Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the third-generation GLA, and for the first time, the electric version is arriving before the petrol one. Built on Mercedes' new MMA platform with an 800-volt electrical system, the GLA Electric comes in three variants with a WLTP range of up to 657 km, DC fast charging at up to 320 kW, and a starting price of €40,840 (excluding VAT) in Germany. It replaces both the outgoing GLA and the electric EQA as a single nameplate, with a petrol mild-hybrid version following in early 2027. Deliveries of the electric models begin in November 2026.
That's the short version. Below is everything else worth knowing before you decide whether this is the right compact SUV for you.
What Changed and Why It Matters
For years, Mercedes sold two separate compact SUVs: the petrol GLA and the electric EQA, each with its own styling. That approach is now gone.
The new GLA drops the EQA name entirely. Going forward, "GLA" covers both power types, following the same strategy Mercedes already used for the CLA and GLB. The electric version launches first, which is a reversal of Mercedes' usual order (petrol first, EV later).
This matters because it signals Mercedes treating electric power as the default for its compact SUV, not an alternative trim.
Powertrain, Battery and Range
| Variant | Battery | Power | Torque | Drive | 0-100 km/h | WLTP Range |
| Entry (GLA 200*) | 58 kWh LFP | ~224 hp (165 kW) | 335 Nm | Rear-wheel drive | 8.1 sec | Up to 447 km |
| Mid (GLA 250+) | 85 kWh NMC | ~272 hp (200 kW) | 335 Nm | Rear-wheel drive | 7.3 sec | Up to 657 km |
| Top (GLA 350 4MATIC) | 85 kWh NMC | ~354 hp (260 kW) | 515 Nm | All-wheel drive (dual motor) | 5.4 sec | Up to 643 km |
*Note on naming: German and European press materials list the entry variant as "GLA 200," while some regional outlets have reported it as "GLA 250." Mercedes has not clarified the discrepancy at the time of writing, so confirm exact naming with your local dealer before ordering.
A fourth variant with a 71 kWh battery is planned for early 2027, aimed at buyers who want more range than the base model without paying for the top-spec battery.
Why the top trim has slightly less range than the mid trim: Both use the same 85 kWh battery, but the 350 4MATIC's dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and extra performance hardware add weight and consume more energy, trimming about 14 km off the range compared to the single-motor 250+.
Charging: What's Fast, What's Optional
The headline number is 320 kW DC fast charging, available on the two 85 kWh variants. In practice:
One detail worth knowing before you buy: the DC converter that lets the GLA charge at widely available 400-volt stations is an optional extra, not standard. If you skip it, you're limited to 800-volt chargers, which are still less common than 400V ones in many regions. Check this option carefully if public charging access matters to you.
Design: Exterior Changes
The new GLA looks noticeably different from its predecessor, and it's meant to. Key changes include:
The car is also physically larger: 20 mm lower, with a wheelbase stretched by 61 mm compared to the outgoing GLA. This isn't just a cosmetic refresh — it changes how the car looks in person, moving away from the "tall hatchback" silhouette of the previous generation toward something that reads more clearly as an SUV.
Interior and Technology
The cabin borrows heavily from the CLA and GLB, Mercedes' other MMA-based models.
If you regularly drive long distances, note that most secondary controls (climate, media) are touchscreen-only. The physical buttons are limited mainly to the steering wheel.
Dimensions and Practicality
| Spec | New GLA | Change vs. Predecessor |
| Length | 4,565 mm | +153 mm |
| Width | 1,873 mm | +39 mm |
| Height | 1,604 mm | -20 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | +61 mm |
| Boot space | 410 litres (1,400 L seats folded) | +70 litres |
| Frunk (electric only) | 107 litres | New |
Pricing and Availability
Germany (confirmed):
Orders are open in Europe, with electric model deliveries starting November 2026.
United States: Mercedes has not published official U.S. pricing or specs yet. Early industry estimates suggest a starting price around $45,000, with dealership arrival expected in the second half of 2027 — treat these as preliminary until Mercedes confirms.
India: As of this writing, Mercedes India continues to sell the outgoing, facelifted second-generation GLA (petrol and diesel only), priced from roughly ₹51.80 lakh ex-showroom. No official launch date or pricing has been announced for the new GLA Electric in India.
The Petrol Hybrid Version (2027)
If you're not ready to go fully electric, a petrol mild-hybrid GLA is coming in early 2027. It uses a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine (internally called M252) paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, sending power through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to either the front wheels or all four wheels. Mercedes has not released power or torque figures for this version yet.
Things Most Coverage Gets Wrong or Skips
A few practical details tend to get buried in launch-day coverage:
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Final Takeaway
The new GLA Electric is Mercedes' clearest statement yet that electric power is now the default for its compact SUV lineup, not a side option. The range, charging speed, and interior tech are genuinely competitive for the segment. Where you need to be careful is the fine print: several useful features are optional rather than standard, trim naming is still inconsistent across sources, and pricing outside Europe is not yet confirmed. If you're planning a purchase, wait for local-market confirmation before locking in expectations based on early European figures.
