Mercedes-Benz revealed the third-generation GLA on July 29, 2026. Two things matter about this launch:
- The GLA is now electric-first with three trims. All three ride on Mercedes-Benz's MMA platform (shared with the new CLA) with 800V architecture. The EQA nameplate is retired.
- A brand-new ICE is coming. A third-generation combustion GLA arrives internationally in 2027, running Mercedes-Benz's new M 252 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an electrified 8-speed dual-clutch (8F-eDCT), in FWD or AWD.
The three electric trims (Mercedes-published)
GLA 200 Electric — the entry tier.
- Motor: 165 kW / 224 hp rear
- Torque: 335 Nm
- Battery: 58 kWh LFP (usable)
- WLTP range: 394–447 km
- 0–100 km/h: 8.1 s
- Top speed: 210 km/h
- DC fast charging: up to 200 kW
- Energy consumption combined: 17.0–14.8 kWh/100 km, CO₂ class A
GLA 250+ Electric — the range king.
- Motor: 200 kW / 272 hp rear
- Torque: 335 Nm
- Battery: 85 kWh NMC (usable)
- WLTP range: 577–657 km
- 0–100 km/h: 7.3 s
- Top speed: 210 km/h
- DC fast charging: up to 320 kW
- Energy consumption combined: 17.4–15.1 kWh/100 km, CO₂ class A
GLA 350 4MATIC Electric — the performance tier.
- Motor: 260 kW / 354 hp dual-motor 4MATIC
- Torque: 515 Nm
- Battery: 85 kWh NMC (usable)
- WLTP range: 555–643 km
- 0–100 km/h: 5.4 s
- Top speed: 210 km/h
- DC fast charging: up to 320 kW
- Energy consumption combined: 17.6–15.1 kWh/100 km, CO₂ class A
What the ICE looks like
The third-generation combustion GLA is confirmed for an international launch in 2027. Mercedes-Benz is fitting the brand-new M 252 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an electrified 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT). Both FWD and AWD will be offered. Mercedes has not yet published power or torque figures for the ICE.
The grille is the design signature
Mercedes calls it an illuminated grille, and the numbers are specific: 158 micro-LEDs and 608 backlit light points, wrapped by a chrome surround with the Mercedes-Benz Star integrated into the hood. In profile the new GLA is longer with a lengthened wheelbase and a raised roofline, and it ships with a retractable panoramic roof as standard across the electric variants at launch.
Inside: the MBUX Superscreen becomes a floating unit
The new GLA carries the MBUX Superscreen across the dashboard as a floating three-display unit running Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with the MBUX Virtual Assistant. MB.DRIVE safety features are standard; MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS is optional.
Where it fits in the lineup
The new GLA sits below the GLC as Mercedes-Benz's smallest SUV. The CLA sedan launched on the same MMA architecture in 2025 and is the direct sibling on the passenger-car side. An AMG performance variant has not been announced with the reveal.
US timeline
- World premiere: July 29, 2026
- US arrival: 2028 model year for the GLA Electric range
- ICE international launch: 2027 (on the new M 252 1.5T mild-hybrid)
- Built at: Rastatt, Germany
Sources: Mercedes-Benz USA future vehicles: 2028 Mercedes-Benz Electric GLA SUV, electrive.com: World premiere of the Mercedes GLA — up to 320 kW charging and 657 km of range.