The new Mercedes GLA has entered its third generation with a complete redesign, new hybrid and fully electric powertrains, and a stronger focus on practicality and technology. The latest compact luxury SUV is positioned to compete with the BMW X1 and the electric BMW iX1 while replacing the Mercedes EQA.
Third-Generation Mercedes GLA Gets an All-New Design
The third-generation Mercedes GLA arrives with a clean-sheet redesign featuring a significantly larger front grille, headlights and taillights incorporating the brand’s three-pointed star motif, and flush door handles designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and increase electric driving range.
Mercedes has also extended the wheelbase by 61 mm and widened the rear axle by 31 mm, giving the SUV a more substantial stance. Compared with its predecessor, the new GLA sits 20 mm lower to the ground.
Every model comes standard with 18-inch wheels, while higher trims receive 20-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior highlights include an illuminated grille and a full-width rear light bar, helping distinguish the new generation from its predecessor.
Technology-Focused Interior Adds More Space
The cabin adopts Mercedes’ latest digital layout with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment display, and an optional 14-inch passenger display. All three screens are housed beneath a single glass panel, although buyers can choose to omit the passenger display.
An available panoramic glass roof features seven individually dimmable sections that switch between transparent and opaque at the touch of a button. The roof also integrates 172 illuminated stars into the glass.
Practicality has also improved. Cargo capacity increases to 410 liters with the rear seats in place, representing a 70-liter gain over the previous model. Folding the 40:20:40 split rear seats expands storage space to 1,400 liters, while the fully electric version adds a 107-liter front trunk.
Hybrid and Electric Powertrains
Mercedes will offer the GLA with a turbocharged 1.5-liter mild-hybrid gasoline engine beginning in early 2027. The hybrid will be available in two power outputs and with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The electric lineup launches with three variants. The entry-level GLA 200 produces 221 horsepower and uses a 58-kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
The GLA 250+ increases output to 268 horsepower and features an 85-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery. The same battery powers the dual-motor GLA 350 4Matic, which delivers a combined 349 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.4 seconds.
Mercedes says the electric GLA offers up to 408 miles (657 kilometers) of WLTP driving range. Using charging speeds of up to 320 kW, a 10-minute charging session can add up to 168 miles (270 kilometers) of driving range.
A fourth electric variant equipped with a 71-kWh NMC battery is scheduled to arrive at the beginning of next year. Mercedes has not confirmed an AMG 45 version, although the company notes that the related CLA recently received a high-performance model.
Pricing and Availability
The three electric Mercedes GLA models will arrive in November, with the hybrid version following shortly afterward.
Order books in Germany open on July 30. Pricing starts at €48,599 for the GLA 200, followed by the GLA 250+ at €54,978 and the GLA 350 4Matic at €58,107.
With redesigned styling, expanded interior space, new hybrid and electric powertrains, and updated technology, the third-generation Mercedes GLA marks a significant update as it prepares to compete with the BMW X1 and BMW iX1 in the compact luxury SUV segment.
