(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Mercedes is still busy updating its model range. After the C-Class, S-Class, and GLE, the entry-level crossover is now up next. We have been observing this one as a test mule for quite some time. Now the camouflage has finally come off.
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The Stuttgart-based company throws around terms like “Welcome home” experience and “Aura Sound” for the new GLA. We’ll just set aside the marketing speak and take a look at what the new edition of the bestseller (around 10,000 new registrations in Germany in the first half of 2026) is really about. Spoiler: Actually quite a lot. The compact SUV gets an 800-volt architecture, significantly more space, and, as already known, abandons the previous design.
Design/Body
Visually, the new GLA sits noticeably more solidly on the road than its predecessor H 247. The third generation lowers itself by a full 20 millimeters, while the wheelbase grows by a substantial 61 millimeters. It now measures a total of 2.79 meters.
At the rear axle, the track widens by 31 millimeters. Wheels between 18 and 20 inches turn in the wheel arches. Unfortunately, Mercedes does not yet provide details on the overall dimensions. So let’s note: This thing is growing!
At the front, the electric models, like their C-Class siblings, feature quite a light show. The closed grille can optionally be ordered with 608 illuminated points that greet the driver in an animated way. The combustion engine models, on the other hand, sport a star grille with a classic chrome pattern. Aerodynamically, the Stuttgart engineers have done their homework; the drag coefficient is a sleek 0.27.
Mercedes also makes a clear cut at the rear. A visual underride guard is meant to emphasize the SUV character. But the new light signature is much more striking. The LED taillights’ brake light will now shine in a star design.
Photo gallery: Mercedes GLA (2026)
Additionally, the two rear lights are now connected by a continuous light strip, which visually stretches the rear even wider. Overall, it somewhat resembles a cassette silhouette. Those who like gimmicks and order the optional Multibeam LEDs get a light strip that plays animated welcome and farewell scenarios when locking and unlocking the vehicle.
Interior
In the cockpit, the huge MBUX Superscreen can also be spread out on request in the Mercedes GLA. A 10.25-inch display for the driver and two 14-inch screens for the center and the passenger. Buttons are almost nowhere to be found; instead, an AI voice assistant is supposed to handle almost everything.
On the third screen, apps like YouTube or Disney+ will run in the future. Looking up, you see the optional “Sky Control” panoramic roof, whose glass can darken or become transparent in seven segments within milliseconds.
In the rear, there is 38 millimeters more legroom. The trunk volume increases by 70 to 410 liters. Folding down the rear seats in a 40/20/40 split, the rear swallows up to 1,400 liters. In the electric models, there is a 107-liter frunk under the front hood. Music lovers can also equip the cabin with an 850-watt Burmester sound system with 16 speakers.
Drivetrains, Assistance, and Chassis
Mercedes upgrades the GLA to SAE Level 2. On the highway, a tap of the turn signal is now enough, and the car automatically changes lanes. Those who sometimes park inattentively will appreciate the new “rim protection warning,” which is supposed to prevent unsightly curb damage to the rims.
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When going off-road, the all-wheel-drive models (4MATIC) offer a special “Terrain” mode. To avoid nasty stones or deep holes, the system projects a “transparent hood” onto the display – a virtual view under the front of the vehicle.
The GLA switches to an 800-volt architecture. This allows DC charging power of up to 320 kW at fast chargers. In ten minutes, up to 270 kilometers can be pushed into the batteries. AC charging works with up to 22 kW.
At market launch in November, three fully electric variants will be available: The GLA 200 delivers 165 kW (224 hp) and uses an LFP battery with 58 kWh. The GLA 250+ produces 200 kW (272 hp) and relies on an NMC battery with 85 kWh, which is supposed to enable up to 657 kilometers of range. The GLA 350 4MATIC is the provisional top model with all-wheel drive, delivering 260 kW (354 hp).
This version also uses the 85-kWh NMC battery and breaks the 100 km/h mark in 5.4 seconds. The electric all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 2,000 kilograms. Detailed information about the electric variants can be read at InsideEVs.de.
Those who still want to drive combustion engines will have to wait until early 2027. Then two mild hybrids with a 48-volt system will follow. The base is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo, supported by a 22 kW (30 hp) electric motor in the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The heart of the system is a new 48-V battery (lithium-ion) that stores up to 1.3 kWh of energy. At typical city traffic speeds, the combustion engine models can roll purely electrically in phases. Even beyond 100 km/h, electric coasting with a decoupled drivetrain is possible as long as less than 22 kW of power is demanded. Additionally, the electric motor can boost in all eight gears and recuperate up to 25 kW during deceleration.
The relatives of the new GLA:
New Mercedes GLB (2026) initially comes as an electric car
Mercedes CLA 250+ EQ (2025) in test: Fuel saver and fast charger?
Equipment & Prices
Besides the base called “Style Line” and the “Progressive” trim, there is the “AMG Line” and for the first time an “AMG Line Plus,” which includes 20-inch wheels and red decorative stitching, among other things. On top, Mercedes adds a “Night Edition” that combines AMG looks with dark accents.
The new GLA can be ordered from July 30, 2026. At launch, Mercedes logically only communicates the prices of the electric versions. The GLA 200 starts at 48,599 euros. The long-range GLA 250+ costs at least 54,978 euros. The all-wheel-drive top model GLA 350 4MATIC is listed from 58,107 euros.
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