Battery size: 85kWh
Max charge rate: 320kW
WLTP range: 408 miles
Introduction
The all-new electric Mercedes GLA is Merc’s answer to cars like the BMW X1, Audi Q4 e-tron, Volvo EX40 and Tesla Model Y. The compact family SUV class is one of the fastest growing corners of the market here in Europe and it’s fiercely competitive, so the GLA has quietly become one of the most important models in the Mercedes lineup.
The electric version that this replaces was really popular, too, so it’s important that Merc gets this new GLA Electric right.
It certainly looks like they’ve got it right from the numbers. This new car has grown a bit, to just under 4.6-metres in length, so it’s more spacious inside, and it also has a bigger battery for a longer range of over 400 miles and ultra-rapid charging.
Refreshingly, although the platform will also house a hybrid GLA model that’s coming later, this has also been built first as an electric car first so it shouldn’t be compromised in order to offer that petrol alternative.
The looks aren’t revolutionary but the GLA does get a lower roofline and more flared arches for a sportier stance. And Mercedes is also deliberately sticking with quite traditional styling in order to lean into its heritage and differentiate itself from the more minimalist, cutting-edge designs coming from rivals like BMW, XPeng, MG and Tesla.
A new design director has just joined Mercedes and I suspect we’ll see more radical changes to how its cars look in the coming years.
Range, battery and charging
Shall we talk batteries and charging? Because this is where the new GLA really moves the game on. The entry-level GLA 200 gets a 58kWh LFP battery, which hasn’t had confirmed WLTP range yet, but we’d estimate around 260 miles (418km), while the GLA 250+ and 350 4Matic AWD model use an 85kWh NMC battery offering up to 408 miles (657km).
Unfortunately, the entry-level 200 is unlikely to make it to the UK, but it’ll be on offer in most major European markets.
There may also be an additional 71kWh battery joining the lineup next year, but we haven’t got may details on that. I’d certainly hope that it comes to the UK as well as Europe, as I suspect it’ll manage a claimed range of around 300 miles, which could well be a sweet spot for a lot of buyers – especially as the GLA gets such rapid charging!
Speaking of which, the new GLA Electric gets 800V architecture and DC charging of up to 320kW. Find a powerful enough charger and Mercedes says you can add 168 miles (270km) of range in just 10 minutes, while we’d estimate that a 10–80% top-up in the big battery car would be done in around 20 to 25 minutes.
Those are figures that put it right at the sharp end of this class, and they also make rivals like the BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 look a bit dated, to be honest. The Tesla Model Y gets close to the GLA Electric on charging and range, but few others do.
As for AC charging the GLA comes with an 11kW AC charger, and there’s an optional 22kW onboard charger.
Practicality and boot space
The new Mercedes GLA Electric gets usefully improved practicality over its predecessor. The boot has grown by 70 litres, and at 410 litres is a much better size for family motoring – although it has to be said that the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV5 both have bigger boot spaces, as do the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX1 and Audi Q4, so the Merc is still lagging a bit on sheer boot capacity.
I’d still say that it’ll be fine for a chunky buggy or a couple of medium-sized dogs – provided you’re OK with a bit of a drop over the load lip.
There’s also a huge 107-litre frunk, which is really useful for chucking your smelly sports kits or wellies in. I’d use this a lot, although it is annoying that you have to open it via a lever in the footwell rather than just by pressing the badge on the bonnet – like you can in the new Merc C-Class and GLC.
Space inside is really good, too. I watched the Mercedes boss – who is 6ft 4in – sit behind his own driving position very comfortably, so even if you’ve got lanky teens this should be perfectly comfortable in the back. You also get a central rear armrest, climate control and a couple of USB-C charging ports to keep everyone happy.
Ah, and let’s not forget the standard pano roof! It makes the whole cabin feel really light and classy, and it’s a great standard addition as lots of the GLA’s rivals charge extra for a sunroof of panoramic roof. You do have to pay extra if you want the changeable opacity and the fancy illuminated stars in the GLA glass roof, though.
