Mercedes-Benz has revealed its all-new GLA compact SUV, underpinned by the identical cutting-edge MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform that forms the premise of the lauded latest CLA sedan/wagon.
As a result of arrive here in mid-2027, the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is markedly greater than the model it replaces, measuring 4565mm long (+102mm), 1873mm wide (+39mm) and 2790mm (+61mm) in wheelbase.
Mercedes-Benz bills the brand new GLA as an “electric-first” vehicle that’s said to be optimised for battery-electric power, in addition to super-efficient combustion engines with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
By unifying its compact model range under this latest architecture, Mercedes-Benz has positioned the brand new GLA to interchange each the outgoing combustion-powered GLA and the all-electric EQA.
CarExpert had the chance to view and poke across the latest GLA and ‘GLA electric’ in a closed-room reveal in the course of the media launch of the C-Class electric in Helsinki, and our first impressions are that it is a vehicle which builds on the merits of the outgoing GLA with its greater interior space and superior tech credentials.
The gaping-mouthed grille may or might not be to everyone’s tastes, but the remaining of the package gels quite well visually because it’s distinguished by a more modern and sporty persona than its predecessor.
There may be some hard plastic trim inside, but faux metal and carbon-fibre-look finishes make even these bits look okay. Nonetheless, there’s also a dose of screen overload, with physical switches almost entirely banished from the cabin.
The GLA electric is built around an 800V electrical system that delivers a claimed WLTP range of between 394-447km for the GLA200 electric, 577-657km for the GLA 250+ electric, and 555-643km for the range-topping (not less than initially) GLA350 4Matic electric.
Fast-charging can be touted as a USP, with a 10-minute zap via a 320kW DC charger adding 270km in only 10 minutes.
For those not ready for a full EV, Mercedes-Benz pairs its latest 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid setup. Power outputs in initial models will likely range from 120kW to 140kW, with base variants featuring a front-wheel drive layout and flagship variants featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Although the model mix for Australia is yet to be announced, Europe’s battery-powered GLA lineup will kick off with the 165kW/335Nm GLA200 electric, which has a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a usable energy capability of 58kWh.
The GLA250+ electric ups the ante to 200kW/335Nm, while the range-topping GLA350 4Matic punches out 260kW/515Nm, spearing it from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.4 seconds. The GLA250+ and GLA350 4Matic are equipped with an NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery with a usable energy capability of 85kWh.
Combustion-powered GLAs will incorporate the German automaker’s newly developed 48V mild-hybrid 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, serving up respectably beefy outputs while delivering miserly fuel consumption.
The supplementary 22kW electric motor and its associated components are integrated directly into the brand new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT). Mercedes-Benz claims this makes the powertrain more efficient and ultra-compact.
A brand new 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capability of as much as 1.3kWh powers the electrical motor. At urban speeds where driving is often gentler, hybrid GLAs can run on electric power alone.
Efficient electric coasting with the drivetrain disengaged can be possible at speeds of over 100km/h, says Mercedes-Benz, provided lower than 22kW of power is required. The electrical motor can boost and recuperate of to 25kW of energy in all eight gears.
By way of design, the brand new GLA falls into line with the second-generation GLB mid-size SUV revealed earlier this 12 months, with the bulbous nose incorporating an oversized grille (illuminated via 608 LEDs on electrified variants) and teardrop-shaped headlights featuring the three-pointed star motif.
The flanks incorporate flush, pop-out door handles to scale back air resistance and clean up the automobile’s shoulder line. The rear-end contains a steeply raked tailgate for a sporty silhouette, complemented by latest tail-lights also incorporating a three-pointed star central element.
The GLA electric’s boot capability is 410 litres – a rise of 70L over the previous model. With the rear seatbacks folded down, that increases to 1400L. The electrical GLA also contains a full-size frunk with a capability of 107L. That’s enough space for a crate of drinks, a carry-on trolley, or a big sports bag.
Within the second row of seats, legroom increases by as much as 38mm, while maximum headroom has also increased by 23mm on the front and 24mm on the rear. The SUV’s roofline and the usual panoramic roof noticeably improve headroom and the sense of space, so my modest 172cm frame was comfortably accommodated within the rear seat.
The rear seatbacks are split 40/20/40 as standard and might be folded down individually, creating an almost flat load area. The cargo floor is adjustable for more convenient loading and unloading.
Mercedes-Benz claims the electrical GLA with 4Matic AWD can tow as much as 2000kg (braked) using an optional semi-electric tow bar – a top figure for a battery-electric vehicle on this class. This makes it suitable, for instance, for towing a small caravan, jet-ski, or quad bike.
The brand new GLA’s dashboard is dominated by a wall of glass housing a ten.25-inch driver’s display, a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and an optional passenger-side display. If no front passenger display is fitted, a trim element with a star-pattern graphic continues the glass look on this area. Together with the ambient lighting, a backlit version can be available.
The MBUX multimedia interface features a complicated AI-powered virtual assistant able to complex tasks and proactive voice recognition.
The usual panoramic glass roof is made from heat-insulating laminated safety glass with an infrared-reflective coating and an ultra-thin low-emissivity (Low-E) coating. Mercedes-Benz claims this reduces the build-up of warmth contained in the cabin in summer. In winter, the Low-E coating helps minimise heat loss by reflecting interior heat back into the cabin.
Optionally available is a Sky Control panoramic roof, the transparency of which might be adjusted between clear and opaque in 10 to twenty milliseconds. The glass roof is split into seven segments, each of which might be controlled individually.
This permits passengers to come to a decision, in accordance with their personal preferences, how much light and visibility they need, and wherein area.
At night, they will even create their very own glowing starry sky with 172 stars integrated into the glass surface. Connected to the ambient lighting, they’re illuminated in individually selectable colors.
The all-new GLA comes as standard in Europe with a comprehensive range of safety, driver-assistance and luxury features, including eight cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Depending on the chosen MB.Drive package, the brand new GLA can assist with semi-autonomous steering, braking, acceleration, and manoeuvring out and in of parking spaces.
The total GLA model lineup and specifications for Australia can be announced closer to the model’s local launch in mid-2027.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
