Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 30 July 2026
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the third-generation GLA, with its smallest SUV gaining a choice of fully electric powertrains, an 800-volt electrical system and up to 657km of WLTP range.
Three electric variants will be offered internationally from launch, including a 260kW all-wheel-drive flagship capable of reaching 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Electrified petrol models will follow in early 2027.
New Zealand availability, specifications and pricing haven’t been announced.
The new GLA is 20mm lower than its predecessor, while its wheelbase has grown by 61mm to 2790mm. Mercedes says the changes create more passenger room without losing the raised driving position expected of a compact SUV.
The design also adopts several features from Mercedes’ latest electric models, including an illuminated grille, star-shaped lighting signatures and an optional full-width MBUX Superscreen.
Three electric models at launch
The entry-level GLA 200 Electric uses a 58kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and produces 165kW.
Above it sits the rear-wheel-drive GLA 250+ Electric, developing 200kW. Mercedes hasn’t detailed its acceleration performance, but this is likely to be the long-range member of the initial line-up.
The GLA 350 4Matic Electric adds a second motor and all-wheel drive, increasing output to 260kW. It can complete the 0–100km/h run in 5.4 seconds.
Both the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4Matic use an 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. Another model with a 71kWh NMC battery is scheduled to follow in early 2027. Mercedes quotes a maximum WLTP range of 657km, although the figure will vary between versions.
An 800-volt electrical system enables DC charging at up to 320kW. Under ideal conditions, Mercedes says 270km of WLTP range can be added in 10 minutes. A DC converter will be available to allow charging at older 400-volt stations, while AC charging at up to 22kW will be supported.
Petrol hybrid to follow
The electric range will be joined by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. It will initially be available with two power outputs and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Mercedes hasn’t released complete system figures yet.
A 22kW electric motor is integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, drawing power from a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery. Mercedes says the hybrid can drive on electric power alone at lower urban speeds.
It can also coast with the combustion engine disconnected at more than 100km/h when less than 22kW is required. The electric motor can recover up to 25kW under deceleration and provide assistance in all eight gears.
More passenger and luggage space
The longer wheelbase provides an additional 7mm of front legroom and 38mm in the rear. Headroom increases by 23mm up front and 24mm in the back. Boot capacity rises by 70 litres to 410 litres, expanding to 1400 litres with the standard 40:20:40-split rear seats folded.
Electric versions also gain a 107-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet. That should be large enough to hold charging cables while leaving the main boot clear for luggage.
The GLA 4Matic Electric will be rated to tow up to 2000kg braked when equipped with the optional semi-electric tow bar. That’s an unusually high figure for an electric SUV in this class. All-wheel-drive versions also receive a Terrain driving mode that adjusts the drivetrain, steering and brakes for loose surfaces. An optional Transparent Bonnet function uses exterior cameras to create a virtual view beneath the vehicle.
Superscreen spans the dashboard
The redesigned interior is built around an optional MBUX Superscreen extending across most of the dashboard. It combines a 10.25-inch instrument display with a 14-inch central touchscreen and a separate 14-inch passenger display. If the passenger screen isn’t fitted, the same area is occupied by an illuminated trim panel.
The centre console includes wireless phone charging and two cupholders, while the doors gain open storage compartments. Mercedes’ latest MBUX Virtual Assistant uses systems from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini. It can handle multi-part conversations, retain short-term details and answer questions about subjects such as navigation, charging locations, parking availability and weather conditions.
Navigation is based on Google Maps and can incorporate charging stops into a planned route. Mercedes says future updates will also account more accurately for wind conditions when estimating energy use. More than 40 entertainment apps will be available, including YouTube, Disney+ and Sony’s RIDEVU platform. Video content on the passenger display is designed to remain hidden from the driver while the vehicle is moving.
New illuminated grille
Electric versions introduce Mercedes’ latest grille design to the compact SUV range. The smoked-glass-style panel contains 608 illuminated points and can be specified with animated lighting sequences.
Petrol models receive a more conventional grille containing 150 chrome-finished stars, with an LED surround fitted from the Progressive grade upwards in selected markets.
Wheel sizes will range from 18 to 20 inches, while the tail-lights are connected by a full-width light band.
Mercedes claims a drag coefficient of 0.27, helped by the lower roofline and other aerodynamic changes.
The new electric GLA will launch internationally in November. Whether New Zealand receives all three battery-powered versions, the later hybrid models or a smaller selection remains to be confirmed.
