New Mercedes-Benz GLA: larger, up to 657 km of range and fast charging at 320 kW

Mercedes-Benz has completely redesigned the GLA, one of its most important models and the best-selling compact SUV in the brand’s range. The third generation of the Mercedes GLA debuts a new platform, changes its proportions, considerably improves its interior space and adopts the company’s latest generation of electrical, digital and driver-assistance systems.

The separation that existed until now between the GLA and the EQA also disappears: the new generation will use a single body and offer different propulsion technologies. The first versions to reach the market will be fully electric, while variants with 48-volt hybridisation will join from early 2027 onwards.

The first prices announced for Spain correspond to the Mercedes GLA 250+ electric, available from 54,750 euros; and the GLA 350 4MATIC electric, starting at 59,995 euros. Both use an 85 kWh usable battery, accept fast charging at 320 kW and offer more than 600 kilometres of range in their most efficient configurations.

A completely new Mercedes GLA

The new GLA keeps the urban SUV approach of the previous model, but changes its dimensions and proportions. It measures 4,565 millimetres in length, an increase of 14 cm over its predecessor. The wheelbase grows by 6 cm to reach 2.79 metres, while the body is 20 mm lower. The rear track is also 3 cm wider.

The result is a longer and more settled car, with a slightly more streamlined silhouette and a visually lower stance. It remains an SUV, with a raised driving position and well-defined wheel arches, but its look sits somewhere between a traditional crossover and a sporty crossover. This growth also changes its positioning. At 4.57 metres it can no longer be considered an especially small SUV: it clearly surpasses the previous GLA and in size approaches models such as the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 or the Volvo XC40.

Mercedes has reduced the number of lines and edges on the bodywork to give prominence to the surfaces. The front is more upright, the windscreen keeps a pronounced rake and the rear shoulders give a more muscular appearance. Depending on the version, it can fit wheels from 18 to 20 inches.

An illuminated grille with more than 600 light points

One of the most striking features of the new electric GLA is its front grille. As on other Mercedes models of the latest generation, such as the new electric GLC, it is not a conventional grille designed to cool a combustion engine. It is a panel with a smoked-glass appearance, framed by a chrome outline and dominated by the Mercedes star. Optionally, the panel can incorporate 608 backlit polycarbonate light points and 158 micro-LEDs. These elements allow different welcome animations and can even synchronise the lighting with the vehicle’s sound ambiences.

It may seem a purely decorative feature, and in large part it is, but it also makes the car easy to identify, there is no doubt about that. Light signatures are becoming one of the main differentiating elements between electric models, especially when aerodynamic requirements lead to increasingly closed-off fronts.

The LED headlights are standard and integrate a chrome star. With the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, the daytime light itself takes the shape of the Mercedes star. At the rear, the lights are visually joined by a light bar that accentuates the width of the vehicle.

Future hybrid versions will have a different grille, formed by a pattern of 150 chrome stars. From the Progressive trim they will also be able to have an illuminated outline.

More space for passengers

The increase in length and, above all, in wheelbase has a direct effect on the cabin. Mercedes quotes an additional 7 mm for the legroom of driver and front passenger, but the most important improvement is in the second row, where longitudinal space increases by almost 4 cm. Interior height also grows by 23 mm at the front and 24 mm at the rear.

On paper, the new GLA should resolve one of the less prominent weaknesses of previous generations, which offered adequate but not especially generous interior space compared with some SUVs of similar size.

The panoramic roof is standard and helps increase the sense of spaciousness. It is made of heat-insulating laminated glass and uses a coating capable of reflecting part of the infrared radiation in summer and reducing heat loss in winter. As an option, the SKY CONTROL system is available, which allows the transparency of the glass to be varied electronically. The roof is divided into seven segments that can switch individually from transparent to opaque in just a few milliseconds.

And there is one more eye-catching detail: it incorporates 172 small light stars integrated into the glass. At night they can take on the colour selected for the ambient lighting, creating a kind of starry sky over the cabin.

A 410-litre boot and a generous front storage space

The boot also improves, although its capacity is not especially large for a 4.57-metre SUV. It offers 410 litres, 70 more than the previous model, and can reach 1,400 litres with the rear seatbacks folded. These are split 40/20/40 and allow a practically flat loading surface to be created.

On top of that capacity, the electric versions have a front boot, or frunk, of 107 litres. It is a very large space, enough to hold charging cables, a cabin suitcase, a sports bag or even a case of drinks. In practice, if we add both compartments together, the electric GLA offers 517 litres with all five seats in use. The advantage is that the front compartment makes it possible to separate items or keep cables out of the main boot when it is loaded with luggage.

The rear floor can be set at different heights, and the 4MATIC electric versions can tow up to 2,000 kg with brakes, a high figure for a car in this category. The maximum vertical load of 80 kg also allows a bike carrier to be fitted to transport several electric bicycles.

