Mercedes-Benz Unveils All-New GLA: Electric-First Launch, MMA Platform Debut

Mercedes-Benz officially launched the all-new generation GLA compact crossover in Warsaw on July 29. This redesign goes beyond a simple refresh — it represents a comprehensive reimagining centered on electrification. The new GLA becomes the third model built on the all-new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform — following the CLA sedan and GLB SUV — and debuts exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle.

According to official data, the new GLA will launch first as a fully electric model, delivering up to 657 km (408 miles) of WLTP range. Its 800-volt electrical architecture enables up to 270 km of range replenishment in just 10 minutes — significantly improving charging efficiency. Meanwhile, two 48-volt mild-hybrid variants — powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a 22 kW electric motor — are expected to join the lineup early next year. However, Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed specific power, torque, or battery capacity figures for these mild-hybrid versions.

The vehicle's dimensions have been refined: body height is reduced by 20 mm, wheelbase extended by 61 mm, and rear track widened by 31 mm — resulting in improved legroom for both front and rear passengers. Exterior styling evolves progressively, with a wider, illuminated front grille; interior design emphasizes digital immersion, offering the optional MBUX Superscreen — a seamless glass panel integrating three independent displays across the dashboard. The passenger-side screen is dedicated to occupants and remains invisible from the driver's viewpoint to minimize distraction.

For intelligent features, the new GLA integrates a voice assistant powered by Gemini AI, enabling more natural interaction; navigation is supported by Google Maps. The entire vehicle operating system has been upgraded to MB.OS, replacing dozens — or even hundreds — of traditional electronic control units with four high-performance computing domains, enabling continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The new GLA will be produced at Mercedes-Benz's Rastatt plant in Germany, sharing production lines with the CLA Electric and GLB Electric. Meanwhile, the current A-Class hatchback will gradually shift production to Hungary, freeing up capacity for higher-margin MMA-platform models. Notably, Mercedes-Benz has discontinued its 'EQ' sub-brand nomenclature: new battery-electric models are now uniformly named CLA Electric, GLA Electric, and GLB Electric.

In market terms, the current-generation GLA remains Mercedes-Benz's entry-level sales pillar. In Europe, it sold 35,376 units in the first half of this year, ranking third in the premium compact SUV/crossover segment — behind BMW X1 (65,534 units) and Volvo XC40 (39,058 units). Its electric counterpart, the EQ A, sold 16,432 units during the same period, making it the third-best-selling BEV in that segment. In the U.S., the GLA serves as a critical entry-point model: 5,730 units were delivered in the first five months of this year, down from 8,097 units in the same period last year.

The new GLA opens for European pre-orders starting July 30. The German base price starts at €48,599 (including tax); the all-wheel-drive version starts at €58,107. Deliveries to European dealerships are expected to begin in November. In North America, the model is slated to launch as a 2028 model year vehicle in the second half of 2027.