2028 Mercedes GLA Offers EV and Hybrid OptionsMercedes-BenzThe 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is here, and like its closely related CLA-Class sibling, you can have it in either electric or hybrid flavors. This GLA grows larger, but is still the smallest of all Mercedes SUVs — and now, it's filled with lots more tech.Built on the same MMA platform as the new CLA, the GLA takes after the sedan for all the important powertrain bits. Two electric versions will be available at launch, the RWD GLA250+ Electric and the GLA350 4Matic Electric. The latter gets from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds, thanks to its dual-motor 349-horsepower powertrain. The entry-level 250+ makes do with just 268 horsepower.Mercedes-BenzBoth versions are equipped with an 85-kilowatt-hour nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack. Just like the CLA, the GLA houses impressive 800-volt charging technology, allowing it to DC fast-charge at rates up to 320 kilowatts. The 250+ has an estimated range of 408 miles on the WLTP cycle, and Mercedes claims you can reclaim as much as 167 miles of range after just 10 minutes on a charger. Expect range to take a big dip for EPA testing, as the more efficient CLA 250+ is rated at 374 miles here in the U.S. Opting for all-wheel drive will hurt that further, as the dual-motor CLA falls to 312 miles of EPA-rated range.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you want to skip the EV, Mercedes is offering a hybrid powertrain option, too. Same as the CLA, the new GLA offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired up to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. Mercedes says it uses a 1.3-kWh battery pack in the hybrid, and in city driving where less than 30 horsepower is necessary, it will run on electric power only. Specs weren't provided initially, but we expect this powertrain to be similar or identical to the CLA's total system output of 208 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.Mercedes-BenzThe GLA's larger size should prove favorable to anyone trying to load up this tiny SUV with people. Its wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than its predecessor, and the rear track is 1.2 inches wider. Mercedes says this results in 1.5 inches of additional legroom in the rear and 0.3 inch more in front. Headroom is up marginally too, despite this GLA coming in 0.8-inch lower than the previous one.While the interior space will be appreciated, the GLA's new exterior design is sure to be polarizing. Instead of the CLA's more demure look, Mercedes pasted its new "iconic grille" to the front end, illuminated surround/panel and all for the EV. Mercedes says the light-up grille features 158 micro-LEDs, though if you get the hybrid, the grille is functional and only has the surround lighting. The headlights themselves feature Mercedes' three-pointed star, and while it's fragmented in the rear, the pattern is repeated in the taillights.Mercedes-BenzThis new GLA's proportions are decidedly more EV-like in nature. You can see the visual weight toward the floor of the car where the battery lives. Plus, aero — check out the new flush door handles — was a huge focus to improve range, as Mercedes says the GLA comes in with a drag coefficient of 0.27. Mercedes says this also helps to reduce interior wind noise, but added sound insulation and new elastomer mounts between the chassis and body also aim to bring more refinement to the entry Benz.Mercedes-BenzIf you've seen the CLA's interior, you've also seen the GLA's. It's screen city inside should you option the MBUX Superscreen, which includes a 10.3-inch driver display, 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen and 14-inch passenger display. The few interior buttons are positioned on the floating center console, while the steering wheel blends touch controls with a physical scroll wheel for volume and toggle switch for cruise control.AdvertisementAdvertisementA full glass roof comes standard on every GLA, and it keeps the sun off occupants via an infrared reflective coating and "ultra-thin low-emissivity" coating. The former helps reduce temperatures in summer, while the latter reflects heat back into the cabin in winter. A 16-speaker Burmester 3D audio system is optional, and Dolby Atmos comes along for the ride should you choose it.Mercedes says this new 2028 GLA will be arriving in U.S. dealers in the second half of 2027, so you're looking at about a year wait as of this reveal. Both electric and hybrid powertrains should launch at the same time.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State