Mercedes has revamped its compact SUV and now caters for electric as well as petrol drivers.
Entering its third generation, the GLA was due an upgrade with the second iteration in much need of an update having been in showrooms since 2019.
A best-seller for the German brand, the GLA was its first foray into the compact luxury segment. The diesel version was the UK’s fastest-selling car in 2025, taking an average of just 23 days to shift, says Autotrader.
The 2026 GLA sits on Mercedes’ new compact ‘MMA’ architecture, has a new interior and infotainment display, will come in electric and hybrid form, and has all of Mercedes’ latest design cues. Essentially, it’s a whole new GLA.
The longest-range all-electric version of the GLA will cover 408 miles on a single charge, which is more than the new all-electric CLA and larger GLB SUV.
In just a few months, the new all-electric version of the GLA will arrive, followed by the hybrid version next year. Here’s what we know for now…
Mercedes has revamped its GLA compact SUV, and now it will cater to electric drivers as well as petrol drivers. The all-new model will arrive in a few months
Interior and exterior: How the GLA has evolved
The new GLA is much more grown-up looking, with a wider rear track, muscular shoulders and an athletic stance.
It’s also longer, wider and lower than the Mk2 version preceding it.
The front is dominated by Mercedes’ huge blanked-off grille, usually reserved for its biggest, plushest vehicles. The grille has animated micro-LED lighting and illuminated stars to make the GLA even sportier.
Inside, the GLA is more minimalist in design, with a floating MBUX Superscreen that spans the entire width of the dashboard, totalling almost 40in.
It comes with AI voice assistance to relieve some of the distracting consequences of trying to operate such an expansive infotainment display.
There are also circular sporty vents, concave doors and floating-style door panel inserts, as well as a floating sporty centre console and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system.
The third-generation GLA (left) is now in keeping with Mercedes’ other larger, more luxurious SUVs
The GLA is more minimalist in design with a floating MBUX Superscreen that spans the entire width of the dashboard, totalling almost 40 inches. It also comes with AI voice assistance.
It too boasts a panoramic roof divided into seven segments. Each one can be controlled individually so passengers can decide how much light and visibility they want in their section.
Boot capacity stands at 410 litres, 70 litres more than the outgoing model.
Fold the rear seats down (which split 40/20/20) and this increases to 1,400 litres.
There’s also a 107-litre frunk.
Powertrain options
There are three fully electric versions of the new GLA: the GLA 200 with a 58kWh battery, the GLA 250+ with an 85kWh battery, and the GLA 350 4MATIC, which also has a 58kWh battery.
The 350 has the most power, offering 349bhp and a 0-to-62mph time of 5.4 seconds.
Another model will arrive in early 2027 with a 71kWh battery.
The maximum range, available in the 250+ version, is 408 miles on a single charge, which gets you from Birmingham to Glasgow.
The GLA can also charge at speeds of up to 320kW, allowing you to add 168 miles of range in just ten minutes to get you back on the road faster.
At the beginning of 2027, the hybrid GLA will launch and will be available as either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive car.
It will feature an all-new electrified 1.5-litre turbo engine and a 22kW electric motor. Peak power will hit 187bhp and around 50mpg is expected.
And despite it being the fastest-selling diesel last year, Mercedes won’t be offering one with an oil burner under the bonnet.
The panoramic roof is divided into seven segments, with each segment able to be controlled individually so passengers can decide how much light and visibility they want.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the GLA is expected to cost around £45,000, similar to the new CLA
Boot capacity stands at 410 litres, 70 litres more than the outgoing model. But the EV version also gets a 107-litre ‘frunk’ (pictured)
How much does it cost?
For the first time, the GLA will be available with four trim levels and a Night Package.
You’ll be able to opt for AMG Line and AMG Plus if you want a more luxurious and sportier feel to your GLA.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the GLA is expected to cost around £45,000, similar to the new CLA.
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