Mercedes-Benz begins series production of the new electric GLA

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA with a fully electric drivetrain has already started rolling off the assembly line at the German plant in Rastatt. The German brand expects the first units to reach dealerships in November. Following the start of series production of the electric version of this premium SUV, the hybrid and combustion-engine versions are also expected to reach the market later this year.

With this generation, Mercedes-Benz finally unifies the naming and design of its various powertrains. Until now, the GLA name applied only to the petrol, diesel and hybrid models, while the electric equivalent was sold as the EQA. The German manufacturer stopped accepting orders for the latter in April, and its production ended in June.

The electric GLA is based on the MMA platform. Depending on the configuration, it offers a range of up to 657 kilometres and supports charging powers of up to 320 kW. It can be ordered from the very day of its world debut, initially in three versions with prices starting at 48,599 euros.

A source of pride for the German company

Michael Schiebe, Board of Management member for Production, stressed that the start of production of the new GLA and the associated investments strengthen Rastatt’s role within the global Mercedes-Benz network. He also highlighted the integration of digital technologies such as MB.OS, artificial intelligence and the MO360 production ecosystem, which enable more flexible and efficient manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Marco Zwick, director of the Rastatt plant, assured that the GLA leaving the assembly line at the plant he is responsible for is a completely new-generation model. He also seized the opportunity to highlight the rapid transformation of the plant and the smooth start of production for this new model, expressing his pride in and gratitude to the entire workforce.

At present the GLA is assembled in Assembly Hall 4.0. In parallel, the company is investing several hundred million euros in renovating the adjoining hall 4.1, which will take over production from 2027.

Finally, it should be noted that in the supply chain, the electric drive units and axles come from Untertürkheim, including the sub-plants in Mettingen and Hedelfingen. The high-voltage batteries are assembled by the subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz (Saxony), a centre of competence with more than thirteen years of experience in complex battery systems and part of a production network spanning three continents.