Meet the All-New 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the all-new 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA, revealing a completely redesigned compact SUV with a more athletic profile, a spacious new interior and a choice of all-electric or high-tech hybrid powertrains.

Scheduled to arrive at U.S. retailers during the second half of 2027, the next-generation GLA brings several major developments to the Mercedes-Benz compact vehicle portfolio. Highlights include available 800-volt electric architecture, the optional MBUX Superscreen, advanced artificial intelligence, expanded passenger space and a new illuminated grille design.

Drivers throughout Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Lake Forest and Trabuco Canyon can explore the first confirmed information about the upcoming SUV below.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Highlights

• A completely redesigned exterior with a sleeker silhouette and more athletic SUV proportions
• A wheelbase that is 2.4 inches longer than the previous generation
• Two announced all-electric models and high-tech hybrid powertrain options
• An available illuminated iconic grille for the electric GLA
• A standard fixed-glass panoramic roof
• An available MBUX Superscreen incorporating three digital displays
• An AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant with conversational capabilities
• Available 4MATIC® all-wheel drive, TERRAIN mode and a transparent hood function
• Expanded front- and rear-seat passenger space
• Expected arrival at U.S. retailers during the second half of 2027

A More Confident and Athletic Exterior

The all-new GLA adopts a cleaner, more sculpted exterior that emphasizes its compact SUV character. An upright front end, flatter windshield angle, muscular shoulders and wheels positioned closer to the edges of the body give the vehicle a planted and dynamic appearance.

Compared with the previous generation, the new GLA is approximately 0.8 inches lower. Its wheelbase has grown by 2.4 inches, while the rear track is 1.2 inches wider. Depending on the selected configuration, wheel sizes will range from 18 to 20 inches.

Available exterior treatments include AMG® Line, the newly introduced AMG® Line Plus with Night Package and an exclusive Night Edition. New exterior colors named in the announcement include Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic.

An Illuminated Grille for the Electric GLA

The all-electric GLA will introduce the illuminated Mercedes-Benz iconic grille to the compact segment. Its smoked-glass-effect panel incorporates 608 illuminated light points, an illuminated surround and a centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star. Optional animations can coordinate the grille lighting with the vehicle’s selected welcome soundscape.

Hybrid models receive a distinct star-pattern grille featuring 150 chrome-finished stars, an illuminated LED surround and an illuminated central Mercedes-Benz star.

All-Electric 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Models

Mercedes-Benz has announced two all-electric versions of the 2028 GLA:

• GLA 250+ Electric: An announced output of 268 horsepower
• GLA 350 4MATIC® Electric: An announced output of 349 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive

Both models use an NMC battery with 85 kWh of usable capacity. Mercedes-Benz states that the GLA 350 4MATIC® Electric can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

800-Volt Charging Architecture

The electric GLA uses an 800-volt electrical system and supports DC fast charging at rates of up to 320 kW when connected to a compatible 800-volt charging station. A standard DC converter will also make the vehicle compatible with 400-volt charging infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz estimates that up to 270 kilometers of WLTP range can be added in approximately 10 minutes under suitable charging conditions. The announced maximum driving range is up to 657 kilometers under the WLTP testing procedure.

These figures are based on the European WLTP testing standard. U.S. EPA range estimates have not yet been announced and will differ from WLTP results.

A New High-Tech Hybrid Powertrain

The all-new GLA will also be offered with an electrified 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mercedes-Benz plans to offer the hybrid system in two output levels, although complete U.S. specifications have not yet been provided.

A 30-horsepower electric motor is integrated into a new eight-speed electrified dual-clutch transmission. The motor receives power from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with up to 1.3 kWh of usable capacity.

Depending on driving conditions and power demand, the hybrid GLA can travel using electric power during certain low-speed urban situations. The system can also support electric coasting at speeds above 60 mph and recover energy through regenerative braking in all eight gears.

More Passenger and Cargo Space

The longer 109.8-inch wheelbase contributes to a roomier passenger compartment. Mercedes-Benz reports an additional 0.3 inches of front legroom and as much as 1.5 inches of additional rear legroom.

Maximum headroom increases by approximately 0.9 inches in both rows. The standard panoramic roof also helps create a brighter and more open cabin environment.

A 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allows owners to adjust the cabin for passengers, luggage or longer items. When folded, the rear seats form a nearly flat cargo floor. Electric models also include additional storage beneath the hood.

Standard Panoramic Roof and Available SKY CONTROL

Every all-new GLA will feature a fixed-glass panoramic roof made from heat-insulating laminated safety glass. Infrared-reflective and low-emissivity coatings are designed to help limit heat gain during warm weather and retain interior warmth during colder conditions.

An available SKY CONTROL panoramic roof can electronically transition between transparent and opaque states. Its seven individually controlled segments allow occupants to personalize how much light enters different areas of the cabin.

A Completely Redesigned Interior

Inside, the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA introduces a minimalist layout built around floating forms, carefully selected materials and a simplified control environment. The center console, door panels and digital displays appear visually suspended within the cabin.

Available upholstery includes a newly introduced Beech Brown selection. Trim choices named in the announcement include natural-grain wood, brushed aluminum, anodized-look surfaces and a natural-fiber finish.

A redesigned multifunction steering wheel incorporates a roller for volume adjustments and a rocker switch for Distance Assist DISTRONIC. Capacitive control surfaces provide tactile feedback while navigating vehicle functions.

