Mercedes GLA 2026: new SUV launches electric first, hybrids follow in 2027

The Mercedes GLA 2026 marks the next step in Mercedes’ lineup overhaul, following recent updates to the CLA, GLC and C-Class. The new generation grows in size, style and technology, and for now arrives exclusively as a fully electric SUV, with combustion mild hybrid versions following from early 2027.

A more muscular, sportier look

The new GLA leans into a noticeably sportier, more muscular stance than its predecessor. On the electric versions, the front end is defined by an illuminated grille featuring 608 points of light and 158 micro LEDs capable of projecting animated light patterns, while electrified combustion models get a more traditional grille dotted with 150 chrome stars. Both versions carry LED High Performance headlights, with optional MULTIBEAM LED units featuring a star shaped light signature.

Buyers get four trim lines to choose from: Style, Progressive, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus. Sitting above them all is the Night Edition, combining AMG Line styling with a dedicated Night package, matte Cosmos Black Magno paint, gloss black exterior trim, black aerodynamic 20 inch wheels and a cabin finished in Crystal White and black Microcut upholstery.

Bigger in almost every dimension

Compared to the outgoing model, overall height drops by 20 mm, while the wheelbase grows by a substantial 61 mm to 2,790 mm and the rear track widens by 31 mm. Overall length increases to 4.57 metres, some 14 cm longer than before.

Combined with shorter overhangs and 18 to 20 inch wheels sitting flush with the bodywork, the new footprint gives the SUV a noticeably sleeker, more muscular silhouette.

A cabin built around the optional MBUX superscreen

Inside, the cabin has been fully reworked around a minimalist, tech forward design that frees up noticeably more space. Front legroom grows by 7 mm and rear legroom by a more substantial 38 mm, while headroom increases by over 20 mm in both rows, helped by a panoramic roof fitted as standard, or optionally as a Sky Control variable opacity roof with 172 stars embedded in the glass.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is the optional MBUX Superscreen, housing a 10.25 inch instrument cluster, a 14 inch central display and a matching 14 inch passenger screen under a single glass panel. The floating centre console spans two levels, integrating a wireless charging pad and cupholders, while the circular air vents take on a futuristic, turbine like look.

Upholstery options range from synthetic Artico leather, including a leather free option on the Style line, to Microcut microfibre with red or white contrast stitching. Boot space grows by 70 litres over the outgoing model to a minimum of 410 litres, expanding to 1,400 litres with the 40/20/40 split rear seats folded. Fully electric versions also get a 107 litre front frunk, useful for stashing charging cables or small bags.

An 800 volt platform across the electric range

At launch, the GLA lineup leans heavily on an 800 volt electric architecture, supporting DC fast charging up to 320 kW and adding roughly 270 km of range in just 10 minutes, alongside AC charging up to 22 kW.

Three versions are available from launch. The GLA 200 is front wheel drive with 165 kW (224 hp) and a 58 kWh usable LFP battery. The GLA 250+ steps up to 200 kW (272 hp), an 85 kWh NMC battery and a record range of up to 657 km on the WLTP cycle. At the top sits the GLA 350 4MATIC, a dual motor all wheel drive version with a combined 260 kW (354 hp), an 85 kWh NMC battery and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds.

Mild hybrid petrol versions follow in 2027

From early 2027, Mercedes will add electrified combustion variants built around a fully redesigned 1.5 litre turbo petrol four cylinder. A 22 kW electric motor is integrated directly into a new 8 speed dual clutch transmission (8F-eDCT), fed by a compact 1.3 kWh lithium ion battery. These versions perhaps will be available only in Sweden in the Scandinavain markets.

The setup allows the car to run in fully electric mode at low city speeds and to coast with the engine off above 100 km/h. For buyers who want to venture off road, the 4MATIC all wheel drive versions add a dedicated Terrain driving mode along with a transparent bonnet function that displays obstacles on the screen during off road driving.

Pricing for Scandinavia still to come

The new electric GLA is already open for order in some markets, with a starting range that spans the entry level GLA 200 through to the range topping GLA 350 4MATIC. Pricing for Scandinavian markets has not yet been announced and is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.