Mercedes-Benz GLA 250+ Promises 408 Miles and 320-kW Charging

Mercedes-Benz has rebuilt its smallest SUV around an electric-first plan. The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA reaches European roads in November 2026 with three battery-electric powertrains, while 48-volt petrol hybrids follow in early 2027. Mercedes-Benz USA will offer the GLA 250+ Electric and GLA 350 4MATIC Electric during 2027 as 2028 models.

The headline numbers carry weight: up to 657 km (408 miles) of WLTP range, 320-kW DC charging, a 107-litre front boot and 2,000 kg (4,409 pounds) of braked towing capacity in the dual-motor version. The new GLA also gains a longer wheelbase, more rear legroom and a cleaner 0.27 drag coefficient. This redesign changes the GLA's role from a small petrol SUV with electric alternatives into a technology-led compact EV that still leaves room for hybrid buyers.

New Mercedes-Benz GLA Key Facts

Mercedes opened European orders on July 30, 2026, and schedules the market launch for November.
German pricing starts near $55,960 including VAT after currency conversion.
The GLA 250+ delivers the longest official range at 657 km (408 miles).
The 85-kWh models accept up to 320 kW and charge from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes.
The GLA 350 4MATIC reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds and tows 2,000 kg.

Electric Powertrains, Batteries and Prices

Mercedes gives European buyers three electric choices. The GLA 200 uses a cost-focused LFP battery, while the two higher models use a larger NMC pack. All three reach 210 km/h (130 mph).

Specification	GLA 200 electric	GLA 250+ electric	GLA 350 4MATIC electric
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Output	165 kW / 221 hp	200 kW / 268 hp	260 kW / 349 hp
Torque	335 Nm / 247 lb-ft	335 Nm / 247 lb-ft	515 Nm / 380 lb-ft
Usable battery	58 kWh LFP	85 kWh NMC	85 kWh NMC
WLTP range	394-447 km / 245-278 mi	577-657 km / 359-408 mi	555-643 km / 345-400 mi
WLTP consumption	14.8-17.0 kWh/100 km	15.1-17.4 kWh/100 km	15.1-17.6 kWh/100 km
0-100 km/h	8.1 sec	7.3 sec	5.4 sec
Maximum DC rate	200 kW	320 kW	320 kW
DC charge, 10-80%	20 min	22 min	22 min
German price, converted to USD	About $55,960	About $63,310	About $66,910

Mercedes publishes peak EV torque only; it has not released motor torque curves. It also withholds hybrid output, WLTP petrol consumption and MPG data until closer to launch.

Looking at the data, the GLA 250+ electric makes the strongest value case for long-distance drivers. Its $7,350 step over the GLA 200 buys 27 kWh more usable energy, up to 210 km (130 miles) of added range and a 60 percent higher DC peak. The GLA 350 4MATIC asks roughly $3,600 more than the 250+ for all-wheel drive, 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of added torque, much quicker acceleration and another 500 kg (1,102 pounds) of braked trailer capacity.

LFP Versus NMC Batteries

An LFP battery uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry. It cuts cost, avoids nickel and cobalt, and tolerates frequent full charging well, but lower energy density limits range. An NMC battery stores more energy in a similar volume.

Why the 800-Volt Charging System Counts

The 800-volt architecture transfers a given power level with less current than a 400-volt system. Lower current cuts resistive heat, reduces cable stress and supports higher charging power. The 85-kWh models can add up to 270 km (168 miles) of WLTP range in ten minutes.

A 10-to-80-percent session adds about 59.5 kWh to an 85-kWh pack. Completing that task in 22 minutes implies roughly 162 kW of average charging power at the pack. Consequently, the GLA pairs a high peak with a credible session time.

Mercedes fits an 11-kW AC charger as standard and offers 22 kW as an option. The larger pack needs about nine hours at 11 kW or four hours and 45 minutes at 22 kW. In addition, buyers can order a DC converter that permits charging at 400-volt stations, where the UK specification caps the rate at 100 kW.

Pro-Tip: Check Two Charging Options Before Signing

Price the 400-volt DC converter and 22-kW AC hardware before you approve the order. The converter adds route flexibility where older rapid chargers dominate, while 22-kW AC only pays back its cost when the home, workplace or local network supplies three-phase power at that rate.

Dimensions, Cabin Space and Towing Capacity

The new GLA grows by 153 mm (6.0 inches) and stretches its wheelbase by 61 mm (2.4 inches). Mercedes lowers the body by 20 mm (0.8 inch) and widens the rear track by 31 mm (1.2 inches), adding cabin space without a taller profile.

