Mercedes-Benz has revealed the all-new GLA compact SUV with up to 408 miles (657 km) of WLTP electric range and 800-volt fast charging that adds up to 168 miles (270 km) in as little as ten minutes. The company confirmed this week that the 2028 GLA will reach U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2027 with both all-electric and high-tech hybrid powertrains. Mercedes-Benz says the electric GLA 250+ Electric and GLA 350 4MATIC Electric share an 85-kWh usable NMC battery and support DC fast charging at up to 320 kW.
Highlights
- Range: Up to 408 miles (657 km) WLTP from an 85-kWh usable nickel-manganese-cobalt battery
- Charging: 320 kW DC peak at 800-volt stations, recovering up to 168 miles (270 km) WLTP in ten minutes, with a standard DC converter for 400-volt stations
- Outputs: 268-hp GLA 250+ Electric and 349-hp GLA 350 4MATIC Electric, the latter rated at 0–60 mph in 5.3 seconds
- Carbon footprint: Approximately 40 percent lower across the value chain than the combustion-powered predecessor, according to Mercedes-Benz
Electric Powertrain and Charging
The 2028 GLA portfolio launches in the United States with two battery-electric models. Both use the same battery pack, with the difference concentrated in output and drivetrain.
| Model | Output | Drivetrain | 0–60 mph | Usable battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 250+ Electric | 268 hp | Rear-wheel drive | Not stated | 85 kWh NMC |
| GLA 350 4MATIC Electric | 349 hp | 4MATIC all-wheel drive | 5.3 seconds | 85 kWh NMC |
The 800-volt architecture enables a 320 kW DC peak, and a DC converter is fitted as standard so the vehicle can also charge at 400-volt stations. Aerodynamic work supports the range figure: Mercedes-Benz reports a drag coefficient of 0.27, which the company says both reduces wind noise and helps maximize electric range.
“The new GLA is engineered to make advanced technology feel effortless. Powered by MB.OS and its AI-driven capabilities, it anticipates and supports to make everyday life noticeably easier. With a broad portfolio of all-electric and high-tech electrified combustion variants, up to 657 kilometers of range and 270 kilometers recharged in just ten minutes, it redefines electric usability in its segment,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
High-Tech Hybrid Powertrain
The hybrid variant arrives in two power outputs built around a newly developed 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. An electric motor integrated directly into a new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT) contributes an additional 30 hp, a peak figure the company specifies as 20 seconds at 3,000 rpm.
A 48-volt lithium-ion battery with up to 1.3 kWh of usable capacity supplies the motor. Mercedes-Benz says the hybrid can drive on electric power alone in city conditions where less than 30 hp is needed to maintain motion, coast with the drivetrain disengaged above 60 mph, and recuperate in all eight gears at up to 25 kW.
Dimensions and Interior Packaging
The wheelbase grows 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches, and the rear track widens by 1.2 inches. Overall height drops 0.8 inches against the predecessor. Front occupants gain 0.3 inches of legroom, rear passengers up to 1.5 inches, and maximum headroom in both rows increases by 0.9 inches. A fixed glass panoramic roof is standard, using heat-insulating laminated safety glass with infrared-reflective and low-emissivity coatings. The optional SKY CONTROL roof switches between transparent and opaque in 10 to 20 milliseconds across seven individually controlled segments. Split-folding 40/20/40 rear seats create a nearly flat load floor.
MBUX, Navigation and Driver Assistance
The optional MBUX Superscreen spans the dashboard with a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display and 14-inch front passenger display beneath a single glass surface. The MBUX Virtual Assistant, powered by generative AI, supports multi-part conversations and short-term memory, and can be used to search for charging stations and check station charging speeds. Navigation draws on Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent with Google Maps data.
Sensor hardware comprises eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors, feeding a water-cooled high-performance control unit rated at up to 254 tera operations per second. Distance Assist DISTRONIC is standard; MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS and MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360, which includes a “Transparent Hood” view, are optional.
Lower Value-Chain Carbon Footprint
Mercedes-Benz reports that the new-generation battery cuts the carbon footprint per cell by roughly 30 percent versus the previous pack, and that about 40 percent of the aluminum used is produced in electrolysis plants running on renewable energy — a saving the company puts at approximately 880 pounds (400 kg) of CO₂ per vehicle. Recycled content rises to more than four times the previous model’s level, including bumper substructures with nearly 55 percent recycled material and carpets made from 100 percent recycled Econyl yarn.
“The new GLA is designed to excite customers every day. Drawing on 140 years of innovation, we’ve built the most expressive GLA ever. Combined with a newly designed interior that brings even more space and comfort, we’ve further elevated the appeal of what is currently already our best-selling compact model,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
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