An interior dominated by the MBUX Superscreen

The most obvious transformation is found in the dashboard. Mercedes abandons the dual-screen design of the previous generation and adopts an approach similar to that debuted by the CLA and GLB, which also features in the new C-Class and the new electric GLC. The star of the show is the new MBUX Superscreen, a glazed surface that can integrate three screens:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
• 14-inch central multimedia screen.
• 14-inch screen for the front passenger.

The third screen is optional. When it is not fitted, Mercedes installs in its place a decorative element with a star pattern that visually extends the glass surface. The passenger screen gives access to video, music, games and video conferencing applications. Mercedes quotes more than 40 available applications, including Disney+ and Sony Pictures’ RIDEVU platform. The brand uses systems that limit the visibility of content from the driver’s seat, so that the front passenger can play video while driving without distracting the driver.

The centre console is floating and divided into two levels. The upper level holds the wireless phone charging pad and two cup holders; below, an open space provides storage. Mercedes has also revised the steering wheel. It brings back a physical roller-type button to adjust the volume and a rocker switch to operate the speed limiter and the DISTRONIC cruise control, although it keeps various capacitive surfaces with haptic response.

The multimedia system runs on MB.OS, the new operating system developed by Mercedes-Benz. The interface uses an evolution of the MBUX Zero Layer concept, which aims to show the most relevant applications, shortcuts and suggestions on the main screen without forcing the driver to go through numerous menus. Applications can be moved, arranged and grouped into folders in a manner similar to a mobile phone. The system also learns the user’s habits in order to anticipate certain functions.

But one of its main novelties is the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which combines technologies from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini. It can hold conversations made up of several related questions, temporarily retain context and select different information sources depending on the query.

It is not limited to controlling the climate system, searching for an address or changing a radio station. It can also answer general questions, check stock prices, convert currencies, report on the status of a ski resort or find a song even when the user does not remember the title. Its real usefulness will depend on its accuracy, the speed of its responses and how well it works in different languages. But the approach is more advanced than that of traditional voice assistants, which usually require very specific commands and lose context as soon as a second question is asked.

Google Maps and a dedicated planner for electric cars

The navigation in the new GLA is based on Google Maps, though integrated into the Mercedes-Benz ecosystem. It can locate chargers, check their power and availability and answer questions about car parks or points of interest. In the electric versions, the Electric Intelligence system plans the necessary stops by taking into account consumption, state of charge, traffic and station availability. The route is updated if the driving style changes or a tailback appears. Mercedes is also working to make consumption forecasts take the expected wind along the route into account more accurately.

The MBUX Surround Navigation function combines directions with a three-dimensional representation of the surroundings. On the instrument screen, other cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians detected by the cameras and radars appear. It is not merely an animation. The idea is for the driver to understand what the assistance systems are detecting and how they interpret the situation around the vehicle.

The Mercedes GLA 250+ electric reaches 657 km

The first versions with confirmed prices for Spain use an NMC battery with 85 kWh of usable capacity. The GLA 250+ electric has a 200 kW motor — 272 hp — and 335 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, reaches 210 km/h and is rated at between 577 and 657 km of WLTP range, depending on equipment and configuration. Its preliminary combined consumption is between 15.1 and 17.4 kWh/100 km. The lower end is very favourable for an SUV of this size and is one of the keys to exceeding 650 km without resorting to an oversized battery. The announced price for Spain is 54,750 euros.

Above it sits the GLA 350 4MATIC electric, with two motors, all-wheel drive, 260 kW — 354 hp — and 515 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and also reaches 210 km/h. Its range is between 555 and 643 km WLTP, with a homologated consumption of between 15.1 and 17.6 kWh/100 km. Its price starts at 59,995 euros.

The electric range will be expanded with the GLA 200 electric, an entry-level version with 165 kW — 224 hp — and a 58 kWh usable LFP battery. Mercedes has not yet announced its final range or its price for Spain. By capacity, it should sit clearly below the variants with 85 kWh batteries, but it could also significantly reduce the entry price.

The use of two chemistries responds to different needs. The LFP battery offers lower cost, good thermal stability and high resistance to continuous use. The NMC allows higher energy density and suits versions focused on maximum range. An intermediate alternative with a 71 kWh NMC battery is also planned for early 2027.

800-volt architecture and 320 kW fast charging

The new electric GLA uses an 800-volt architecture and accepts up to 320 kW on direct current. According to Mercedes, in ten minutes it can recover between 240 and 270 km of WLTP range in the GLA 250+, and between 230 and 265 km in the GLA 350 4MATIC. This does not mean it maintains 320 kW for the entire session. As with any electric vehicle, power varies depending on the state of charge, battery temperature and the capacity of the charging point. But the 800-volt system allows it to work at lower current for the same power, reducing heat generation and electrical losses.