Measurement	New electric GLA	Practical meaning
Length	4,565 mm / 179.7 in	About 65 mm longer than a BMW iX1
Width without mirrors	1,873 mm / 73.7 in	Same body width as a Volvo EX40
Width with mirrors	2,052 mm / 80.8 in	Relevant for narrow garages
Height	1,604 mm / 63.1 in	20 mm lower than the prior GLA
Wheelbase	2,790 mm / 109.8 in	Adds 38 mm of rear legroom
Turning circle	11.53 m / 37.8 ft	Still manageable in urban streets
Drag coefficient	0.27	Supports range and cuts wind noise
Boot	410-1,400 litres / 14.5-49.4 cu ft	Gains 70 litres with seats raised
Front boot	107 litres / 3.8 cu ft	Carries up to 20 kg / 44 lb
Kerb weight	2,145-2,235 kg / 4,729-4,927 lb	Heavy for a compact SUV
Payload	480 kg / 1,058 lb	Four adults plus luggage can use most of it
Braked towing	1,500-2,000 kg / 3,307-4,409 lb	The 2,000-kg figure requires 4MATIC

Front occupants gain 7 mm (0.3 inch) of legroom, while rear occupants gain 38 mm (1.5 inches). Maximum headroom rises by 23 mm (0.9 inch) in front and 24 mm (0.9 inch) in back. A standard 40/20/40 rear seat creates an almost flat load floor. Specifically, the frunk separates charging cables from luggage.

Mercedes has not published ground clearance, approach angle or departure angle data. Buyers should therefore view TERRAIN mode and the camera-based Transparent Bonnet as aids for gravel, snow and rough tracks, rather than proof of serious off-road geometry.

Interior Screens, AI and Driver Assistance

The optional MBUX Superscreen places a 10.25-inch driver screen and two 14-inch displays beneath one glass panel. Mercedes retains a physical volume roller and a rocker for speed and distance functions on the steering wheel.

MB.OS runs the digital stack. The MBUX Virtual Assistant combines ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing, retains short-term context and uses Google Maps for routing, charger searches and parking availability. The system supports over 40 apps, though Mercedes will add some services after launch.

Eight cameras, five radar units and 12 ultrasonic sensors feed a 254-TOPS water-cooled computer. MB.DRIVE ASSIST adds SAE Level 2 steering and lane support; the Plus package can initiate a motorway lane change after an indicator tap.

Other cabin and design details include:

An illuminated grille with 608 backlit points and 158 micro-LEDs.
Optional SKY CONTROL glass with seven switchable sections and 172 illuminated stars.
A panoramic roof with infrared-reflective and Low-E coatings.
An optional 16-speaker, 850-watt Burmester 3D audio system.
Four equipment lines, plus a Night Package and 18- to 20-inch wheels.
64 ambient-light colours, ten colour schemes and 20 brightness levels.

The 48-Volt Petrol Hybrid Follows in 2027

Mercedes will add two output levels of its new GLA 48-volt hybrid in early 2027, with front-wheel drive and 4MATIC choices. A 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine works with a 22-kW electric motor inside the new 8F-eDCT eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A lithium-ion battery stores up to 1.3 kWh.

The layout allows electric driving at gentle urban speeds, coasting above 100 km/h (62 mph) below 22 kW of demand, and regeneration of up to 25 kW through all eight gears. From an expert perspective, gearbox integration saves space and lets the motor contribute in every ratio without a large traction battery.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Versus Its Main Electric Rivals

By comparison, the GLA 250+ trails some rivals in rear boot volume but leads this group in official range and DC charging speed. Its 107-litre frunk raises total storage with every seat occupied to 517 litres.

Model	Power	Battery figure	Maximum WLTP range	DC peak / 10-80%	Rear boot	Braked towing
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250+	200 kW	85 kWh usable	657 km / 408 mi	320 kW / 22 min	410 L plus 107-L frunk	1,500 kg
BMW iX1 eDrive20	150 kW	64.8 kWh	464 km / 288 mi	130 kW / 29 min	490 L	750 kg
Audi Q4 SUV e-tron performance	210 kW	77 kWh net	578 km / 359 mi	165 kW / 29 min	520 L	1,000 kg
Volvo EX40 Single Motor Extended Range	185 kW	82 kWh nominal	573 km / 356 mi	200 kW / 28 min	410 L plus 31-L frunk	1,500 kg

The Mercedes pairs the longest WLTP claim with the shortest advertised charging stop. Audi and BMW counter with larger rear boots, while Volvo matches the GLA's rear boot and adds a smaller frunk. Independent tests still need to verify Mercedes' lead.

Which New Mercedes-Benz GLA Should You Buy?

Choose the GLA 200 electric for urban and regional use when purchase cost carries the most weight and 394-447 km of WLTP range covers the weekly routine. Choose the GLA 250+ electric for frequent motorway travel; it combines the longest range, fastest charging and the same rear-wheel-drive simplicity as the base car.

Pick the GLA 350 4MATIC electric when traction, acceleration or trailer weight drives the decision. Wait for the 71-kWh version if the 58-kWh car lacks enough reserve. Consider the hybrid when home charging remains impractical.

For trip planning, do not budget around the full 657-km WLTP figure. Use roughly 80 percent, or about 526 km (327 miles), as an initial mild-weather mixed-driving allowance, then reduce it for sustained high speed, low temperatures, roof loads or towing. That estimate supports planning; it does not replace an independent road test.

The 250+ pairs low stated consumption with a large battery and fast replenishment, while the 350 adds rare 2,000-kg electric towing capability. Mercedes now challenges the class leaders on range, charging and daily utility.