With the new GLA, Mercedes has reversed its usual approach: previously, the carmaker launched the ICE model first, followed later by an electric variant. This time, it will debut three battery-electric models in November, while hybrid versions not hit the road until early 2027. For the brand’s best-selling compact model, this is a clear statement—and a signal to the industry: electric drive has arrived at Mercedes, even in the volume segment of the A-Class.
The GLA is built on the 800-volt architecture that Mercedes first introduced with the CLA and also used in the electric GLB. The entry-level GLA 200 features a 58 kWh LFP battery, while the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC models are equipped with an 85 kWh NMC battery. The latter offers a range of up to 657 kilometres (WLTP). Notably, all three variants reach a top speed of 210 km/h. With a starting price of €48,599, the GLA is Mercedes’ most affordable electric SUV.
From 10 to 80% in 22 minutes
Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the Mercedes GLA delivers impressive charging performance: the GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC can draw up to 320 kW at an 800-volt charging station, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 22 minutes. During this time, nearly 60 kWh of energy is transferred to the vehicle, corresponding to an average charging power of around 162 kW across the entire charging curve. Such average values are more meaningful than peak figures, as high peak power is of little use if it drops after just four minutes. Mercedes states that ten minutes of charging provides up to 270 kilometres of additional WLTP range—a figure that hardly any other electric vehicle in the compact segment can match.
