On 29.07.2026, Mercedes-Benz held the world premiere of the new GLA. The compact crossover is being launched for the first time as a separate family with both electric and petrol-electric powertrains. The electric models will reach the market first, while the hybrids will join them in early 2027.
The headline figure from the presentation is up to 657 km on a single charge. However, range alone is not enough to choose a version: the entry-level GLA uses a smaller LFP battery, higher-spec versions get a larger NMC battery, and compatibility with some high-speed charging stations depends on optional equipment. Here is what the manufacturer has confirmed so far and which specifications remain undisclosed.
The key facts
At launch in November 2026, three electric GLA versions producing between 165 and 260 kW will be available. Maximum range is 657 km according to WLTP, while peak charging power is 320 kW. A 48-volt hybrid with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, an electric motor integrated into the gearbox, and front- or all-wheel drive will arrive in early 2027.
Three electric versions at launch
In its official description of the new GLA, Mercedes-Benz lists specifications for three electric models. The GLA 200 uses a lithium iron phosphate battery: it has a lower capacity but contains no nickel or cobalt. The GLA 250+ and all-wheel-drive GLA 350 4MATIC use an NMC battery with 85 kWh of usable capacity.
Version | Power | Battery | What else is known |
|---|---|---|---|
GLA 200 electric | 165 kW | 58 kWh, LFP | Entry-level electric version |
GLA 250+ electric | 200 kW | 85 kWh, NMC | Version with a higher-capacity battery |
GLA 350 4MATIC electric | 260 kW | 85 kWh, NMC | All-wheel drive, 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds |
Additional electric version | Not yet disclosed | 71 kWh, NMC | Expected in early 2027 |
The three launch versions have a claimed combined energy consumption of between 14.8 and 17.6 kWh per 100 km, depending on the modification and equipment. Mercedes-Benz has not yet published the full range figures for each version separately in its main release. 657 km is the maximum figure for the family under the WLTP laboratory cycle, not a promise of the same result for every specification and set of conditions.
What “270 km in 10 minutes” means
The electric GLA is built on an 800-volt architecture and accepts direct current at up to 320 kW. At a suitable station and with the battery preconditioned, a ten-minute charging session can add up to 270 km of calculated WLTP range. Home or urban AC charging is rated at 11 kW as standard and up to 22 kW as an option.
Connecting to 400-volt DC charging stations requires an optional DC converter. This should be checked separately before ordering the vehicle: high peak charging power is of little use if the car cannot work with the available charging infrastructure along your usual routes.
How to assess charging before a long trip
Do not compare only the maximum 320 kW. Also check three practical factors: the actual power of stations along your route, whether a DC converter is available for 400-volt terminals, and charging time across a broad range, such as from 10% to 80%. Mercedes-Benz has not yet provided the latter figure for the new GLA. The “270 km in 10 minutes” figure describes the increase in calculated WLTP range under favourable conditions, not a guaranteed result in winter or with a cold battery.
A hybrid for long trips, but not a plug-in model
The hybrid GLA will arrive in early 2027. Its powertrain combines a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, an eight-speed 8F-eDCT dual-clutch transmission, and an electric motor integrated into the gearbox. The motor contributes up to 22 kW, while the small 48-volt battery stores up to 1.3 kWh.
This is not a plug-in hybrid: the vehicle cannot be charged from a power outlet. Energy is recovered during deceleration, with up to 25 kW of regenerative braking available in all eight gears. During relaxed urban driving, the crossover can move on electric power alone for short periods. At speeds above 100 km/h, it can switch off the engine and coast when the vehicle requires less than 22 kW of power.
For long-distance travel, this version is appealing because it does not require planned charging stops and can be refuelled quickly in the familiar way. However, Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced the combined output of the two launch hybrids, fuel consumption, tank capacity, range, or prices. It is therefore too early to say how much more economical or capable of covering long distances it will be than the electric GLA. The only confirmed details are that two power levels will be offered, along with front- and all-wheel drive.
More space despite the lower body
The new GLA is 20 mm lower than its predecessor, but its wheelbase has grown by 61 mm to 2790 mm. Legroom has increased by 7 mm in the front and 38 mm in the rear. Maximum headroom is up by 23 mm in the first row and 24 mm in the second.
The main luggage compartment holds 410 litres, which is 70 litres more than before. With the second-row backrests folded, capacity rises to 1400 litres. The electric model also has an additional 107-litre front compartment. Electric 4MATIC versions fitted with a factory tow bar will be able to tow braked trailers weighing up to two tonnes.
In Europe, the vehicle is equipped with eight cameras, five radars, and twelve ultrasonic sensors. The computing unit delivers up to 254 TOPS, but the available driver-assistance systems depend on the package and market. MB.DRIVE ASSIST meets SAE Level 2: the driver must monitor the road and remains responsible for controlling the vehicle.
When sales start and how much the new GLA costs
One day before the premiere, on 28.07.2026, Mercedes-Benz confirmed in its second-quarter report that the world debut and sales launch of the electric GLA would take place at the end of July. Orders opened in Germany on 30.07.2026, while the market launch of the three electric versions is scheduled for November 2026.
GLA 200 electric — from €48,599.60 including VAT;
GLA 250+ electric — from €54,978 including VAT;
GLA 350 4MATIC electric — from €58,107.70 including VAT.
These prices apply to Germany and should not be transferred to other markets without taking local taxes, equipment, and delivery conditions into account. Sales dates and pricing for Moldova, Romania, and most other countries had not been announced at the time of publication.
The bottom line
The new GLA offers two distinct use cases. The electric version focuses on 657 km of WLTP range, an 800-volt system, and rapid charging, but its compatibility with charging stations needs to be checked carefully. The hybrid does not need a power outlet and appears more convenient for routes with limited charging infrastructure, although its fuel consumption and real-world range remain unknown.
The first orders are already being accepted in Germany, but a meaningful comparison of the versions will only be possible after Mercedes-Benz publishes individual WLTP ranges, the charging curve, hybrid specifications, and prices for specific countries.
