The third generation of the compact crossover brings larger dimensions, advanced technology, and three electric variants, with orders in Germany starting this week.
Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled the all-new, third-generation GLA on Tuesday, July 29, 2026. The German manufacturer's smallest SUV features a radically redesigned exterior, a more spacious cabin, and, for the first time, the option of a fully electric powertrain alongside hybrid variants. The first units are expected to hit European roads as early as November this year, and according to Index.hr, orders in Germany will open this week.
CEO Ola Källenius described the new model as "the most expressive GLA ever," according to Electrek. This ambitious description is backed by the technical foundation: the vehicle is built on Mercedes' Modular Architecture (MMA), which supports both internal combustion engines and fully electric powertrains, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture highlighted in multiple media reports.
The electric GLA will be available in several variants, though details vary slightly among sources. According to Croatia's Index.hr, there are three versions: the base GLA 200 with 224 hp, the mid-range GLA 250+ with 272 hp, and the top-tier GLA 350 4Matic Electric with 354 hp, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. U.S.-based outlets Motor1, Gizmodo, and Electrek list only two variants with slightly lower figures: the GLA 250+ Electric with 268 hp and the GLA 350 4Matic Electric with 349 hp, with an equally quick 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time.
All electric versions share an NMC-type battery (nickel-manganese-cobalt) with a usable capacity of 85.0 kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 657 kilometers. On a fast DC charger with up to 320 kW, the vehicle can add a significant amount of energy in just ten minutes, though estimates vary: Gizmodo cites up to 165 miles (265 km) of added range, while Electrek suggests up to 267 miles (270 km). For the U.S. market, Mercedes unofficially estimates the EPA range of the most durable version at between 347 and 367 miles.
For buyers not ready to switch fully to electric, a mild hybrid version (MHEV) is available. It is powered by a newly developed 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with an electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 48-volt system that enables short-distance electric-only driving at low speeds. Exact power figures for the hybrid have not yet been published, but it is confirmed to be available in two power levels.
The new GLA has grown compared to its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 6 centimeters to 279 cm, while the height has been reduced by 2 cm and the rear track widened by 3 cm, according to Motor1. These dimensions have directly improved passenger space: front occupants gain 0.7 cm of legroom, while rear passengers enjoy a full 3.8 cm of additional space. Electrek adds that the panoramic roof provides an extra 2.3 cm of headroom for both front and rear seats.
Despite being significantly larger than the previous generation, the GLA remains more compact than its direct competitors: Gizmodo notes that the wheelbase is 10 cm shorter than the Tesla Model Y, and the overall length is 15 cm less, positioning it closer to the boundary between a hatchback and an SUV.
The interior follows Mercedes' contemporary digital design language. The standard configuration includes a 10.25-inch driver display and a central 14-inch touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system, integrating Google Maps and AI-based assistance. An optional MBUX Superscreen adds a second 14-inch display for the front passenger, along with a Burmester 3D surround sound system featuring 16 speakers.
Among the options, the Sky Control panoramic roof stands out, transitioning from transparent to opaque in 10 to 20 milliseconds, with adjustable settings across seven segments. Mercedes also offers digital extras such as a 360-degree camera with curb warning, an electric route planner, and a Distance Assist system with eight cameras and dozens of sensors, which-like some other features-are purchased as "Digital Extras."
Prices for the German market have already been announced. According to Index.hr, the base electric GLA 200 starts at €48,599, the GLA 250+ Electric at €54,978, and the top-tier GLA 350 4MATIC Electric at €58,107. Orders begin this week, with first deliveries of electric models in Germany expected in November 2026. U.S. media offer varying estimates for the U.S.: Motor1 predicts a starting price of around $45,000, Electrek around $45,000, and Gizmodo around $50,000, noting that higher equipment levels could easily push the figure to $60,000. The GLA arrives on the U.S. market in the second half of 2027 as a 2028 model.
For Croatian buyers who often purchase cars in Germany, the published prices in euros provide a concrete reference and confirm that the new GLA, with a range exceeding the distance from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, enters an increasingly crowded segment of compact electric SUVs.
