Mercedes GLA: MMA Compact Platform with Design Inspired by Its Bigger Brother, the GLC EV

The third-generation Mercedes GLA stands out from the rest of the compact lineup with a design inspired by its bigger brother, the electric GLC. Beneath the bodywork, however, lies the multi-energy MMA platform already used by the CLA and GLB. The new Mercedes GLA debuts in all-electric form, while the mild-hybrid versions will arrive in early 2027.

At first glance, the new Mercedes GLA looks more like a smaller sibling of the electric GLC than a member of the compact family that also includes the CLA and GLB. That’s because it features a completely different design. It does away with the full-width light bar connecting the headlights and, for the first time on a Mercedes compact model, adopts the illuminated grille first seen on the new GLC Electric. At the rear, the GLA also has a distinctive look, with square-shaped taillights positioned far out on the sides of the body.

The proportions have changed significantly as well. The wheelbase has grown by 61 mm to 2,790 mm, the track is 31 mm wider, while overall height has been reduced by 20 mm. As a result, the new SUV is slightly longer, wider, and lower, with more pronounced rear shoulders that give it a sportier stance. Cargo capacity has also improved, increasing by 70 liters to 410 liters, while folding the standard 40:20:40 split rear seats expands luggage space to 1,400 liters. Like the CLA and GLB, the new GLA also features a spacious 107-liter front trunk (frunk).

A panoramic roof comes as standard, while the optional Sky Control panoramic roof consists of seven glass sections with individually adjustable opacity. It also integrates 172 illuminated star elements within the glass surface, which can glow in the driver’s preferred color.

Inside, however, the cabin closely resembles that of the GLB. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central infotainment display housed beneath a single glass panel are standard equipment, while an additional 14-inch passenger display is optional. If the passenger display is not ordered, that area features a decorative star-pattern graphic.

The Silver Shadow circular air vents at the sides and the rectangular center air vent are carried over from the GLB. The center console is also largely identical and can be finished with natural wood, brushed aluminum, or aluminum trim with a carbon-fiber effect.

The driver can choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, while 4Matic models also receive a Terrain mode. An optional Transparent Hood function can be specified for off-road driving. Like the other compact Mercedes models, navigation is powered by Google Maps and is among the first systems to integrate Google’s new Automotive AI Agent, providing advanced in-car conversational services in conjunction with Google Maps.

Mercedes also highlights the new MBUX Navigation Surround system, which creates a 3D visualization of the surroundings and other road users—including pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and motorcycles—combining this with navigation guidance and driver assistance information displayed in the instrument cluster. Tesla has offered a similar visualization of surrounding traffic for many years, although not integrated with augmented-reality navigation.

The multimedia system provides access to more than 40 third-party applications, ranging from audio and video streaming to gaming. These include YouTube, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s RIDEVU, Disney+ with Dolby Atmos support, and upcoming additions such as DAZN, one of the world’s leading sports entertainment platforms, as well as AirPlay Video.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant also leverages artificial intelligence from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini.

Three Electric Versions at Launch

Like the CLA and GLB, the new Mercedes GLA launches initially with all-electric powertrains, while the mild-hybrid versions will arrive in early 2027. The three launch models are:

• Mercedes GLA 200 – 224 PS electric motor, 58 kWh LFP battery, from €48,599.60
• Mercedes GLA 250+ – 272 PS electric motor, 85 kWh NMC battery, from €54,978
• Mercedes GLA 350 4Matic – dual-motor all-wheel drive, 354 PS, 85 kWh net battery, from €58,107.70

The Mercedes GLA 250, featuring a 272 PS electric motor and a 71 kWh battery, will become available in early 2027.

At the same time, Mercedes will introduce two mild-hybrid variants, available with front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. These models combine a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 22 kW (30 PS) electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT). The electric motor is powered by a 1.3 kWh battery.

Although technically a mild-hybrid system, the electric motor is capable of driving the vehicle on its own over short distances at low urban speeds. In addition, coasting with the combustion engine switched off is possible even at speeds above 100 km/h whenever the required power output remains below 22 kW. The electric motor can also recuperate energy in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW during deceleration.