First look at the charged-up GLA
Last July, Mercedes unveiled the new compact GLA crossover for 2027, but AMG apparently doesn’t intend to keep the regular version in the spotlight for long. In new spy photos, the electric AMG GLA is being tested with significantly less camouflage, so we can finally make out what this potential “family rocket” with up to 671 hp (680 PS) will look like.
Exterior: minimal concealment, maximum AMG
Most of the masking is gone. Only camouflage remains on the areas the engineers don’t want to show too early. Up front, expect a more aggressive lower bumper and AMG’s own take on 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 lights, a roof spoiler, and likely some kind of diffuser similar to the one used in the new AMG CLA 45. Otherwise, the body remains a recognizable GLA, which means this is a rather restrained 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 on the price list.
Technical package: three motors from the CLA 45
Mercedes hasn’t yet revealed what lies under the prototype’s hood, 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
The 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. That 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 driving 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 a quiet 671 hp generation sounds too tame, the CLA 45 offers an AMGForce S+ mode with simulated internal combustion engine sound, artificial gear shifts, and seat vibrations that make those imaginary shifts more realistic. It would be surprising if the AMG GLA 45 did without this theatrical package when it debuts in the coming months.
So, we’re getting a compact electric crossover that can combine the practicality of the everyday GLA with the driving capabilities of a true AMG. Judging by everything, the new model will be a kind of transfer of the flagship CLA 45’s technologies into a more versatile body. For Mercedes, this is another step toward electrifying the AMG lineup, and for buyers, it’s a chance to get an extremely powerful yet visually rather modest car. All that remains is to wait for the official premiere to see whether the GLA 45 truly retains all these characteristics without compromise.