Mercedes-Benz presented the all-new GLA in Warsaw. The compact SUV has a range of up to 657 kilometers and charges at up to 320 kW (not all versions). The electric car can be ordered immediately at prices starting from €48,599. In Belgium, orders are taken as of tomorrow; pricing starts at €49,005.
The manufacturer will debut three battery-electric models in November, while hybrid versions will not hit the road until early 2027. For the brand’s best-selling compact model, this is a clear statement and a signal to the industry: electric drive has arrived at Mercedes, even in the volume segment of the A-Class.
800-volt, up to 320 kW DC charging
The GLA is built on the 800-volt architecture that Mercedes first introduced with the electric CLA and also used in the electric GLB. The entry-level GLA 200 features a 58 kWh LFP battery (lithium-iron-phosphate), while the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC models are equipped with an 85 kWh NMC battery (nickel-manganese-cobalt).
The 250+ offers a range of up to 657 kilometers (WLTP). All three variants reach a top speed of 210 kph. With a starting price under €50,000, the GLA is Mercedes’ most affordable electric SUV.
Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the Mercedes GLA can deliver impressive charging performance: the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC can draw up to 320 kW at an 800-volt charging station, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80% in just 22 minutes.
Mercedes states that ten minutes of charging provides up to 270 kilometers of additional WLTP range, a figure that hardly any other electric vehicle in the compact segment can match. However, the base model lags behind: the GLA 200 uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with 58 kWh of usable capacity and charges at a maximum of 200 kW. In ten minutes, it regains 145 to 165 kilometers of range.
One detail that could cause frustration in practice is the DC converter, which enables the GLA to charge at 400-volt charging stations. This component is only available as an optional extra. Those who do not order it will be limited to the not yet widely available 800-volt chargers.
For alternating current (AC) charging, 11 kW is standard, while 22 kW is available as an option and halves the charging time at home wallboxes or AC charging stations. Looking ahead, Mercedes will introduce a fourth variant in early 2027 with a 71 kWh NMC battery, closing the noticeable gap between the 58 and 85 kilowatt-hour options.
165 kW to 260 kW, 447 to 657 km range
The GLA 200 base model has an electric motor developing 160 kW/224 hp with 335 Nm of torque and a 0-100 kph time of 8.1 seconds. With its 58 kWh battery, the range oscillates between 394 and 447 km max (WLTP).
The 250+ has a 200 kW/272 hp electromotor with 335 Nm of torque, resulting in a sprint to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds. Here, the range is the highest: 577 to 657 km. The 350 4Matic top model combines two electromotors totaling 260 kW/354 hp, good for 0-100 kph in 5.4 seconds and a slightly reduced range of 555 to 643 km.
At around 15 kWh per 100 kilometers, the 4.57-meter-long SUV, weighing over two tonnes, achieves an excellent efficiency figure. This is primarily due to its aerodynamics: with a drag coefficient of 0.27, the new GLA is significantly more streamlined than its predecessor.
The weight is less impressive: 2,145 to 2,235 kilograms is substantial for a compact SUV, and the payload of 480 kilograms is quickly reached with five occupants.
On the practical side, those who plan to use the all-wheel-drive model as a tow vehicle will benefit from its two-ton towing capacity, which is remarkable for a battery-electric vehicle of this size. The rear-wheel-drive models offer a braked towing capacity of 1.5 tons.
Solid stance
The new GLA measures 4.57 meters in length, 1.87 meters in width, and 1.60 meters in height, making it 20 millimeters lower than its predecessor. Thanks to the electric drivetrain, the wheelbase has grown by 61 millimeters to 2.79 meters, and the rear track has increased by 31 millimeters to 1.62 meters, resulting in a (fairly big) turning circle of 11.53 meters.
These dimensions are evident in the car’s stance: it sits more firmly on the road, the shoulders over the rear wheels are prominently flared, and the wheels align flush with the body. The side profile is the most flattering perspective: clean surfaces, minimal lines, and a gently sloping roof.
The front is more controversial: the grille, featuring 608 backlit polycarbonate dots, 158 micro-LEDs, and a very large, centrally placed star, marks the first time Mercedes has brought this design element to the compact segment.
The bright version appears dominant, even overwhelming, as the star occupies nearly half the surface. In the Night Edition, which includes the AMG Line and Night Package, it blends much better into the overall design, giving the vehicle a more premium appearance.
The rear looks more cohesive. Star-shaped rear lights, a continuous light strip, a neatly integrated roof spoiler, and a black-trimmed lower section give the car optical width without being intrusive.
Displays a gogo
Behind a continuous glass surface, the optional MBUX Superscreen features a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch passenger display. The circular air vents with illuminated rings and the prominently designed center console are directly adopted from the CLA.
This creates a premium feel in this vehicle class but results in a lack of physical controls. Those who regularly drive long distances will appreciate the volume dial on the steering wheel, one of the few remaining rotary controls. Personally, we prefer more physical controls and (much) less ‘screenery’, but that’s what Mercedes has chosen for a while now.
The longer wheelbase enhances interior space: there are 38 millimeters more legroom in the rear, 24 millimeters more headroom, and a boot capacity of 410 liters, 70 liters more than the predecessor. With the rear seats folded down, the boot expands to 1,400 liters.
Additionally, the 107-liter frunk is large enough for charging cables and even a carry-on suitcase. A standard panoramic roof further enhances the sense of space in the interior. As an optional extra, a new Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos is available. The system features four additional speakers and more power than before, with a total of 16 speakers and an 850-watt amplifier.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by generative AI, can conduct complex, multi-part conversations and remember details. It combines models from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini, allowing it to switch between them during a conversation.
Pricing and comparing
At €49,005 (in Belgium), the GLA 200 is the entry-level model in the trio and offers the lowest range (447 km) and charging power (200 kW). The €5,445 premium for the GLA 250+ buys an additional 210 kilometers of range and the full 320 kW charging power.
The GLA 350 4MATIC costs a hefty €7,745 more in Belgium, providing all-wheel drive, better acceleration, and a towing capacity of two tons, but loses 14 kilometers of range. The variant with a 71 kWh battery, set to arrive in early 2027, will be particularly interesting, as it is likely to hit the sweet spot for most buyers.
Technically, the electric GLA and its bigger brother, the electric GLB, are twins. They share the MMA platform, the 800-volt architecture, the 320 kW charging power, and the 58 kWh LFP or 85 kWh NMC batteries.
The differences lie in the body: at 4.73 meters, the GLB is 16 centimeters longer, the wheelbase extends to 2.89 meters, the boot capacity increases to 540 liters (from 410 liters), and the frunk holds 127 liters (up from 107 liters). For an additional ±€1,300, a third row of seats is available, which is not an option in the GLA.
The GLB 250+ starts at €58,685, €4,235 more than the GLA 250+. For Mercedes, this makes the decision clear: those who prioritize range and efficiency should choose the GLA. Those who need more space or seven seats will pay nearly €4,000 more for the GLB, gaining 130 liters of boot space but losing around 26 kilometers of range.
Compared to the CLA 200 Shooting Brake, the GLA 200 is €2,057 cheaper, while the 350 4Matic is €3,145 less expensive than its CLA counterpart.
