Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new GLA, completing the rollout of its next-generation compact vehicle family and confirming the popular luxury SUV will again be offered with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains.

Set to arrive in Australia during 2027, the redesigned GLA will effectively replace the standalone EQA, with battery-electric variants now integrated into the regular GLA range rather than carrying separate badging. Australian timing and model details are expected to be confirmed closer to launch.

Built on Mercedes-Benz‘s new Modular Architecture (MMA), the GLA shares its underpinnings with the recently revealed CLA and GLB. While its overall silhouette remains familiar, the newcomer is longer than before, with a stretched wheelbase, cleaner surfacing and improved aerodynamics. Electric variants feature a distinctive enclosed grille, while all models receive new lighting signatures, flush-fitting door handles and wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

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Three electric versions headline the launch range. The entry-level GLA 200 Electric uses a 58kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a rear-mounted electric motor producing 165kW. Above it sits the GLA 250+ Electric with a larger 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, increasing output to 206kW while delivering a claimed driving range of up to 657km under the WLTP test cycle.

The flagship GLA 350 4MATIC Electric adds a second motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and combined outputs of 260kW, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Thanks to its new 800-volt electrical architecture, the electric GLA supports DC fast charging at up to 320kW, enabling a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in approximately 22 minutes under ideal conditions. Mercedes-Benz also claims up to 270km of WLTP driving range can be added in as little as 10 minutes on compatible chargers.

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Hybrid buyers won’t miss out either. Mercedes-Benz will offer a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an integrated electric motor within an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, the system can power the vehicle on electric energy alone during low-speed manoeuvres and when coasting, improving efficiency and refinement.

Inside, the GLA adopts the same high-tech cabin as the CLA and GLB, centred around Mercedes-Benz’s latest MB.OS operating system. Depending on specification, buyers can choose a single central display or the optional MBUX Superscreen, which combines the digital instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen and passenger display beneath one glass panel. AI-powered voice assistance, over-the-air software updates and integrated Google and Microsoft services are also available.

Practicality has also improved, with the larger body creating more rear-seat legroom and a 410-litre boot, while electric variants add a useful front storage compartment beneath the bonnet. Mercedes-Benz says the new GLA has been designed to offer more space and technology while remaining the brand’s most accessible premium SUV.

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