Mercedes reinvents one of the best-selling SUVs: the new electric GLA boasts a range of 654 km and can be charged in 22 minutes

The Mercedes GLA enters a new generation with changes far more substantial than its name might suggest. It grows to 4,565 mm in length, features Mercedes-Benz’s new electric architecture, and adopts much of the technology previously seen in the CLA, including an 800-volt electrical system. The result is a compact SUV aimed at improving range, efficiency, and charging speed.

In Spain, the launch initially focuses on two versions. The GLA 250+ electric model has 272 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a range of up to 654 km, while the GLA 350 4MATIC electric model delivers 354 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and an impressive range of around 640 km. Both use a 85 kWh usable battery and support up to 320 kW of DC charging power.

Technical specifications of the Mercedes-Benz GLA EV (2026 version)

Vehicle Type

SUV

Dimensions

4.565 x 1.873 x 1.604 mm

Weight

2.155 kg

Battery Capacity

85 kWh

Transmission

Automatic

Total Power

272 HP / 335 Nm

WLTP Fuel Consumption

15,2 kWh/100 km

Emission Rating

Zero

Acceleration

7,3 seconds

Emissions

0 g/km

WLTP Range

654 km

Trunk Space

Front: 107 liters

Rear: 410 liters

Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Automatic emergency braking

Adaptive cruise control

Lane keeping assist

Rear traffic alert

Parking assistance

Infotainment

Dashboard: 10.25 inches

Central multimedia: 14 inches

Passenger side multimedia: 14 inches

Apple CarPlay / Android Auto

Price

Starting at 54,725 euros

Price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA EV (2026 version)

The electric Mercedes GLA 250+ has a starting price of 54,725 euros in Spain. It is currently the entry-level version and also offers the longest range. With 272 horsepower and a WLTP range of 654 km, its price is slightly below 55,000 euros, a figure that is particularly significant given its premium positioning.

Above it is the electric GLA 350 4MATIC, whose price is around 59,995 euros. The higher cost comes with an additional engine, all-wheel drive, and 354 horsepower, although it barely reduces the certified range, which remains at 640 km. Thus, the difference between the two versions lies more in performance and driving capabilities than in travel distance.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Progressive, AMG Line, and AMG Line Plus trims, so the final price can increase significantly depending on the configuration. Available features include MULTIBEAM LED headlights, advanced driver assistance systems, seats with comfort functions, and various options for exterior and interior customization.

The range will later expand to include the electric GLA 200, among others. Mercedes has not yet listed it in the Spanish configurator, but it has been announced with 224 horsepower and a 58 kWh LFP battery. Another variant with a 71 kWh battery will also be introduced later, and the series will include gasoline-powered models with electrification options.

Engine and Fuel Consumption

The GLA 250+ features a rear electric motor producing 272 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque. It takes 7.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Its main advantage lies in efficiency, with Mercedes reporting 15.2 kWh/100 km and a combined range of 654 km, which increases to 818 km in urban driving conditions.

The GLA 350 4MATIC includes a second motor to enable all-wheel drive, boosting performance to 354 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque. Its 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is reduced to 5.4 seconds, while it retains a top speed of 210 km/h. Mercedes also claims 15.2 kWh/100 km and ranges of up to 640 km or 778 km in urban driving.

Both use an 85 kWh usable battery and an 800-volt architecture. They can handle up to 320 kW of DC power, enough to go from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes and recover around 230-270 km of WLTP range in 10 minutes, depending on the version. The AC charging capacity is 11 kW standard, with the option to add a 22 kW charger, which would reduce a full charge time to about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz GLA EV (2026 version)

The new electric GLA is 4,565 mm long, 1,873 mm wide without mirrors, and 1,604 mm tall. With the mirrors extended, its width reaches 2,052 mm. Compared to the previous GLA’s 4,412 mm length, the new generation is over 150 mm longer, though it still maintains relatively compact dimensions for a family SUV.

The curb weight is 2,155 kg for the GLA 250+ and 2,235 kg for the 350 4MATIC. The turning radius is 11.53 meters, and both models can carry a payload of 480 kg. They are also capable of towing, though there are significant differences. Mercedes specifies a towing capacity of up to 1,500 kg for the 250+ and 2,000 kg for the 350 4MATIC.

Interior

Mercedes has made a significant leap over the previous GLA (Mercedes EQA for the electric version) in terms of design and technology. The dashboard design follows the new philosophy introduced in the brand’s latest electric models, featuring a clean horizontal surface and a much more digital appearance. The overall aim is to bring it closer to Mercedes’ higher-end models without sacrificing the practicality typical of a compact SUV.

The digital instrument cluster is 10.25 inches large, while the central multimedia screen measures 14 inches. Optionally, another 14-inch screen can be added in front of the passenger to create the MBUX Superscreen. Everything operates on the new MB.OS operating system, which integrates Google Maps and AI-based services such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

The increased exterior dimensions also benefit passengers. In fact, Mercedes states that four adults standing around 1.90 meters tall can travel with ample space, a figure particularly interesting when considering the improvement over the previous model. The GLA retains five seating positions, aiming to better fulfill its role as a true family car.

Trunk Space of the Mercedes-Benz GLA EV (2026 model)

According to Mercedes-Benz, the rear trunk offers 410 liters of space. This is not particularly large for an SUV with a length of 4,565 mm and it falls short compared to some direct competitors. However, the new electric platform provides an advantage that the previous GLA could not offer. Under the front hood, there is an additional 107 liters of space that can hold up to 20 kg. It can be used to store charging cables, backpacks, or small luggage, raising the total capacity along with the five available seats to 517 liters.

Reviews

The new electric GLA represents a significant leap forward from the previous EQA by combining a still compact size with an 85 kWh battery, over 600 km of WLTP range, and one of the highest charging capacities in its class. The GLA 250+ appears particularly well-balanced with its 272 horsepower, 654 km of range, and price below 55,000 euros, while the 350 4MATIC adds 354 horsepower and all-wheel drive without sacrificing too much range. Its 410 liters of trunk space is relatively modest, but the 107 liters in the front compartment helps offset some of this limitation. The combination of low certified fuel consumption, an 800-volt architecture, and 320 kW charging capability is likely its main advantage over other premium electric SUVs of similar size.