by Mercedes’ styling has had mixed success lately, but the company hit the bullseye with the updated GLA. It goes on sale in Europe tomorrow, with a US launch planned for the second half of 2027.
Looking much more stylish and premium than its predecessor, the crossover gets a new “iconic radiator grille.” It is larger than before and offers optional lighting.
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The grille is surrounded by standard LED headlights with a chrome star-shaped pattern. On models with optional multi-beam LED headlights, the daytime running lights also form a star shape.
Further back — an aerodynamic body, flush door handles, and pronounced fender flares. They are joined by muscular rear wings and wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
The sportier style continues at the rear, where the license plate has moved from the tailgate to the bumper. The model also features square taillights connected by a thin strip.
The exact look varies, and AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and Night Edition packages will be available. The latter features Cosmos Black Magno bodywork with gloss black accents and black 20-inch wheels. These are complemented by two-tone sport seats, illuminated sill plates, and Dark Shadow elements.
In terms of dimensions, the updated GLA measures 179.7 inches (4565 mm) in length, 73.7 inches (1873 mm) in width, 63.1 inches (1604 mm) in height, and has a wheelbase of 109.8 inches (2790 mm). This means the model is 6.1 inches (155 mm) longer and gains an additional 2.4 inches (61 mm) between the axles.
An interior dominated by screens
The cabin largely carries over from the CLA, meaning buyers will find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a large empty section with star graphics.
The latter serves as a constant reminder of your frugality and pushes customers to purchase the optional MBUX Superscreen. It adds a 14-inch front passenger display that provides access to over 40 apps, including Disney+ and YouTube.
As for options, Mercedes offers a Sky Control panoramic roof that can turn transparent or opaque in milliseconds. Customers can also get a 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system — among other things.
Thanks to the increased dimensions, passengers get a more spacious cabin. An additional 0.3 inches (7 mm) of front legroom, and rear seats add up to 1.5 inches (38 mm). Mercedes also noted an extra 0.9 inches (24 mm) of headroom in the rear row.
As for cargo space, the trunk now holds 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters), which is 2.5 cubic feet (70 liters) more. It can be expanded to 49.4 cubic feet (1400 liters) by folding the rear seats. Electric versions also feature a front trunk with a capacity of 3.8 cubic feet (107 liters).
Electric powertrains
The GLA will be offered with a huge variety of powertrains. Let’s start with the GLA 200 Electric. It is equipped with a 58 kWh LFP battery and a rear electric motor producing 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.
This allows the crossover to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). Buyers can also expect a WLTP range of 245 to 278 miles (394-447 km).
When the battery is depleted, 200 kW DC fast charging can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. If that’s too long, a ten-minute charge provides a range of 103 miles (165 km).
The mid-level GLA 250+ Electric features a more powerful motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and the same torque of 247 lb-ft (335 Nm). Thanks to the extra power, the crossover reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, but the top speed remains unchanged at 130 mph (210 km/h).
Buyers also get a more powerful 85 kWh NMC battery, which provides a range of 359 to 408 miles (577-657 km). The model also has an improved DC charging speed of 320 kW, giving 168 miles (270 km) of range in ten minutes.
At the top of the electric lineup is the GLA 350 4MATIC Electric. It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes just 5.4 seconds, and the top speed remains 130 mph (210 km/h). Range drops slightly to 345-400 miles (555-643 km).
The United States will only get the 250+ and 350 4MATIC versions. However, Mercedes also announced that a fourth version with a 71 kWh NMC battery will arrive in 2027.
Hybrid drive arrives next year
In addition to electric vehicles, Mercedes confirmed plans for hybrid versions with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The company didn’t say much about them, but noted that they will feature a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and a 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Although Mercedes is playing it quiet, the powertrains are expected to carry over from the CLA. This means a possible GLA 200 with a maximum combined output of 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS), as well as a GLA 220 with 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS).
It is also worth noting that the GLA will be offered with a new MB.Drive Assist driver assistance system, which provides a “state-of-the-art” level of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
The updated GLA becomes more competitive in the compact premium crossover segment, especially thanks to the electric versions with solid range. Mercedes is clearly betting on electrification, but also leaves hybrid options for those not yet ready to fully switch to electric power. The increased dimensions and trunk capacity, along with the modern interior featuring large screens, should attract young buyers. The US market launch in 2027 signals a global approach, but the delay could cost the company part of its audience given the rapid development of competitors. Nevertheless, the GLA looks like a worthy successor.
