The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA changes the mission of Mercedes' smallest SUV. Mercedes has moved the third-generation crossover onto its Mercedes Modular Architecture, enlarged it, added a full electric lineup, and retained a gasoline-electric option. The company will also drop the separate EQA identity and use one GLA name for both powertrain types.
European buyers get three electric versions at launch. Mercedes has identified the GLA 250+ Electric and GLA 350 4MATIC Electric for the United States, plus a later 1.5-liter turbo hybrid. American deliveries start in the second half of 2027 under the 2028 model-year label.
The headline number reaches 657 km, or 408 miles, on the WLTP cycle. Mercedes has not released an EPA rating, though early estimates place the long-range model near 350 miles. Buyers should wait for certified EPA data before planning trips around that estimate.
2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Key Facts
- The range includes rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive EVs.
- The largest battery holds 85 kWh of usable energy.
- The quickest model produces 260 kW, or 349 hp, and reaches 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
- The 800-volt system accepts up to 320 kW.
- Cargo volume measures 410 liters, or 14.5 cubic feet.
- EVs add a 107-liter, or 3.8-cubic-foot, front trunk.
- European prices start at €48,599, including VAT.
A Longer, Wider GLA With Better Passenger Space
Mercedes added roughly 160 mm, or 6.3 inches, to the body and stretched the wheelbase by 61 mm, or 2.4 inches. It also lowered the roof by 20 mm, or 0.8 inch. Consequently, the new GLA looks less like a tall hatchback.
| Measurement | New GLA | Change From Previous GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,570 mm / 179.9 in | About +160 mm / 6.3 in |
| Width | 1,870 mm / 73.6 in | About +36 mm / 1.4 in |
| Height | 1,600 mm / 63.0 in | -20 mm / 0.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm / 109.8 in | +61 mm / 2.4 in |
| Rear track | 1,620 mm / 63.8 in | +31 mm / 1.2 in |
| Turning circle | 11.53 m / 37.8 ft | Similar urban footprint |
Rear passengers receive 38 mm, or 1.5 inches, of added legroom and 24 mm, or 0.9 inch, of added headroom. Front headroom rises by 24 mm, while front legroom grows by 8 mm, or 0.3 inch. Looking at the data, revised floor and seat geometry created more headroom under a lower roof.
Mercedes has not released ground clearance, approach angle, departure angle, hybrid fuel economy, or torque curve figures.
New Styling Prioritizes Aerodynamics
The electric GLA uses a closed grille panel with 608 backlit dots, 158 micro-LEDs, and an illuminated central star. Flush door handles and a cleaner underbody help produce a 0.27 drag coefficient, saving energy at highway speed.
Mercedes offers 18- to 20-inch wheels and four European equipment grades. AMG Line Plus adds larger intakes, gloss-black pieces, sport seats, and 20-inch wheels. From an expert perspective, smaller wheels should provide the best range and ride because they reduce mass and tire width.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Electric Specs
The GLA 200 Electric uses a lower-cost LFP pack, while the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC use higher-energy-density NMC chemistry. A 71-kWh NMC version follows in early 2027.
| Model | Drive | Output | Usable Battery | WLTP Range | Peak DC Rate | 0-100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 200 Electric | Rear-wheel drive | 165 kW / 221 hp | 58 kWh LFP | 394-447 km / 245-278 mi | 200 kW | 8.1 sec |
| GLA 250+ Electric | Rear-wheel drive | 200 kW / 268 hp | 85 kWh NMC | 577-657 km / 359-408 mi | 320 kW | 7.3 sec |
| GLA 350 4MATIC Electric | All-wheel drive | 260 kW / 349 hp | 85 kWh NMC | 555-643 km / 345-400 mi | 320 kW | 5.4 sec |
All three reach 210 km/h, or 130 mph. The U.S.-spec GLA 350 4MATIC reaches 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Mercedes has not confirmed the GLA 200 for America, leaving the 268-hp GLA 250+ as the likely entry EV.
Why the 800-Volt System Changes Road-Trip Math
Definition: 800-Volt Architecture
An 800-volt system transfers power with less current than a 400-volt system. Lower current cuts heat and resistive losses, permits lighter cabling, and supports faster charging. Specifically, the 85-kWh models can accept 320 kW and charge from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes.
Ten minutes can add up to 270 km, or 168 miles, of WLTP range. The 58-kWh GLA 200 peaks at 200 kW and needs about 20 minutes for the same interval. European models include 11-kW AC charging; an optional 22-kW unit cuts a full 85-kWh charge from nine hours to four hours and 45 minutes.
