Mercedes-Benz GLA: electric SUV with 657 km WLTP range

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off an all-new GLA, a compact SUV that launches first as a trio of fully electric models with a WLTP range of up to 657 km (408 miles). The redesigned car sits lower and rides on a longer wheelbase, and it is the first Mercedes compact model to wear the brand’s illuminated iconic grille. Order books open on 30 July 2026, with German prices starting at €40,840 excluding VAT. High-tech electrified combustion versions will follow later.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has been fully redesigned, and for the first time the compact SUV arrives as an electric-first line-up. Mercedes-Benz says the new car is aimed squarely at urban life, pairing a more athletic stance with a heavily reworked interior and a suite of AI-assisted software. Three electric versions are available from launch, with electrified petrol variants promised for a later date.

A lower, wider stance

The new GLA stands 20 mm lower than its predecessor and gains 61 mm in wheelbase, along with a wider rear track and flush-fitted wheels of 18 to 20 inches. According to the manufacturer, the result is a more planted, dynamic look that leans into the car’s SUV proportions rather than softening them. Roof rails, wheel-arch cladding and front and rear underbody trim underline the crossover theme.

The headline design feature is the illuminated iconic grille, which the company says makes its debut in the Mercedes compact segment here. It combines a chrome frame, a smoked-glass-effect panel and the central star, with 608 backlit polycarbonate light points and 158 micro-LEDs that can be animated in sequences tied to the car’s chosen sound theme. Star-shaped daytime running lights and a connecting light band at the rear round out the signature.

Range and charging

Mercedes-Benz quotes a WLTP range of up to 657 km (408 miles) for the electric GLA. Thanks to 800-volt technology, the company says up to 270 km (168 miles) of WLTP range can be added in around ten minutes of fast charging. The line-up opens with the GLA 200 electric, followed by the GLA 250+ electric and the all-wheel-drive GLA 350 4MATIC electric; the maker has not published power, torque or battery figures at this stage.

The 4MATIC models can tow up to two tonnes, and buyers get extra load space courtesy of a variable boot and a 107-litre front trunk. An optional all-wheel-drive set-up, a TERRAIN drive program and a “transparent bonnet” camera function are offered for light off-road use.

Interior and technology

Inside, the GLA gets the large MBUX Superscreen spanning the dashboard, a panorama roof and an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system. Mercedes-Benz offers four equipment lines for the first time — Style Line, Progressive Line, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus — plus a Night package and a Night Edition.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant now uses generative AI and, the company says, can hold multi-part conversations and remember details to give more natural, personalised answers. Navigation draws on Google Maps and a Google Cloud Automotive AI Agent for information on points of interest, charging and parking. Driver assistance includes MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS, which the manufacturer says can change lanes automatically on the motorway when conditions allow.

“The new GLA will excite our customers every day. With 140 years of innovation behind us, we have built the most expressive GLA ever,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, adding that the redesigned interior makes the brand’s current best-selling compact model “even more desirable.”

What it means

The GLA is one of Mercedes-Benz’s highest-volume models, so an electric-led relaunch matters in a compact premium class where the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 all compete. A 657 km range claim and 800-volt charging would place it near the top of that group, though independent figures and full technical data will tell the real story.