Mercedes-Benz GLA 2027 - The brand's smallest SUV moves to a new level of refinement and electrification
The smallest SUV in the Stuttgart-based manufacturer's portfolio has been officially unveiled, bringing a radical transformation with dramatic exterior design, extended dimensions, a fully digitalized cabin and, for the first time, a range consisting of 100% electric versions, followed early next year by a high-tech hybrid variant.
Built for the energy of urban life, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA combines a lower silhouette, an extended wheelbase and an imposing presence, redefining the standards of the premium compact segment.
Sporty exterior design and new iconic illuminated grille
The new generation of the German SUV adopts much more dynamic proportions. Compared to its predecessor, the new GLA is 20 millimeters lower, has a wheelbase extended by 61 millimeters (to 2,790 mm) and wider rear tracks. These changes, complemented by wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 20 inches, give it a firm and muscular stance on the road.
The front is dominated by an absolute first for the Mercedes-Benz compact segment: the iconic illuminated radiator grille.
- The electric versions feature a chrome frame, a smoked glass-effect panel and the integrated central star. This includes up to 608 polycarbonate light points and 158 micro-LEDs, capable of creating light sequences synchronized with the car's ambient sound.
- The standard LED High Performance and optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps integrate the star-shaped light signature both at the front and in a continuous LED strip at the rear.
Four trim lines and special packages
To satisfy the most diverse lifestyles, the new GLA is offered in four main equipment lines: Style Line, PROGRESSIVE Line, AMG Line and, for the first time, AMG Line Plus, to which is added the special Night Edition with spectacular dark accents.
A digitalized, minimalist and spacious interior
The "Welcome home" philosophy comes to life in a completely redesigned cabin, offering more light, refinement and generous interior space. Passengers benefit from improved spaciousness (+7 mm of legroom in the front and +38 mm in the rear), and the luggage compartment volume reaches 410 liters (expandable to 1,400 liters), complemented by a 107-liter frunk (front compartment) in the electric versions.
MBUX Superscreen and AI-based Virtual Assistant
The centerpiece of the dashboard is the spectacular MBUX Superscreen, a generous floating screen that integrates the 10.25-inch instrument cluster, the 14-inch central display and a 14-inch screen dedicated to the right passenger. The system runs on high-performance chips and real-time graphics rendered by the Unity Game Engine.
Interaction reaches a new level with the MBUX Virtual Assistant, an intelligent conversation partner powered by artificial intelligence (integrating technologies from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini). It handles complex dialogues, recognizes natural commands and provides personalized support in real time.
The multimedia experience is completed by the Burmester® 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos (16 speakers, 850W) and the new SKY CONTROL panoramic roof, whose transparency can be adjusted segment by segment, integrating a "starry sky" made up of 172 illuminated stars at night.
Propulsion: Three electric versions at launch and a revolutionary hybrid in 2027
The new GLA offers total flexibility through high-performance electrified electric and thermal engine options:
1. 100% Electric Range (available from November)
- GLA 200 electric – 165 kW power, 58 kWh LFP battery. Prices in Germany from 40,840 euros (excl. VAT).
- GLA 250+ electric – 200 kW power, 85 kWh NMC battery. Prices from 46,200 euros (excl. VAT).
- GLA 350 4MATIC electric – the sporty top version, with all-wheel drive, 260 kW and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Prices from 48,830 euros (excl. VAT).
Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, the electric models offer an impressive range of up to 657 kilometers (WLTP) and the ability to charge up to 270 kilometers in just 10 minutes at fast DC stations of up to 320 kW.
2. Hybrid Version (from 2027)
Early next year, the range will be completed by a high-tech electrified combustion engine. This uses an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT) that integrates a 22 kW electric motor powered by a 48V (1.3 kWh) battery. The system enables pure electric driving in urban environments and efficient energy recovery of up to 25 kW.
Top safety and MB.DRIVE assistance systems
The new GLA is equipped as standard with a comprehensive sensor suite (8 cameras, 5 radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors) and a high-performance control unit capable of executing 254 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The MB.DRIVE ASSIST package offers SAE Level 2 autonomous driving, including lane keeping assist, DISTRONIC distance control and an advanced lane change function at the touch of a button on the turn signal lever. MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST also simplifies parking manoeuvres and offers an innovative three-dimensional view of the surroundings via the 3D surround view function.
With the new generation of the GLA, Mercedes-Benz is redefining the standards of premium urban mobility, combining exciting design, top-notch electric efficiency and an unrivaled digital experience.
Price and availability on the Romanian market
Although the official price lists expressed in lei for the Romanian market are to be published soon by the official importer, having as a starting point the rates announced for the German market (where VAT is 19%, the same as in Romania), we can outline an estimate very close to reality for the new Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Availability
- The 100% electric versions (GLA 200, GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC) will make their official entry into the national showrooms starting in November, with pre-orders to be opened shortly.
- The high-tech hybrid version (with 1.5-liter internal combustion engine and 48V system) will be launched on the market in early 2027.
Estimated prices (VAT included). Based on basic prices in Europe and including possible local logistics costs, the estimated range for Romania is as follows:
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 electric (165 kW, 58 kWh battery): Estimated from approx. 48,600 – 50,000 euros (including VAT).
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 250+ electric (200 kW, 85 kWh battery): Estimated from approx. 55,000 – 57,000 euros (including VAT).
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 350 4MATIC electric (sports top of the range, 260 kW): Estimated from approx. 58,100 – 61,000 euros (incl. VAT).
Final prices may vary depending on currency exchange rates, additional options chosen (such as the AMG Line Plus packages, MBUX Superscreen or the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof) and any government subsidies applicable to electric vehicles through the Rabla Plus program, depending on the budget and regulations in force at the time of delivery.