To achieve maximum performance, it will be necessary to use stations compatible with 800 volts. Mercedes offers a DC converter so that it can also charge at points that operate at 400 volts. This converter appears as an option in the initial documentation, something to bear in mind when configuring the car, because European infrastructure still combines chargers with different voltages. On alternating current it can charge at up to 22 kW, a power level above the 11 kW common on many electric cars and especially useful at urban or semi-fast public points.

Petrol hybrid engines from 2027

Electrified petrol versions will arrive in early 2027. They will use a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, combined with a 48-volt system and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission called 8F-eDCT. The electric motor delivers 22 kW — 30 hp — and is integrated into the gearbox itself. It draws energy from a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of up to 1.3 kWh.

It is not a plug-in hybrid, but the system can move the car in electric mode at low speed and in some urban situations. It will also allow coasting with the combustion engine disconnected at speeds above 100 km/h, provided the power demand does not exceed 22 kW. Another particularity is that the electric motor can propel the car and recover energy in any of the eight gear ratios. Maximum regeneration power reaches 25 kW. Initially there will be two power levels, both with front-wheel drive and with four-wheel drive. Mercedes has not yet detailed its performance, consumption or prices.

The 4MATIC versions have a specific Terrain programme, which adapts the operation of the drivetrain, steering and brakes for driving on gravel, sand or dirt tracks. They can also incorporate the transparent bonnet function. Using the external cameras, the system creates a virtual representation on the screen of what lies beneath the front of the car and around the wheels. It does not turn the GLA into an off-roader, but it makes it easier to choose a line on narrow tracks, get over small obstacles or avoid bumps in areas where the bonnet blocks the view of the terrain close to the car. Alongside the Eco, Comfort, Sport and Terrain modes there is an Individual mode that allows various parameters to be adjusted separately.

More assistance systems and semi-automatic lane changes

The new GLA features eight cameras, five radars and twelve ultrasonic sensors. The information is processed by a water-cooled control unit capable of performing up to 254 trillion operations per second. The range of assistance systems is grouped under the name MB.DRIVE. Depending on the package fitted, the car can intervene on steering, accelerator and brakes, keep its distance from the vehicle ahead and help keep the car centred in its lane.

The MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS system allows automatic lane changes on motorways under certain conditions. In other versions, it is enough to lightly activate the indicator for the assistant to check the surroundings and help complete the manoeuvre. Automated parking has also been improved. The car can detect spaces even when they are not marked by white lines and can leave a space automatically even when the parking was carried out manually.

The 360-degree camera can display a transparent three-dimensional model of the car, including wheel steering angle, door opening and mirror position. Another function allows assisted reversing, following part of the route previously driven forwards. This can be useful when meeting another vehicle on a narrow street or having to leave a track with no room to turn.

Up to four trim levels

The range is structured around four lines: Style, Progressive, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus. There will also be a Night Edition series and a Night pack available with certain finishes. The Style trim already includes LED headlights, 18- or 19-inch wheels, a sports steering wheel and various fabric or ARTICO synthetic upholstery options.

Progressive adds the illuminated grille outline, heated front seats, adjustable lumbar support and more upholstery and personalisation options, while the AMG Line trim includes specific bumpers, 19- or 20-inch wheels, a flat-bottomed steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather, sports pedals and decorative elements with a carbon-fibre look. The new AMG Line Plus adds sports seats, red seatbelts, contrast stitching, exclusive 20-inch wheels and various gloss-black details. The Night Edition combines the AMG Line with the Night pack, Cosmos Magno black paint, black 20-inch wheels and a specific black-and-white interior.

A compact SUV that is no longer so compact

The new Mercedes GLA takes a significant step forward from its predecessor. It gains more than 14 centimetres in length, improves rear-seat space, debuts a very useful front boot and adopts the 800-volt electric technology that Mercedes is rolling out across its new generation of models.

The GLA 250+ looks like the most interesting version for those who prioritise range. Its up to 657 km WLTP, charging at 320 kW and a homologated consumption that can drop to 15.1 kWh/100 km should make long journeys manageable with short stops. The GLA 350 4MATIC adds more performance and the security of four-wheel drive without losing too much range, although its main argument lies not so much in the 354 hp as in its ability to combine performance, family use and long-distance travel.

Compared with the previous model, the new GLA also moves away from the concept of an entry-level compact SUV. It is bigger, more technological and likely more expensive once the main packs and options are added. In return, it appears to be a much more complete car: it offers enough space to be used as a family’s only vehicle, sufficient electric range for long trips and fast-charging capability that places it among the most advanced electric cars in its class.

Sales will begin with the electric versions, while the petrol hybrids will arrive in early 2027. It remains to be seen whether the future electric GLA 200 can offer a competitive entry price and how versions that, in concept and dimensions, are already more family SUV than urban model will behave on the road

Mercedes-Benz GLA | Image gallery