The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has received its official world premiere boasting a sharper new look, an overhauled interior and a significant upgrade to its electric powertrain.
Whereas there was a differentiation between the petrol-fuelled and electric variants of the premium compact SUV – as indicated by their respective GLA and EQA nameplates – the latest generation sees both powertrains come under a single GLA moniker.
The arrival of the new GLA comes in the wake of similarly substantial updates for the sister CLA and GLB models, though in the context of sales figures, this is arguably the most significant new launch of the trio.
It goes some way to explain why Mercedes hasn’t messed too much with what is clearly a winning formula on the outside, the GLA maintaining its predecessor’s smooth profile for the most part.
Aesthetically, there is little to separate the petrol and electric versions of the GLA, with exception to the closed-in grille of the latter.
The biggest changes can be seen at the rear, where the GLA gets a more chiselled treatment and comes complete with tail lights styled with the signature Mercedes’ star motif.
Inside, the GLA adopts a similar look to the CLA and GLB meaning it also gets the option of having two mammoth touchscreens, depending on which model you choose.
Entry-level variants of the GLA make do with just one touchscreen in addition to the 10.25-inch driver’s display, but higher-spec models add a passenger screen and more functions powered by MBUX infotainment system.
Mercedes-Benz GLA: Performance, Electric and Range
Under the skin, the GLA gets the option of mild-hybrid and electric powertrains.
For those who select the hybrid models, you’ll get a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid electrical system that also powers a small starter generator. Power is rated at 187bhp with the choice of either front or four-wheel drive.
Of more significance is the electric line-up with Mercedes-Benz presenting two battery sizes at launch.
A 58kWh battery kicks things off as the value-oriented option in the GLA 200, which produces 221bhp.
However, it is the mid-range GLA 250+ that is expected to generate the most sales with its 85kWh NMC battery, thanks to its very generous 408-miles of quoted WLTP combined range.
This is a major step forward in durability when compared with the GLA’s main rivals, the Audi Q4 e-tron (353-miles) and the BMW iX1 (318-miles).
The same battery is also offered on a more powerful GLA 350 variant, which includes four-wheel drive. It sacrifices some of that headline-grabbing range for the chance to generate 349bhp.
Beyond the technical updates, the GLA’s growth spurt externally has resulted in a significant improvement for interior room and practicality.
It means six-footers can now sit comfortably in the rear seats, while the GLA also gets a flat floor in the rear to increase the feeling of space.
Boot capacity is also up on its predecessor, growing to 410-litres, while there is an extra 107-litres available under the bonnet in the ‘frunk’ on electric versions.
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- Mercedes
- Electric
- New Cars