The two-speed rear gearbox uses first gear for launch and second to lower motor speed on highways. In addition, the all-wheel-drive model can disengage its front motor when demand remains low.
Pro-Tips for Charging Compatibility
- European buyers should add the optional converter if they regularly use 400-volt stations.
- North American buyers should verify final NACS equipment before ordering.
The Hybrid Adds Electric Driving Without a Plug
The Mercedes-Benz GLA hybrid pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A 22-kW, or 30-hp, motor sits inside the transmission and draws from a 1.3-kWh, 48-volt battery. Mercedes plans two output levels but has not published final U.S. figures.
When the GLA needs less than 22 kW at city speed, the motor can move it with the engine off. The system can also coast above 100 km/h, or 62 mph, and recover up to 25 kW through all eight gears.
Mercedes chose this setup to control cost and weight. A plug-in hybrid would require a larger battery, charging hardware, and added cooling, so the company reserves plug-in systems for larger models.
Cargo, Cabin Technology, and Driver Assistance
Cargo space measures 410 liters, or 14.5 cubic feet, with five seats in use and 1,400 liters, or 49.4 cubic feet, with the second row folded. A 40/20/40 split preserves two rear seats beside long cargo. EVs add a 107-liter front trunk.
The optional MBUX Superscreen combines a 10.25-inch driver display with 14-inch center and passenger screens. MB.OS supports over-the-air updates, Google Maps, ChatGPT, Microsoft services, and Google Gemini. Its assistant can handle linked questions without repeated context.
Eight cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors feed a controller that performs 254 trillion operations per second. Options add steering support, assisted lane changes, traffic-light response, automated parking, curb warnings, and route-retrace reversing. Terrain mode shows a virtual view beneath the hood.
The standard panoramic roof uses heat-reflecting coatings. Later, SKY CONTROL will switch seven sections from clear to opaque and illuminate 172 embedded stars. A 16-speaker, 850-watt Burmester system remains optional.
How the GLA 250+ Compares With Electric Rivals
The GLA 250+ leads in claimed range and peak charging power. By comparison, BMW and MINI offer larger rear trunks, while Volvo matches the GLA's 410 liters but provides a smaller front compartment.
| Model | Usable Battery | Maximum WLTP Range | Peak DC Rate | 10-80% Time | Rear Cargo | Front Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes GLA 250+ | 85 kWh | 657 km / 408 mi | 320 kW | 22 min | 410 L | 107 L |
| BMW iX1 eDrive20 | 65.2 kWh | About 504 km / 313 mi | 130 kW | 29 min | 490 L | None listed |
| Volvo EX40 Single Motor ER | 79 kWh | 576 km / 358 mi | 205 kW | 28 min | 410 L | 31 L |
| MINI Countryman E | 65.2 kWh | 499 km / 310 mi | 130 kW | 29 min | 460 L | None listed |
These WLTP figures support European comparisons, not U.S. trip planning. The GLA gains through aerodynamics, battery size, its two-speed gearbox, and 800-volt hardware. It weighs 2,145 to 2,235 kg, or 4,729 to 4,927 pounds, and carries a 480-kg, or 1,058-pound, payload.
Pricing and Release Timing
German launch prices run from €48,599 for the GLA 200 to €54,978 for the GLA 250+ and €58,107 for the GLA 350 4MATIC, including VAT. The middle version adds up to 210 km, or 130 miles, of range and raises charging from 200 to 320 kW. The 350 adds all-wheel drive and a 2,000-kg, or 4,409-pound, braked tow rating.
European EV deliveries start in November 2026, followed by hybrids in early 2027. U.S. dealers receive 2028 models in the second half of 2027. American prices and EPA range remain pending.
Which 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Should You Choose?
- Choose the GLA 250+ Electric for highway travel, maximum range, and the best cost-to-capability ratio.
- Choose the GLA 350 4MATIC Electric for winter traction, speed, or towing.
- Choose the GLA 200 Electric in markets that receive it for low daily mileage and a lower purchase price.
- Choose the GLA hybrid when home charging remains impractical.
Independent road-test data, EPA ratings, insurance costs, and U.S. equipment lists remain unavailable. Still, the verified specifications favor the GLA 250+ Electric: it combines the longest range, fastest charging, and strongest price-to-capability case.
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