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid setup. Power outputs in initial models will likely range from 120kW to 140kW, with base variants featuring a front-wheel drive layout and flagship variants featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Although the model mix for Australia is yet to be announced, Europe’s battery-powered GLA lineup will kick off with the 165kW/335Nm GLA200 electric, which has a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a usable energy capacity of 58kWh.
The GLA250+ electric ups the ante to 200kW/335Nm, while the range-topping GLA350 4Matic punches out 260kW/515Nm, spearing it from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.4 seconds. The GLA250+ and GLA350 4Matic are equipped with an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery with a usable energy capacity of 85kWh.
Combustion-powered GLAs will incorporate the German automaker’s newly developed 48V mild-hybrid 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, serving up respectably beefy outputs while delivering miserly fuel consumption.
The supplementary 22kW electric motor and its associated components are integrated directly into the new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT). Mercedes-Benz claims this makes the powertrain more efficient and ultra-compact.
A new 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of up to 1.3kWh powers the electric motor. At urban speeds where driving is typically gentler, hybrid GLAs can run on electric power alone.
Efficient electric coasting with the drivetrain disengaged is also possible at speeds of over 100km/h, says Mercedes-Benz, provided less than 22kW of power is required. The electric motor can boost and recuperate of to 25kW of energy in all eight gears.
In terms of design, the new GLA falls into line with the second-generation GLB mid-size SUV revealed earlier this year, with the bulbous nose incorporating an oversized grille (illuminated via 608 LEDs on electrified variants) and teardrop-shaped headlights featuring the three-pointed star motif.
The flanks incorporate flush, pop-out door handles to reduce air resistance and clean up the car’s shoulder line. The rear-end features a steeply raked tailgate for a sporty silhouette, complemented by new tail-lights also incorporating a three-pointed star central element.
The GLA electric’s boot capacity is 410 litres – an increase of 70L over the previous model. With the rear seatbacks folded down, that increases to 1400L. The electric GLA also features a full-size frunk with a capacity of 107L. That’s enough space for a crate of drinks, a carry-on trolley, or a large sports bag.
In the second row of seats, legroom increases by as much as 38mm, while maximum headroom has also increased by 23mm at the front and 24mm at the rear. The SUV’s roofline and the standard panoramic roof noticeably improve headroom and the sense of space, so my modest 172cm frame was comfortably accommodated in the rear seat.
The rear seatbacks are split 40/20/40 as standard and can be folded down individually, creating an almost flat load area. The cargo floor is adjustable for more convenient loading and unloading.
Mercedes-Benz claims the electric GLA with 4Matic AWD can tow up to 2000kg (braked) using an optional semi-electric tow bar – a top figure for a battery-electric vehicle in this class. This makes it suitable, for example, for towing a small caravan, jet-ski, or quad bike.
The new GLA’s dashboard is dominated by a wall of glass housing a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and an optional passenger-side display. If no front passenger display is fitted, a trim element with a star-pattern graphic continues the glass look in this area. In conjunction with the ambient lighting, a backlit version is also available.
The MBUX multimedia interface features an advanced AI-powered virtual assistant capable of complex tasks and proactive voice recognition.
The standard panoramic glass roof is made of heat-insulating laminated safety glass with an infrared-reflective coating and an ultra-thin low-emissivity (Low-E) coating. Mercedes-Benz claims this reduces the build-up of heat inside the cabin in summer. In winter, the Low-E coating helps minimise heat loss by reflecting interior heat back into the cabin.
Optionally available is a Sky Control panoramic roof, the transparency of which can be adjusted between clear and opaque in 10 to 20 milliseconds. The glass roof is divided into seven segments, each of which can be controlled individually.
This allows passengers to decide, according to their personal preferences, how much light and visibility they want, and in which area.
At night, they can even create their own glowing starry sky with 172 stars integrated into the glass surface. Connected to the ambient lighting, they’re illuminated in individually selectable colours.
The all-new GLA comes as standard in Europe with a comprehensive range of safety, driver-assistance and comfort features, including eight cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Depending on the selected MB.Drive package, the new GLA can assist with semi-autonomous steering, braking, acceleration, and manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces.
The full GLA model lineup and specifications for Australia will be announced closer to the model’s local launch in mid-2027.
