Fully revamped third-gen 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA debuts

Mercedes-Benz has officially pulled the wraps off the new third-generation 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV in Poland on July 29, 2026. The brand has also confirmed the third-generation GLA for Australia, with electric models arriving in early 2027 and 48V mild-hybrid petrol versions following later that year.

The new GLA lineup combines the previous petrol-powered GLA and electric EQA ranges under a single nameplate.

The 2027 GLA electric offers up to 657km of WLTP range and 320kW of rapid DC charging support. Overall, the new-gen GLA has a roomier cabin, larger boot, updated screens and expanded safety and assistance technology.

Pricing and release date of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The official pricing for Australia has not yet been announced. The all-new GLA 200 electric starts from €40,840 (excluding VAT) in Germany, which converts to approximately $67,280, but the actual sticker price will differ when announced for Australia.

Australia will receive three GLA electric variants first in early 2027, followed by mild-hybrid variants in late 2027. The exact prices of these models will be confirmed roughly 2 to 3 months before local showroom arrivals. 

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA powertrains and performance

The entire third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup is underpinned by the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA).

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup Down Under will have both all-electric (EV) and 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol (ICE) variants. Mercedes-Benz has merged its ICE and EV ranges, and these new trims replace both the older combustion GLA and the electric EQA under a single GLA nameplate.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA electric

Three all-new GLA electric variants will hit Australian shores initially, which are all based on an 800-volt electrical system that supports rapid charging.

The GLA 200 will open the electric range, the GLA 250+ targets buyers who want the longest possible driving range, and the GLA 350 4Matic will sit at the top of the range.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce another electric model with a 71kWh battery in early 2027, but Australian availability has not been detailed.

Higher-spec electric GLA variants can accept up to 320kW DC charging at a compatible 800-volt station. Mercedes-Benz says drivers can add up to 270km of range in 10 minutes. An optional converter allows charging at 400-volt stations, while AC charging reaches up to 22kW.

Electric GLA 4Matic models can tow up to 2 tonnes with the optional towbar.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA mild-hybrid

The 48-volt mild-hybrid GLA variants will arrive in Australia in the latter half of 2027. They use a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 48-volt battery and an electric motor built into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz offers three global engine outputs:

• 100kW and 200Nm
• 120kW and 250Nm
• 140kW and 300Nm

Mercedes-Benz Australia has not confirmed the local badges or which outputs it will offer. The Australian range will include a mix of front-wheel-drive and 4Matic all-wheel-drive versions.

The electric motor in the GLA’s MHEV system can add up to 22kW of power boost, and at lower urban speeds, it can run briefly on electric power alone. It can also coast with the engine disconnected at speeds above 100km/h when power demand remains low, and recover energy through all eight gears.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA exterior

The new 2027 GLA sits 20mm lower than its predecessor while its wheelbase has grown by 61mm and the rear track has widened by 31mm. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches. 

Mercedes-Benz has added a new illuminated grille to electric versions, with up to 608 illuminated points and an optional animated light display. Petrol models use a grille containing 150 chrome-finished stars.

The new GLA will be offered in four equipment lines: Style Line, Progressive Line, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus. A darker Night Edition combines the AMG Line and Night Package.

Interior of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA 

The longer wheelbase has improved cabin space throughout the new GLA range. The new model provides 7mm more front legroom, 38mm more rear legroom, 23mm more front headroom, and 24mm more rear headroom.

Boot capacity increases by 70 litres to 410 litres, expanding to 1,400 litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded. Electric versions also add a 107-litre front storage compartment or frunk. 

A panoramic glass roof comes standard. The optional Sky Control roof can switch seven separate sections between clear and opaque, and it also contains 172 illuminated stars, although Mercedes-Benz will introduce this version later.

New screens and AI assistant

The optional MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dashboard and combines a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger screen.

The voice assistant integrates technology from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini. More than 40 apps will be available on the screen, including YouTube, Disney+ and Sony’s RIDEVU. The optional Burmester sound system uses 16 speakers and an 850-watt amplifier.

Driving and safety systems of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA 

The third-generation GLA is equipped with eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Available driver assistance includes steering support, distance control, lane keeping, automatic lane changes and improved parking assistance.

The parking system can recognise unmarked spaces, automatically leave a space after manual parking and help reverse along part of a recently driven route.

All-wheel-drive models also gain a Terrain mode and an optional “Transparent Bonnet” view that displays the area beneath the vehicle when driving on loose or uneven surfaces.