Third-Gen Mercedes-Benz GLA Revealed In EV Guise - Hybrid To Arrive Next Year

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the third-generation GLA, and for the first time, the SUV is available in a fully electric guise. The Mercedes-Benz GLA EV is built on the German marque's MMA architecture and will be joined by a mild-hybrid, AWD-capable version in 2027.

The GLA EV is offered in three trims levels, badged 250, 250+ and 350, running either a 58kWh or an 85kWh battery pack for a claimed range of up to 657km. Mercedes-Benz has also redesigned the SUV's exterior and given it a tech-heavy, triple-screen cabin.

Mercedes-Benz GLA EV: Battery, Motor and Charging Details

The base GLA 250 uses a 58kWh LFP battery pack rated for up to 447km on a single charge on the WLTP cycle. Stepping up to the 250+ or 350 brings an 85kWh NMC pack, good for a claimed 657km. Mercedes will add a 71kWh NMC battery pack option in early 2027.

The GLA 250 runs a single rear-mounted motor producing 224hp and 335Nm. The 250+ uses the same single-motor layout, tuned up to 272hp with the same 335Nm. The range-topping GLA 350 gets a dual-motor AWD setup producing 354hp and 515Nm, enough for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds and a 210km/h top speed.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA EV features an 800-volt electrical architecture that allows for DC fast charging speeds of up to 320kW. This allows the GLA EV to add as much as 270km of range in ten minutes. The GLA EV allows for AC charging speeds of up to 22kW.

Mercedes-Benz will bring an ICE version of the third-gen GLA internationally in 2027, powered by a new 'M 252' 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT). Power can be sent to the front wheels or all four. Mercedes-Benz hasn't revealed power or torque figures for this engine yet.

Mercedes-Benz GLA: Exterior Design and Dimensions

The new GLA carries a bolder design that closely follows Mercedes-Benz's larger SUVs. Up front, the Mercedes-Benz GLA EV gets a grille filled with horizontal LED strip elements, while the ICE version uses chrome Mercedes tristar detailing instead; both get an illuminated grille surround and Mercedes tristar-shaped LED daytime running lights, along with black inserts on the front bumper.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA rides on dual-tone alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, with gloss-black wheel arch cladding and a black lower body finish adding contrast. At the rear, wraparound taillights repeat the Mercedes tristar lighting signature and are joined by a full-width red light bar and a gloss-black bumper with horizontal detailing.

Compared to its predecessor, the new third-gen Mercedes GLA is 153mm longer, 39mm wider and rides on a wheelbase that's 61mm longer. Boot space on the Gen 3 GLA SUV has grown by 70 litres to 410 litres, and the EV adds a 107-litre frunk on top of that.

Mercedes-Benz GLA: Interior & Features

Inside, the third-gen GLA gets an optional Mercedes MBUX Superscreen triple-display setup comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment screen and a 14-inch passenger display. The standard cabin skips the passenger screen for a glass panel with illuminated star patterns instead.

A three-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons handles infotainment controls, and the centre console holds the only other physical switchgear, with climate functions moved to the touchscreen. The new GLA's cabin gets an all-black theme with silver accents on the console and doors, and seat upholstery is either fabric or leatherette depending on variant.

Standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz GLA EV includes a 16-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera with an optional 'transparent bonnet' function, and automatic parking assistance.

In India, Mercedes-Benz currently sells the facelifted second-generation GLA (offered with an ICE powertrain), priced from Rs 51.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA, particularly the electric version, is expected to command a significantly higher price once it does arrive in India.