Interior, styling and technology
Every GLA gets a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and a 14-inch central touchscreen running Mercedes' latest MB.OS software, and now using Google maps, too! Hurrah.
If you really want to splash out, you can now specify Merc’s 39.1-inch MBUX Superscreen – previously the preserve of the brand's larger, more expensive models which stretches right across the dashboard and adds a dedicated 14-inch display for the front passenger all sitting beneath one continuous pane of glass.
It's a pretty striking dash setup, to be fair, and I think some people will find it just a bit too much screen. I'll be honest, I'm not a mad fan of the trend for screens in front of your passenger, as I think we all spend enough time in front of a screen, as it is.
But I would also add that the infotainment in the GLA is hugely impressive, not just in the way it looks but also in that it's now easier to use as it works much more like a smartphone. You can move apps around, create folders and, thanks to Mercedes' AI-powered virtual assistant, even have proper conversations with the car. Which actually does understand me! Good to know something does...
It is annoying that there's no way to skip music tracks with the steering wheel controls, though.
Also, I have to say that I think Merc's perceived quality is really good, these days. There was a time when its interiors were a bit chintzy for my tastes, but it all feels classy and nicely finished, now.
Motors and performance
The new Merc GLA Electric range starts with the 224hp, rear-wheel-drive GLA 200, but sadly we won't be getting this version in the UK. Over here, our options start with the RWD GLA 250+, which gets 272hp from the front-mounted electric motor. The range-topping GLA 350 4Matic gets dual motors for four-wheel drive, not to mention 356hp and a 0–62mph time of just 5.4 seconds.
That's properly quick for a family SUV – although Mercedes says it hasn't been chasing outright performance. Instead, the focus has been on making the GLA feel effortless and refined in everyday driving.
We'll have to wait until we've had a drive in it, as we've only seen the static car so far! The GLA is on sale before the end of 2026, though, so it shouldn't be long to wait before we've got it on the road.
There's good news if you tow, too. The four-wheel-drive GLA 350+ can pull up to 2,500kg, which should make them more than capable of hauling a decent-sized caravan or trailer.
Pricing and on sale date
We don't have the full price and equipment breakdown for the Mercede GLA Electric just yet, but we do know that it'll start at £45,400 for the entry-level GLA 250+.
While BMW has just dropped the price of the BMW iX1 in order to gain it the UK plug-in car grant (it's almost as if they know they've got faster charging, longer range competition arriving, isn't it?), the GLA still looks well priced next to most rivals – even those from Kia, Hyundai, Skoda and Tesla.
Yes, you're paying a premium for the Mercedes badge and finish, but at this sort of money I really don't think you're going to feel short changed.
Especially as the GLA is well equipped. The pano roof is standard on every model, although you'll pay extra for the illuminated stars and variable opacity.
Otherwise, expect the same trim lineup as you get in the CLA, which means the Sport model will offer leatherette upholstery, parking camera and more, but the AMG Line, with its snazzier styling, keyless entry and AMG alloys will likely be the more popular trim. Top spec cars will get features like the backlit grille, massage seats, upgraded audio and more, but pricing will likely get a bit punchy at that sort of level.
Ultimately, it'll come down to the monthly PCP prices and leasing costs, so we'll just have to wait and see how those stack up when the GLA goes on sale later this year.
Verdict
I did say that this might be the most important new Mercedes EV we've seen this year, despite the huge flurry of new models that have arrived. And having had a proper look around the new, electric Mercedes GLA, I'd stand by that claim.
This is the car that sits right in the heart of the family SUV market and, on paper at least, Mercedes has come out swinging – it leaves cars like the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX40 looking a generation behind on the battery and charging front, and it stacks up well even next to more value-oriented brands rivals from Skoda and Kia.
Of course, spec sheets and seeing the car can only tell half the story. Now, we need to drive it! Watch this space, and we'll bring you the full drive review very soon.
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