This is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA – the third-generation version of Mercedes-Benz’s smallest SUV. It’s new from the ground up and shares much with the latest CLA and GLB models. Pure-electric versions go on sale in November, with mild hybrid models to follow in 2027.
Here’s the full lowdown on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Price, Specs and Release Date
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: styling and dimensions
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: interior design and practicality
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: engines and driving dynamics
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: price and release date
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA: styling and dimensions
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is just that: all-new. While it doesn’t look dramatically different to the previous model, the third-generation GLA has a slightly chunkier appearance and adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest design language.
Up-front, there’s a variation on the ‘iconic’ grille that made its debut on the larger GLC Electric. Inspired by Mercedes-Benz models of the past, it’s massive, upright and dominates the front of the car. On lower-spec models the outer frame is illuminated; higher-spec versions have illuminated inner panels that mimic the chrome bars of historic Mercedes models, along with a partially illuminated three-pointed star emblem.
While the side profile of the new GLA is similar to that of the current GLA, the latest version has a more squared-off look at the rear and Mercedes points to its ‘pronounced muscular shoulders’. At the rear, there are larger, squarer tail lights joined by a slim, full-width light bar.
The new GLA has grown significantly compared with the previous model, gaining 106mm (about four inches) in width and 153mm (about six inches) in height. It’s up to 12mm (about half an inch) lower than the outgoing car, and has similar dimensions to key rivals such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
Mercedes says that the new GLA offers more legroom than the previous model thanks to a 61mm (about 2.5 inches) increase in the wheelbase and that there’s also additional headroom front and rear. All models have a panoramic roof that’s designed to give the interior an ‘open feel’; higher-spec models have a Sky Control panoramic roof that allows you to adjust the opacity of seven separate panels within it.
Boot capacity is 410 litres to the load cover for both mild-hybrid and electric versions – 15 litres less than outgoing petrol models but 70 litres more than the EQA (the pure-electric version of the previous GLA). The rear seat has a versatile 40/20/40 split-folding function as standard. Pure-electric versions of the new GLA have an additional 107-litre ‘frunk’ that Mercedes says is large enough to carry a carry-on trolley or large sports bag.
Mild-hybrid models will definitely be available in the UK. A choice of two power outputs will initially be offered, with both versions combining a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a 30bhp electric motor. Unlike many mild hybrids, these will be able to use the motor alone to drive the car for short distances at low speed. Front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models will be available.
