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The New #MercedesBenz #GLA arrives with a choice of fully electric or petrol mild-hybrid power, bringing Mercedes’ two-pronged strategy into its best-selling compact SUV and with the biggest visual change: the iconic grille!
Previously only on the mid class, now on a compact car for the first time. But underneath, the transformation is even greater. The new #MercedesBenz GLA moves onto the advanced MMA platform shared with the CLA and GLB, bringing technology previously reserved for Mercedes’ larger and more expensive electric cars.
The electric GLA uses an 800V architecture with charging at up to 320kW, adding approximately 168 miles of range in only ten minutes. The long-range GLA 250+ combines a 272HP rear motor with an 85kWh usable NMC battery and claims up to 408 miles of WLTP range, while the GLA 350 4MATIC adds a front motor for 354HP and significantly stronger performance.
There is also a more affordable GLA 200 Electric, using a 224HP rear motor and a 58kWh usable LFP battery, with another 71kWh NMC model joining the range later.
Mercedes hasn’t abandoned petrol either. The new GLA will also be offered with the compact 1.5-litre M252 engine, a 48V electrical system and an eight-speed electrified dual-clutch gearbox containing its own 30HP electric motor. That allows electric driving at urban speeds, engine-off coasting and energy recuperation through all eight gears.
The changes continue inside, where the GLA finally moves beyond the cheaper cabin feel of the previous generations. It receives the new MBUX Superscreen, significantly improved materials, more passenger room, a 410-litre boot and, on the electric version, a useful 107-litre frunk.
There is plenty of choice visually too, ranging from Style and Progressive through to AMG Line, AMG Line Plus and the sinister Night Edition shown here in Magno black.
In this video:
Full exterior walkaround of the new Mercedes GLA
Electric GLA versus petrol mild-hybrid GLA
GLA 200, GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC explained
800V charging and 408-mile range
MMA platform, motors and battery technology
New Iconic illuminated grille
Style, Progressive, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus
Night Edition in Magno black
Full interior and MBUX Superscreen tour
Boot space, frunk and towing capability
Expected UK pricing
Comparison with the BMW iX1, MINI Countryman Electric and Audi Q4 e-tron
Future Mercedes-AMG GLA and the returning A-Class
The new GLA appears to be a huge leap over the outgoing EQA, with substantially more range, vastly quicker charging, stronger performance, better practicality and a far more advanced cabin. The petrol versions should also remain important for buyers who still want a familiar combustion-powered compact SUV.
The question is whether Mercedes has finally created the small premium SUV that can genuinely offer its larger-car technology without the compromises traditionally associated with the compact range. A full driving review will follow as soon as we can get behind the wheel!