Available MBUX Superscreen

The available MBUX Superscreen extends across the dashboard beneath a single glass surface. It integrates three displays:

• A 10.25-inch driver display
• A 14-inch central multimedia display
• A 14-inch front-passenger display

The passenger display can support compatible entertainment, audio and video-conferencing applications. Content visibility and operating functions may vary depending on local regulations, vehicle movement and app availability.

The system uses high-performance processors and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. An enhanced MBUX Zero Layer presents frequently used functions, recent applications and personalized suggestions without requiring occupants to navigate through multiple menus.

An AI-Powered MBUX Virtual Assistant

The next-generation MBUX Virtual Assistant is designed to support more natural, multi-part conversations. Its short-term memory can retain the context of a discussion, allowing occupants to ask follow-up questions without repeating every detail.

The system combines artificial intelligence technologies from ChatGPT, Microsoft and Google. It appears as an animated avatar on the MBUX Zero Layer and can access different information sources during the same conversation.

Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent also supports navigation-related questions. Occupants can request information about destinations, points of interest and charging locations through conversational voice commands.

Navigation Designed Around Electric Driving

Available MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence can plan a route while accounting for charging stops, traffic conditions, driving behavior and estimated energy use. The system can dynamically revise the route when conditions change.

MBUX Surround Navigation uses data from the vehicle’s cameras and sensors to create a real-time three-dimensional representation of the vehicle and surrounding traffic on the driver display. This visualization is designed to improve situational awareness while following route guidance.

Driver Assistance and Off-Pavement Capability

The all-new GLA will include a comprehensive sensor suite consisting of eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. A water-cooled central computer capable of processing up to 254 trillion operations per second supports assistance features and future over-the-air updates.

Distance Assist DISTRONIC is listed as standard in the announcement through Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras. Additional systems, including MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS and MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360, will be available depending on market and vehicle configuration.

Models equipped with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive also receive a TERRAIN driving program. This mode adjusts the drivetrain, steering and braking characteristics for travel on dirt and gravel surfaces.

When properly equipped, the transparent hood function uses exterior camera information to create a virtual view of the area beneath the front of the vehicle. This can help the driver identify obstacles while traveling over uneven terrain.

Available Burmester 3D Surround Sound

An available Burmester 3D Surround Sound System features 16 speakers and an 850-watt amplifier. Dolby Atmos compatibility and adjustable spatial settings are designed to create a more immersive listening environment.

Selectable sound zones can focus audio on the front row, rear row or driver’s seating position. An automatic setting can detect occupied seats and adjust the sound focus accordingly.

A Quieter and More Aerodynamic GLA

Mercedes-Benz has incorporated extensive insulation, isolated chassis mounting points and additional electric-drive sound treatments to improve cabin refinement. Noise-insulating laminated glass will also be available for the front side windows.

The streamlined body achieves an announced drag coefficient of 0.27. Improved aerodynamic efficiency can help reduce wind noise while supporting the driving range of electric models.

Greater Use of Recycled and Lower-Carbon Materials

Mercedes-Benz states that the electric GLA reduces its carbon footprint across the value chain by approximately 40 percent compared with the combustion-powered predecessor. The company attributes the improvement to measures involving battery production, aluminum manufacturing and expanded use of recycled materials.

Examples include bumper structures made with nearly 55 percent recycled content and carpeting produced from 100 percent recycled ECONYL yarn. The electric GLA is expected to contain more than four times as much recycled material as the previous model.

When Will the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Arrive?

The all-new 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA is expected to begin arriving at U.S. retailers during the second half of 2027. Final U.S. pricing, EPA electric range estimates, complete hybrid output figures and market-specific equipment details were not included in the initial announcement.

Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch will share additional information as U.S. specifications, ordering details and availability are announced.

Stay Informed at Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch

Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch is located at 81 Auto Center Dr., Foothill Ranch, CA 92610. Our team proudly assists Mercedes-Benz drivers throughout Orange County, including Irvine, Lake Forest and surrounding communities.

Browse our new Mercedes-Benz vehicles to explore the models currently available, or call our Sales Team at (949) 328-8800 for assistance.

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Frequently Asked Questions

Will the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA be electric?

Yes. The new GLA will be offered with both all-electric and high-tech hybrid powertrains. The announced electric lineup includes the GLA 250+ Electric and GLA 350 4MATIC® Electric.

What is the expected electric range of the new GLA?

Mercedes-Benz estimates a maximum range of up to 657 kilometers under the WLTP testing procedure. An official U.S. EPA range estimate has not yet been announced.

How quickly can the electric GLA charge?

The electric GLA supports DC fast charging at up to 320 kW on a compatible 800-volt station. Mercedes-Benz estimates that up to 270 kilometers of WLTP range can be added in approximately 10 minutes under suitable conditions.

How much horsepower will the electric GLA produce?

The GLA 250+ Electric is rated at an announced 268 horsepower. The GLA 350 4MATIC® Electric is rated at 349 horsepower.

Does the new GLA have all-wheel drive?

The GLA 350 4MATIC® Electric includes all-wheel drive. Additional 4MATIC® configurations and complete U.S. powertrain availability will be confirmed closer to launch.

When will the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA reach the United States?

Mercedes-Benz expects the all-new GLA to arrive at U.S. retailers during the second half of 2027.

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