{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”Article”,”image”:”https://car-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/269541/075-mercedes-gla-2026.jpg”,”mainEntityOfPage”:{“@type”:”WebPage”,”@id”:”https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/mercedes-benz/2026-gla/”},”url”:”https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/mercedes-benz/2026-gla/”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Ted Welford”,”description”:”Ted Welford is New Cars Editor on the Bauer automotive hub, working across CAR and our sister website Parkers. Specialising in road testing the latest cars, Ted is also quite the newshound, always investigating the latest industry topics and digging out new stories at any opportunity. u00A0nTed has been a car enthusiast since the start, almost inevitable growing up with a rallying-obsessed family and being ferried around in the back seat of various Subaru Imprezas u2013 the perfect family car, obviously. As a child, Ted hadxf an enviable collection of toy cars, and it was always obvious that he would channel a career linked to cars in one way or another. u00A0nAfter completing his A-levels, Ted started an NCTJ-accredited apprenticeship in journalism with automotive news agency Blackball Media. Thrown into the deep end from the start, he would soon be on the phone to press offices, submitting freedom of information requests and covering new car launches at the age of 20.u00A0u00A0u00A0nTed worked his way up to staff writer at Blackball Media, in a varied role that would cover news, features and a growing focus on new car reviews, writing the latest first drives on everything from the new Dacia Sandero to Lamborghinis, and honing his skills to review and report on the latest cars. He joined CAR and Parkers in February 2024.u00A0u00A0nOutside of working hours, Ted is usually browsing car auctions and classifies in search of a bargain (often unsuccessfully), and currently owns a Mk1 Audi TT Quattro Sport and Renault Clio 182 Trophy. Heu2019s also an avid and perfectionist car valeter and detailer u2013 yes, one of those bores that lectures you about the two-bucket method. Away from cars he loves travelling the world and is also a keen golfer and mountain biker.u00A0nOn social media, you can follow Ted on his personal Instagram account or one dedicated to cars, while heu2019s also on X, formerly Twitter, usually moaning about how much his cars have cost him. You can read Tedu2019s latest articles below.”,”image”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://car-assets.bauersecure.com/wp-images/179402/ted_welford.jpg”,”caption”:”Ted Welford”},”sameAs”:”https://x.com/TedWelford”,”url”:”https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/author/ted-welford/”,”email”:”ted.welford@bauermedia.co.uk”,”jobTitle”:”New Cars Editor”,”knowsAbout”:”Automotive”,”worksFor”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”CAR”}},”dateModified”:”2026-07-29T19:00:00+01:00″,”datePublished”:”2026-07-29T19:00:00+01:00″,”headline”:”New Mercedes GLA revealed with electric and hybrid power u2013 and unfortunately it gets THAT grille”,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”Bauer Media”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”Car Magazine”},”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://car-assets.bauersecure.com/images/logos/car.200×88.png”}}}
New Mercedes GLA revealed with electric and hybrid power – and unfortunately it gets THAT grille
► Next generation of smallest Mercedes SUV revealed
► New GLA sees the end of EQA nameplate
► Longer range, more tech and roomier than predecessor
Mercedes has revealed its new GLA, which is now larger and roomier than before and gets the firm’s latest generation of powertrains.
The third generation of Mercedes’ smallest SUV, which is one of the firm’s best sellers, switches to the impressive new MMA platform underpinning the latest CLA and GLB. Mild-hybrid and electric models will be available, with the latter versions replacing the EQA as Mercedes slowly ditches its EQ naming strategy.
Mercedes boss Ola Kollänenius gives us a full walkaround of what he calls a ‘high pressure’ car ahead of its reveal.
‘Why do I love this car in particular?’ says Kollänenius. ‘Because it’s the car that my wife drives, so there is very high pressure. She is driving the EQA now and has been driving the EQA for years. And I promised her, even though she absolutely loves her current car, next time up, it is better in all dimensions.’
Though retaining its title as the smallest Benz SUV, the new GLA is longer and wider than its predecessor, but also slightly lower. The latter makes it look ‘kind of like a sports car’, says Kollänenius. I can’t say I agree.
Designed to be an electric car first and a hybrid second, it has a long wheelbase and short overhangs, with the front dominated by the latest imposing Mercedes grille, which is made up of hundreds of LED dots, depending on trim. The grille on mild-hybrid models is revised to allow for more cooling, though still illuminated with stars – naturally.
Mercedes’ three-pointed star is also used for the lights across the front, rear and even in the panoramic sunroof. Rear space is greater than before, with 6ft4 Kollänenius demonstrating he can sit behind his own driving position.
Boot space is up 70 litres on the EQA to a new maximum of 410 litres, while also having a large 107-litre frunk for the first time. Interestingly, it’s also deeper than those on larger Mercedes models, such as the C-Class Electric.
Electric versions of the GLA will be the first to launch, with a 268bhp rear-wheel-drive 250+ and 349bhp all-wheel-drive 350 4Matic model available. Each features a two-speed gearbox to maximise efficiency at higher speeds and they’re both powered by an 85kWh battery, offering a maximum claimed range of 408 miles.
That will put it ahead of key premium electric SUV rivals, such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and Volvo EX40. A lesser GLA 200 with a 58kWh lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) battery is available in other markets, but hasn’t been confirmed for the UK.
Mild-hybrid variants will follow in 2027 using Mercedes’ new 1.5-litre petrol engine joined by a small electric motor and electrified eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Three variants are expected, the GLA 180 (134bhp), GLA 200 (161bhp) and GLA 220 (187bhp), with the latter featuring four-wheel drive.
Inside the GLA closely replicates other new Mercedes models. The interior is very screen-heavy, with a passenger touchscreen included on higher-spec models. The MBUX Virtual Assistant is also powered by generative AI, which Mercedes says lets occupants ‘hold complex, multi-part conversations’, should you wish.
Orders will open imminently for the new GLA, with the usual choice of Mercedes trim levels available, comprising Sport and a range of AMG Line derivatives. Prices will start from £45,400 – a significant £4,000 saving compared to the outgoing EQA – and first deliveries are planned for early 2027. Hybrid models will likely be available from a little over £40,000.
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