Mercedes killed the acronym EQ and put video game technology on the dashboard of the new GLA; understand the turnaround

Mercedes-Benz presented the third generation of the GLA, which debuts with 100% electric versions and assumes a greater role than that of a simple successor: the compact SUV inherits the EQA vacancy and buries the acronym EQ, created by the brand to separate its battery-powered models. Orders opened in Germany on July 30, and the first deliveries are scheduled for November.

The combustion engines will only arrive in the first half of 2027 and not in a conventional configuration: they will be 48 V mild hybrids. Mercedes-Benz do Brasil has not confirmed plans for the model in the country.

The GLA now uses the MMA platform, the same as the CLA and the new GLB, and adopts a lowered silhouette. The car was 2 cm lower, grew 6.1 cm wheelbase, reaching 2.79 m, and gained wider rear gauges. The length is 4.57 m, and the aerodynamic coefficient has dropped to 0.27, according to the manufacturer.

The trunk takes 410 liters, 70 more than the EQA’s, and reaches 1,400 liters with the rear seats folded down. The electric versions also gain a 107-liter front compartment (frunk), and the 4MATIC configurations tow up to 2 tons.

Three screens under a single glass

Inside, the highlight is the MBUX Superscreen, an option that brings together up to three screens under the same glass surface: the 10.25″ digital panel, the 14″ central panel and a third display dedicated to the front passenger. The set runs the MB system. OS, with generative artificial intelligence, and uses graphic resources of the type used in the development of video games.

800 volts and 270 km in ten minutes

The 800-volt electrical architecture allows direct current recharging of up to 320 kW, capable of recovering up to 270 km of range in ten minutes, according to the brand. In alternating current, the on-board charger is 11 kW, with 22 kW as an option.

The line debuts with three versions. The GLA 200 electric has 224 hp and a 58 kWh LFP battery. The electric GLA 250+ rises to 272 hp, adopts the 85 kWh NMC package and is the most efficient of the trio, with up to 657 km in the WLTP cycle. At the top, the GLA 350 4MATIC electric combines two motors and all-wheel drive, delivers 354 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and travels up to 643 km. All three stop at the same 210 km/h. A fourth configuration, with a 71 kWh NMC battery, enters the list in early 2027.

In Germany, prices start at 48,599 euros in the GLA 200, go from 54,978 euros in the GLA 250+ and reach 58,107 euros in the GLA 350 4MATIC. The 2027 mild hybrid will use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 30 hp electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, powered by a 1.3 kWh battery.