The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA arrives with a lower, sportier stance, an illuminated iconic grille, up to 657 km of WLTP range, 800-volt fast charging and a completely redesigned AI-powered interior.
Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new GLA, and the compact luxury SUV enters its next generation with a clear mission: redefine urban mobility through electric power, intelligent technology and premium comfort. With a striking new design, a larger digital cockpit and a range of up to 657 kilometres (WLTP), the new GLA is positioned as one of the most advanced compact premium SUVs on the market.
The launch range consists of three fully electric models, while high-tech electrified combustion variants with 48-volt hybrid technology will join the lineup in early 2027. Mercedes says the new GLA is designed to feel more intuitive, more spacious and more exciting in everyday use.
A More Athletic Mercedes-Benz GLA Design
The new GLA immediately stands out with a 20 mm lower roofline, a 61 mm longer wheelbase and a wider rear track, giving it a noticeably more dynamic stance than its predecessor. Flush-mounted wheels, muscular shoulders and cleaner body surfacing reinforce the SUV’s sporty character.
For the first time in the compact Mercedes lineup, the electric GLA adopts the brand’s illuminated iconic grille. The panel features a smoked-glass effect, up to 608 illuminated light points and optional animated lighting sequences synchronized with the vehicle’s soundscape.
Mercedes also expands personalization significantly with four trim lines:
- Style Line
- PROGRESSIVE Line
- AMG Line
- AMG Line Plus
A new Night Edition adds dark exterior accents, black 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior finishes.
Premium Cabin With MBUX Superscreen and Panoramic Roof
Inside, the GLA receives a complete redesign focused on space, light and digital sophistication. The centerpiece is the optional MBUX Superscreen, which stretches across the dashboard and combines:
- a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster,
- a 14-inch central touchscreen, and
- an optional 14-inch passenger display.
The minimalist architecture is complemented by floating door panels, a raised center console, wireless smartphone charging and customizable ambient lighting with 64 colors.
A standard panoramic glass roof enhances the feeling of openness, while the optional SKY CONTROL roof can switch between transparent and opaque in milliseconds and even projects a starry-sky effect using 172 integrated illuminated stars.
AI-Powered MBUX Virtual Assistant
One of the biggest technology stories is the new MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI. Mercedes combines technologies from ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing to create a conversational assistant capable of handling multi-step requests, remembering context and delivering personalized answers.
Drivers can ask about:
- charging stations,
- parking availability,
- restaurants and points of interest,
- weather and road conditions,
- currency conversions,
- stock prices,
- and even ski slope conditions.
The system is integrated with Google Maps and Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence, allowing route planning that dynamically adapts to traffic, charging availability and driving style.
Up to 657 km of Electric Range
The all-electric GLA is built around an 800-volt architecture, enabling DC charging at up to 320 kW. Mercedes claims the SUV can recover up to 270 km of WLTP range in just 10 minutes at compatible fast chargers.
Electric powertrain lineup
| Model | Power | Battery | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 200 electric | 165 kW | 58 kWh LFP | Front-wheel drive |
| GLA 250+ electric | 200 kW | 85 kWh NMC | Front-wheel drive |
| GLA 350 4MATIC electric | 260 kW | 85 kWh NMC | All-wheel drive |
The flagship GLA 350 4MATIC electric accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, while the GLA 250+ electric offers the longest range at up to 657 km (WLTP).
An additional electric version with a 71 kWh battery is scheduled for early 2027.
Hybrid GLA Models Arrive in 2027
Mercedes will also introduce a new generation of 48-volt electrified combustion models featuring a newly developed 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an integrated electric motor and an eight-speed electrified dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT).
Key hybrid features include:
- electric driving in urban conditions,
- electric coasting above 100 km/h,
- energy recuperation in all eight gears,
- and an additional 22 kW electric boost.
Front-wheel-drive and 4MATIC variants will be available.
Off-Road Capability Remains Part of the GLA DNA
Although aimed primarily at urban customers, the new GLA retains genuine SUV functionality. 4MATIC models receive a dedicated TERRAIN driving mode for gravel, sand and dirt roads.
The optional Transparent Bonnet function creates a virtual view beneath the front of the vehicle, helping drivers place the wheels accurately when navigating rough terrain.
More Space, More Practicality
The longer wheelbase benefits passengers directly:
- +7 mm front legroom
- +38 mm rear legroom
- +23 mm front headroom
- +24 mm rear headroom
Boot capacity rises to 410 litres, expanding to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded. The electric GLA also adds a 107-litre front trunk (frunk).
The rear seats split 40:20:40, and electric 4MATIC models can tow up to 2,000 kg, an impressive figure for a battery-electric SUV in this class.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The GLA comes standard in Europe with an extensive sensor suite consisting of eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Available systems include:
- MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS with steering and distance assistance,
- automatic lane change assist,
- enhanced parking assist,
- 360-degree camera with 3D surround view,
- reverse maneuvering assist,
- and over-the-air software update capability.
Mercedes says the central computing platform can process up to 254 tera operations per second, providing significant headroom for future functions.
Sustainability: A Smaller Carbon Footprint
Mercedes claims the new electric GLA reduces its overall carbon footprint by around 40 percent compared with the current combustion-engine GLA. The improvements come from:
- lower-emission battery production,
- increased use of renewable-energy aluminum,
- more recycled materials,
- and carpets made from 100 percent recycled Econyl yarn.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing in Germany
For the German market, Mercedes-Benz has announced the following launch prices:
- GLA 200 electric: €48,599.60 incl. VAT
- GLA 250+ electric: €54,978 incl. VAT
- GLA 350 4MATIC electric: €58,107.70 incl. VAT
Orders open ahead of the market launch scheduled for November 2026.
First Impression: The Most Compelling GLA Yet
The outgoing GLA has been one of Mercedes-Benz’s strongest-selling compact models, and the new generation appears to raise the bar substantially. It combines a more expressive design, a genuinely premium cabin, cutting-edge AI functionality and electric range figures that challenge larger and more expensive SUVs.
In a segment where rivals increasingly focus on electrification and digital experiences, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA feels less like a routine model update and more like a comprehensive rethink of what a compact luxury SUV should be. If Mercedes delivers on its promises of range, usability and intuitive technology, the new GLA could become one of the standout premium EVs of 2027.
Source: Mercedes-Benz