First look at the hot GLA
Last July, Mercedes unveiled the new compact GLA crossover for 2027, but AMG doesn’t seem to want to keep the regular version in the spotlight for long. In new spy photos, the electric AMG GLA is testing with significantly less camouflage, so we can finally see what a potential “family rocket” with up to 671 hp (680 PS) will look like.
Exterior: minimal concealment, maximum AMG
Most of the masking has been removed. Only camouflage remains on the areas the engineers don’t want to reveal too early. Up front, expect a more aggressive lower bumper and AMG’s own interpretation of Mercedes’ new radiator grille, which should visually distinguish the car from regular GLA models with the AMG Line package.
At the rear, there will be familiar star-shaped taillights, a roof spoiler, and likely some kind of diffuser similar to the one used in the new AMG CLA 45. Otherwise, the body remains recognizable as a GLA, which means this is a fairly understated way to leave many sports cars behind.
Interior and equipment
Inside, there will be a full-width digital instrument panel from pillar to pillar. However, the passenger-side screen will most likely remain an option even for the top version, so you’ll have to tick that box in the price list.
Tech specs: three motors from the CLA 45
Mercedes hasn’t yet revealed what’s under the hood of the prototype, but the recently unveiled electric AMG CLA 45 provides a clear hint. That model uses three axial electric motors: one drives the front axle, two drive the rear. Total output reaches 671 hp (680 PS), and torque is an impressive 1,297 lb-ft (1,758 Nm). In the CLA, that’s enough for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3 seconds without rollout, so the taller and slightly heavier GLA is unlikely to be much slower.
Larger 94 kWh battery
Regular versions of the CLA and GLA are offered with 58 or 85 kWh batteries. Since the CLA 45 got a 94 kWh battery, the GLA 45 will most likely follow the same path. This would allow it to approach the claimed 345–400 miles (555–643 km) of range currently demonstrated by the flagship electric GLA 350 4MATIC Electric.
Chassis and drive modes
From the CLA 45, the new model should also inherit most of the chassis solutions: adaptive dampers, variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles, and individual torque vectoring for the rear wheels.
And if the silent generation of 671 hp seems not dramatic enough, the CLA 45 offers an AMGForce S+ mode with simulated internal combustion engine sound, artificial gear shifts, and seat vibrations that make these imaginary shifts more realistic. It would be surprising if the AMG GLA 45 did without this theatrical package when it debuts within the next few months.
So, we’ll get a compact electric crossover that can combine the practicality of the everyday GLA with the driving capabilities of a true AMG. Apparently, the new model will be a kind of transfer of the flagship CLA 45’s technology into a more versatile body. For Mercedes, this is another step toward electrifying the AMG lineup, and for buyers, it’s an opportunity to get an extremely powerful yet outwardly modest car. All that remains is to wait for the official premiere to find out whether the GLA 45 will truly retain all these characteristics without compromise.