Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The New Baby Benz Crossover is HereFirst, it was the CLA, and was later followed up by the practical GLB. Now, Mercedes-Benz has turned its attention to the GLA. The GLA has been a staple of the brand since 2013, and the third generation has just made its world premiere.Its rivals are still the same, as the subcompact luxury crossover takes aim at the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The Q3 is also fresh off a redesign, while the X1 is set to get a comprehensive update. With that, Mercedes responds by offering the GLA in both hybrid and electric guises, along with heaps more tech.Mercedes-BenzEvolutionary ExteriorAs the GLA is a popular model, Mercedes didn't rock the boat too much with its exterior redesign. The silhouette still looks familiar, but there's no denying it's an all-new model. The large grille is reminiscent of the one used in the electric versions of the C-Class and GLC, albeit on a smaller scale. Of course, the three-pointed star lights are present here, front and back.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor dimensions, it's bigger in all directions, while the longer wheelbase should give it an extra helping of interior space and cargo capacity. In all fairness to Mercedes-Benz, it has given the CLA, GLB, and GLA distinct exterior designs. Speaking of distinction, the electric version gets an illuminated grille, whereas the hybrids get an open panel.Mercedes-BenzEven More TechIf you've seen the cabin of the CLA and GLB, the dashboard layout of the GLA should look familiar by now. There's the flat-faced dash with at least two screens, the same steering wheel designs, and there's a large storage bin beneath the center console, plus a few physical buttons to everyone's relief.What the GLA does get is a massive tech overhaul. There's MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI. The AI uses collective data and information from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google to provide clearer, more concise answers for the user, enhancing the infotainment experience. It also has the available Hyperscreen that adds a third screen on the passenger side that includes streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Sony Ridevue. Opt for that, and you get nearly 40 inches of screen on the dashboard.Other tech highlights? For models equipped with 4Matic, it comes with a Terrain mode that gives it a touch more capability off-road, while the MBUX Surround Navigation gives a real-time 3D display to make driving unfamiliar roads a bit easier. The navigation system is then powered by Google. Of course, there's a barrage of advanced driver assists, but the available MB.Drive Assist Plus adds Stop Sign and Traffic Light function, while the optional MB.Drive Parking Assist 360 gets additional cameras and even something called Rim Protection Warning.Mercedes-BenzHybrid or EV?For the U.S market, there will be two hybrid options for the redesigned GLA. Mercedes didn't mention which exact models will be offered stateside, but it's likely to be the GLA 200 and GLA 220 4Matic. Both are powered by a 1.5-liter turbo mild-hybrid, and the 200 model could put out 184hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the 220 4Matic might have 211 hp and 280 lb-ft, just like in the hybrid CLA.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs for the electric models, it's the GLA 250+ and the GLA 350 4Matic, mirroring the battery-powered versions of the CLA and GLB. Outputs are the same for the GLA, so it's 268hp and 247 lb-ft of torque for the 250+, and it's 359 hp and 380 lb-ft for the 350 4Matic. Mercedes-Benz claims up to 408 miles on a single charge, and that's likely for the 250+. That said, the claimed figure is based on WLTP ratings, so expect the EPA-rated range to be a tad lower.Mercedes-BenzA Promising ModelAs it's based on the CLA, there are high expectations for the 2028 GLA. After all, it uses the same platform as the car that won the European Car of the Year, and the GLB has been receiving praise in Europe. The GLA should continue that streak, especially as Mercedes had a bit of a bumpy start in the EV game.More specs, and more importantly, pricing, will be revealed soon. According to the company, the new crossover will reach showrooms by the second half of 2027 with both hybrid and EV models readily available.Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzView the 9 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
