Mercedes-Benz has detailed the next-generation GLA, which will be offered in fully electric and hybrid versions when it reaches the United States in the second half of next year. The electric range will include the GLA 250+ Electric and the GLA 350 4Matic Electric, while the hybrid model will combine a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into its transmission.
The GLA 250+ Electric uses a single motor producing 268 horsepower. The GLA 350 4Matic Electric adds a second motor, raises total output to 349 horsepower and includes all-wheel drive. Mercedes has not published acceleration figures for the lower-powered model, but says the GLA 350 4Matic Electric can reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
Both electric variants use an 85 kWh usable nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. Mercedes lists a maximum WLTP range of 408 miles, although no U.S. EPA figure has been announced. The 800-volt electrical architecture supports DC charging at up to 320 kW, and the company says a 10-minute session can add 168 miles of range.
A built-in DC converter also allows the electric GLA to use 400-volt charging stations when an 800-volt charger is unavailable. Mercedes states that all electric GLA models will use the same battery capacity, while the listed peak charging rate applies to the electric model range.
The hybrid GLA uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor housed within an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The motor produces 30 horsepower and can move the vehicle with the engine switched off during slow urban driving or while coasting at more than 60 mph. Its 48-volt system is supplied by a 1.3 kWh battery, and regenerative braking can recover energy at up to 25 kW across all eight gears.
Mercedes is also adding a Terrain mode with a “Transparent Hood” display. Using the vehicle’s cameras, the system creates a view of the area beneath the front of the vehicle. The cabin includes the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which Mercedes says is powered by ChatGPT and Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. It can provide navigation information, maintain conversations and use short-term memory to retain recent context.
Standard driver-assistance hardware includes eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors linked to a water-cooled control unit for the Distance Assist Distronic system. The optional MB.Drive Assist Plus package adds Stop Light and Traffic Light functions in compatible markets.
The exterior is described as closely related to the C-Class Electric, with a large grille, narrow lighting elements, a smooth body shape and a rear light bar. Inside, the GLA uses a digital instrument cluster, a screen-focused dashboard, floating cupholders and only a small number of physical controls. Mercedes has not announced pricing, and the U.S. EPA range also remains unconfirmed ahead of the model’s planned arrival.
