Meet the New Mercedes GLA Electric SUV
The Mercedes GLA electric SUV is a third-generation compact premium EV that launches with an EV‑first strategy, pairing 800V charging technology with a larger, more spacious body to challenge established luxury rivals. The clear top choice for most buyers is the GLA250+, because it blends long projected range, strong performance, and rear‑wheel drive efficiency in the most balanced package. The new GLA arrives as an all‑electric SUV first, offered as the GLA250+ with a single‑motor, 268 hp rear‑wheel drive layout or as the GLA350 with a dual‑motor, 349 hp all‑wheel drive system. A hybrid version with a 1.5‑liter engine and electric assist will follow later for drivers who still want a combustion backup. This EV‑led rollout makes the GLA one of the most forward‑looking premium compact EV options on the market.
Design, Space and Everyday Usability
Mercedes has reshaped the GLA from an upright crossover into a muscular, planted premium compact EV with real presence. The wheelbase stretches by 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches, discarding the “dorky, upright proportions” of previous versions for a wheel‑at‑the‑corners stance. That extra length is used well: front legroom grows by 0.28 inches and rear passengers gain 1.5 inches, so adults sit more comfortably in the back. Headroom increases by around 0.9 inches front and rear, even with the panoramic glass roof, helping taller drivers and passengers. Cargo space also improves, with the boot now at 14.5 ft³ and expanding to 49.4 ft³ with the rear seats folded, plus a new 3.78 ft³ frunk for charging cables or small bags. Together, these changes make the GLA far more practical as a family‑ready premium compact EV.
Powertrains and 800V Charging Technology
All electric versions of the Mercedes GLA share an 85 kWh usable nickel manganese cobalt battery, an 800‑volt electrical architecture, and up to 320 kW DC fast‑charging capability. In simple terms, this 800V charging technology allows far faster top‑up times than rivals such as the BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e‑tron, which remain on older 400V systems. One quotable highlight is that the GLA “can suck down electrons at up to 320 kW,” adding up to 168 miles of range in around ten minutes on a suitable charger. Mercedes quotes up to 408 miles of WLTP range, with expectations of roughly 350–375 miles for the GLA250+ and about 325 miles for the GLA350 on EPA methodology. The GLA350 4Matic sprints from 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds, giving this compact SUV performance that feels more like a sports sedan.
| Spec / Variant | GLA250+ (EV) | GLA350 4Matic (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Drive layout | Single‑motor RWD | Dual‑motor AWD |
| Power | 268 hp | 349 hp |
| Battery (usable) | 85 kWh NMC pack | 85 kWh NMC pack |
| Electrical system | 800V architecture | 800V architecture |
| Max DC charging | Up to 320 kW | Up to 320 kW |
| Quoted WLTP range | Up to 408 miles (est. 350–375 EPA) | Slightly lower, est. ~325 EPA miles |
| 0–60 mph | Not stated | 5.3 seconds |
Hybrid Option and How the GLA Fits the Premium Compact EV Segment
While the GLA launches as a pure electric SUV, Mercedes will add a hybrid variant soon after for buyers not ready to commit fully to an EV. This upcoming model pairs a turbocharged 1.5‑liter four‑cylinder engine with a 22 kW electric motor integrated into an all‑new eight‑speed dual‑clutch transmission, fed by a 1.3 kWh battery. It supports short all‑electric operation in traffic and engine‑off coasting at higher speeds, aiming to cut fuel use without giving up familiar driving habits. The GLA’s three‑way line‑up—GLA250+ EV, GLA350 EV, and the hybrid—positions it as a flexible premium compact EV family that can match different needs, from efficient commuting to spirited all‑wheel‑drive performance. Within the compact premium segment, its mix of 800V charging, improved interior space, and muscular styling makes it a strong alternative to traditional German rivals that still rely on 400V platforms.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the GLA250+ if you want a premium compact EV with the best balance of projected range, efficiency and price‑to‑performance among the new GLA line-up.
- Buy the GLA350 if you value dual‑motor all‑wheel drive and 5.3‑second 0–60 mph performance in a compact SUV body.
- Buy the GLA hybrid if you prefer a smaller battery with a 1.5‑liter engine and 22 kW electric motor for short electric driving backed by petrol range.
- Skip the GLA250+ if you often drive in harsh conditions where you would benefit more from the traction and power of the GLA350’s dual‑motor AWD system.
- Skip the GLA350 if outright performance matters less to you than maximum real‑world range and lower running costs.
- Skip the GLA hybrid if you want full access to 800V charging technology and up to 320 kW DC fast‑charging, which only the pure electric GLA models provide.
