The all-new 2027 Mercedes GLA introduces a major change for the smallest SUV in the German brand’s lineup. With a sharper design, a more spacious cabin, advanced digital technology, and an electric driving range of up to 657 km, the new generation aims to become one of the most competitive premium compact SUVs on the market.
Although the fully electric model takes center stage, Mercedes is not abandoning combustion engines. A gasoline-powered version is also expected to join the lineup by the end of the year, giving buyers a choice between traditional power and the brand’s latest electric technology.
For this closer look, the focus is on the electric GLA, which brings several important improvements in design, practicality, comfort, and performance.
A Sharper And More Distinctive Exterior
The front end immediately reveals Mercedes’ latest design direction. Its closed Iconic Grille is more than a decorative panel, featuring 608 illuminated LED points supported by 158 smaller light elements behind them.
The result is a highly distinctive digital signature that gives the GLA a more futuristic presence, especially at night.
This particular model is equipped with the Night Package, which adds gloss black exterior details and works especially well with the matte black body finish. The combination gives the compact SUV a more aggressive and premium appearance.
Unlike the smoother and more flowing lines seen on models such as the C-Class, the new GLA uses sharper creases along its sides. These stronger surfaces give the body a sportier and more confident look.
Mercedes has also lowered the vehicle by 20 mm, improving its aerodynamic profile and helping it appear wider and more planted on the road. Despite the reduced height, the interior is larger than before thanks to a longer wheelbase.
The rear continues the cleaner design theme with a sloping shape, a prominent lower diffuser, and taillights that incorporate Mercedes’ three-pointed star motif.
Practical Storage At The Front And Rear
The electric platform allows Mercedes to use the space normally occupied by a combustion engine as an additional storage area.
The front trunk, commonly known as the frunk, offers 107 liters of capacity. It should be particularly useful for carrying charging cables, smaller bags, or items that owners may want to keep separate from the main luggage compartment.
At the rear, the conventional trunk provides 410 liters of storage. That should be enough for everyday errands, family use, and shorter trips, although some rivals may offer more space in this area.
Together, the two compartments give the electric GLA a useful level of practicality for a compact premium SUV.
A Digital Cabin Dominated By The MBUX Superscreen
The interior follows Mercedes’ latest digital design philosophy, with the dashboard built around the MBUX Superscreen.
The setup consists of three separate displays positioned beneath one wide glass panel. Although the screens appear visually connected, inactive sections remain between the central display and the passenger screen.
This is the main difference between the Superscreen and Mercedes’ larger Hyperscreen system. The Hyperscreen uses a more continuous display surface with fewer visible divisions, while the Superscreen keeps the three displays more clearly separated.
The passenger can operate a dedicated screen independently, allowing them to control entertainment and other features without interfering with the driver’s display.
The cabin is heavily digital, which may not appeal to drivers who prefer traditional physical controls. Even so, the interface appears intuitive, while the wide screen arrangement gives the interior a more luxurious and technologically advanced character than many rivals in this segment.
Circular air vents add a familiar Mercedes touch, while advanced driver assistance and safety systems are integrated into the vehicle’s digital architecture.
The center console is divided into several practical sections, providing storage areas at the front and rear, along with two cupholders. It is a simple layout, but one that should work well in daily use.
More Space For Rear Passengers
Rear-seat space is one of the areas where the new GLA appears to have made meaningful progress.
Legroom has improved compared with the previous generation, and the longer wheelbase makes the second row feel more accommodating than before. Three passengers can sit across the rear bench, although four occupants in total will be more comfortable on longer journeys.
A folding center armrest includes two cupholders and a dedicated smartphone holder, adding a useful touch for passengers who want to watch content or use their devices while traveling.
The improved space should make the new GLA more suitable for small families, particularly buyers who found the previous model slightly too tight in the rear.
A Panoramic Roof With Adjustable Transparency
One of the most distinctive cabin features is the panoramic glass roof.
The roof is fixed and cannot be opened, but its transparency can be adjusted electronically through the infotainment system. The front and rear sections can be controlled separately, allowing one area to remain clear while the other is darkened to reduce direct sunlight.
Mercedes has also integrated around 172 illuminated three-dimensional stars into the roof. These create a decorative interpretation of the company’s logo above the cabin and should be especially noticeable at night.
It is more of a visual feature than a practical necessity, but it adds a sense of occasion that buyers expect from a premium Mercedes product.
Electric Performance And Driving Range
Mercedes will offer the electric GLA with several powertrain configurations. The version presented here uses a single electric motor producing approximately 348 hp and 515 Nm of torque.
That is a substantial amount of power for a compact SUV and should give the GLA strong acceleration, even if final performance figures have not been detailed here.
According to the WLTP testing standard, the model can travel up to 657 km on a single charge under ideal conditions.
In normal real-world use, a range of around 500 to 550 km may be more realistic, depending on speed, weather, driving style, and the use of climate control. Even at that level, the GLA would offer a competitive range for an electric SUV of this size.
Two battery options are expected. The smaller pack has a capacity of 58 kWh, while the larger battery fitted to this version offers 85 kWh.
The GLA also supports ultra-fast DC charging at rates of up to 320 kW. Under suitable conditions and when connected to a compatible charging station, a 10-minute charge can add as much as 270 km of driving range.
That charging capability could make the electric GLA far easier to use on longer journeys, although actual charging speeds will depend on the infrastructure available in each market.
Initial Verdict
The 2027 Mercedes GLA appears to be a major step forward for the brand’s smallest SUV.
Its design is sharper and more distinctive, while the longer wheelbase creates a more usable cabin. The additional front storage, flexible panoramic roof, and wide digital dashboard also help it feel more advanced and practical than the model it replaces.
Not every buyer will appreciate the heavy reliance on screens, particularly those who still prefer physical buttons for essential functions. The fixed panoramic roof may also disappoint drivers who want the option of opening it.
Even so, the electric GLA makes a strong first impression. Its combination of 348 hp, up to 657 km of claimed range, and 320 kW charging gives it the performance and usability needed to compete seriously in the premium electric SUV segment.
The arrival of a gasoline version later in the year should also broaden its appeal, making the new GLA suitable for buyers who like the updated design and technology but are not yet ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle.
What do you think of the new 2027 Mercedes GLA? Would you choose the digital MBUX Superscreen, or would you rather see Mercedes retain more traditional physical controls?
