The smallest Mercedes-Benz SUV is also shaping up to be one of the quickest. The CarBuzz spy photographers have just snapped the AMG version of the GLA-class, which is expected to go on sale sometime in 2027. The electric model you see here should have nearly 550 horsepower, making it quicker than the gas version of the GLA... and most other gas-fired AMG performance SUVs. AMG's Motors Will Power This Tall Hot Hatch CarBuzz/Valnet Over the last year, we've spotted the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA multiple times. It's been testing up North and in Germany, as the BMW X1 competitor gets ready to hit the market.This time it's not just the electric EQ model, it's also the Mercedes-AMG GLA. It's the electric model that our spies say will still get the GLA 45 badge, but with EQ somewhere in the mix to reflect the power source.CarBuzz/Valnet Benz's latest star lamp headlights are clearly on display. The small crossover also shows off its low AMG front fascia and the side skirts that will be specific to the AMG model. At the rear, Benz's massive taillight is going to make sure there's no mistaking the GLA. The star-shaped lamps are a marked departure from anything else Benz offers right now.This prototype also has two very distinctive AMG wheel designs. The fronts have a design we've seen before. It's simple, but elegant. At the back, the two-ring design is a turbine look, and the finished GLA should look hot while wearing them.Inside those wheels are the large brakes we expect from an AMG. Look through the windshield, and you can see other AMG cosmetic and comfort changes including bright red seat belts, and the heavily bolstered front seats to help keep the driver in place on the Nürburgring or on the school drop-off loop. Not 1,000 HP, But Not Bad Either CarBuzz/Valnet Other AMG electrics are expected to get the company's new axial flux motors. With three motors, those vehicles will make well over 1,000 hp. This one won't get quite that much, though. Expect two motors, though probably still axial flux technology, making something in the 540 to 550 range.And you know what? That's plenty against the current AMG GLA 45 S. It makes 416 hp from its 2.0-liter turbo-four, and since the four-cylinder isn't exactly a beloved engine, there will probably be fewer complaints when it goes away. Even the V8-powered GLE 63 can barely beat that output. In that model, the AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 563 hp, in a larger and heavier vehicle.The standard versions of the GLA are expected to deliver close to 350 miles of range. The AMG will probably be slightly lower when the official figures are in (and even lower if you're using all of those electric horses), but it will likely still achieve 300 or more.We're expecting to see the AMG version of the GLA on sale in 2027. The standard new Mercedes-Benz GLA with EQ technology is set to come first. Our spies say that late 2026 as a model-year 2027 vehicle is possible.MB GLA AMG EV 7
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