2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the latest generation of the GLA and the Mercedes SUV features a thorough redesign, an increase to the dimensions, new powertrains and a lot more equipment. We’ve taken a quick peek at the all-electric GLA during its global unveil, and here’s all that you need to know about the all-new GLA, which will likely be offered in India by early 2027.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA design

The newly-unveiled GLA seems to take inspiration from the GLC Electric that was unveiled globally last year when it comes to styling, especially with the illuminated upright front grille that dominates the front end, with the three-pointed star in the centre. The grille’s mesh structure contains a total of 608 polycarbonate light points which are backlit and can also be animated as an option. Together with 158 micro-LED, the illuminated grille can orchestrate light sequences. The headlights on the GLA are slim, the light signature replicating that of the three-pointed star, while the rear end gets connected LED tail lamps which feature a squared-off design.

This generation of the GLA features a longer wheelbase (by 61mm) and a wider rear track (by 31mm) while also getting a 20mm lower silhouette than the one it replaces. The design is now more in line with that of Mercedes’ larger SUVs, and the new GLA is equipped with alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20-inches. Mercedes-Benz will be offering the new GLA with four equipment lines – the entry-level Style Line, the Progressive Line which offers more equipment and bolder cosmetic touches, the AMG Line with sportier exterior elements and performance, and the AMG Line Plus – a first in for Mercedes, which will feature more glass black elements on the exterior and a high-gloss black car key, while the Night Edition with its blacked-out elements will be perfect for those looking for their GLA to be specced in a stealthy fashion.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA interior

More space, more refinement, better comfort and a minimalist design is how Mercedes-Benz refers to the interior of the all-new GLA, and the increase in the wheelbase of the SUV has led to the liberation of more legroom in both the first as well as the second row of seats. Headroom sees a marginal increase too, as does the boot capacity, which is 70 litres more than the previous model at 410-litres and is aided by a full-size frunk up front with a capacity of 107-litres on the electric models. The GLA gets a panoramic sunroof as standard and the single-piece glass roof also comes with Sky Control as an option, which allows to adjust the transparency of the glass, segment by segment.

The MBUX Superscreen and its three digital displays span the entire width of the dashboard and this includes a 10.25-inch instrument cluster for the driver, a 14-inch display for the infotainment and a 14-inch screen for the front passenger. The infotainment system is powered by Mercedes’ sophisticated MB.OS and the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which makes connected car capabilities and in-car entertainment a cinch. The new GLA also gets a 16-speaker (four more than before) Burmester 3D audio system with an 850-watt amplifier. Also present on the new Mercedes-Benz are a barrage of safety and assistance systems, which include a function that will help prevent kerbing your alloy wheel – which could prove to be very useful when parking.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA powertrain, performance and range

At the time of its global launch later this year, the all-new GLA will be offered in three electric variants. The GLA 200, the entry-level model with a 58kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack is rear-wheel-drive and will produce 221bhp of power and 335Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100kmph in a claimed 8.1 seconds. The rear-wheel-driven GLA 250+ and the GLA 350 4MATIC both get a larger 85kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery, the latter being the sportier top-end model with AWD making 349bhp of power and accelerating from 0-100kmph in 5.4 seconds (claimed).

Mercedes-Benz has mentioned that another model with a 71 kWh NMC battery will follow in early 2027. The GLA 250+ is the variant with the highest claimed range, up to 657km (WLTP), with 800-volt technology allowing you to add 270km of range in ten minutes using a DC fast charger. The GLA will also be offered with electrified versions of the ICE engine. At the beginning of 2027, the GLA will be available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine – in two states of tune, with front-wheel-drive or AWD – with an electric motor integrated directly into the new 8-speed DCT to provide an additional boost of power.

Mercedes-Benz has not officially mentioned whether the all-new GLA is India-bound, but the SUV is likely to make its way to India by early 2027, shortly after its global launch, and it will find itself going up against rivals like the BMW X1 and the Mini Countryman.