Next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA going electric and hybrid

The GLA is the smallest SUV in the automaker’s lineup. The all-new 2028 version will only be offered with electrified powertrains.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA — *The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA will have electric and hybrid powertrain options. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Mercedes-Benz is updating the GLA, the automaker’s smallest SUV, which will arrive as an all-new model for the 2028 model year.

Like the recently redesigned CLA sedan, the GLA will be available with all-electric and hybrid powertrains.

The next-generation GLA is expected to be available sometime in the second half of 2027.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA rear and side — *The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a more muscular look. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

New design

The entry-level SUV is getting a more muscular appearance thanks to a new upright front end and a lower roofline, down 0.8 inches over the outgoing model.

The wheelbase is increasing by 2.4 inches and the rear track is wider by 1.2 inches, giving the SUV wheels that are flush with the body and short overhangs.

The new model gets an additional 0.3 inches of legroom up front and 1.5 inches in the rear. Despite the lower roofline, maximum headroom is increased by as much as 0.9 inches front and back.

Mercedes-Benz increased the rigidity of the body and took other efforts to help reduce the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) of the entry-level SUV. A drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd helps lower wind noise while also improving driving range.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA frunk — *The front end has an illuminated panel grille. Electric models also get a frunk. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

The front end has an illuminated panel grille with a chrome frame and illuminated surround. The mesh structure has 608 back-lit polycarbonate light points.

The front end also has 158 micro-LEDs.

The headlights also get new standard high performance LED headlamps, which feature the Mercedes-Benz star daytime running lights. An LED intelligent light system is optional.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA from above — *Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level electric SUV has excellent range. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Electric powertrain

The electric GLA runs on an 800-volt architecture that is capable of DC fast-charging speeds of up to 320 kW. A DC converter also allows the EV to charge at 400-volt charging stations.

There are two electric powertrain choices.

The GLA 250+ has a single-motor powertrain with 268 hp, while the GLA 350 4MATIC gets a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with 349 hp. The GLA 350 can hit zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, Mercedes-Benz said.

Both models are powered by a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with an 85-kWh usable capacity. That gives the less powerful GLA 250+ a WLTP test cycle-estimated range of up to 657 kilometres. That should translate to roughly 563 kilometres by our EPA/NRCan test cycle in North America, but official figures haven’t been released.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA front seats — *The next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA gets increased interior room. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Hybrid powertrain

The hybrid powertrain will feature a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. It will be offered in two power outputs, but figures haven’t been provided.

An electric motor will supplement the engine and add 30 hp. The e-motor is integrated into a new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The hybrid powertrain gets 48-volt lithium-ion battery with 1.3 kWh of usable capacity.

Mercedes-Benz said the hybrid system can exceed 60 mph (96 km/h) on pure electric power, with the drivetrain disengaged for improved efficiency.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA cabin front — *The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA is loaded with technology. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Technological marvel

Like the recently redesigned CLA, the GLA is a showcase of technological advancement.

Various vehicle functions are powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which has AI-powered capabilities.

The MB.Drive assistance system, which includes distance assistance, uses eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors along with a water-cooled control unit that is powerful enough to handle future upgrades and over-the-air updates. The computer can handle up to 254 tera operations per second.

Navigation features Google technology and an MBUX virtual assistant can help drivers find charging stations and even the charging speeds of those locations.

The next-gen GLA gets an available MBUX Superscreen that spans the entire dashboard with a 10.25-inch driver display and 14-inch centre and front passenger displays.

Audiophiles can select the optional Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, which features 16 speakers and an 850-watt amplifier.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA rear seats — *Rear seat legroom and headroom is increased on the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Look for updates online

Canadian market details, such as price and launch date, weren’t provided.

For updates, visit the Mercedes-Benz Canada website.