The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA is available with electric and petrol hybrid and this 3rd-gen model is under consideration for South Africa.
This is the third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Stuttgart-based brand is offering the vehicle with a choice of either petrol or electric. Officially, Merc says its ‘electric-first’ which is understandable given how Europe is gearing for a battery-electric future.
The looks are more reserved than the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s current releases which is justified given this a mainstream model. Naturally, it too features the large grille, which features 608 LEDs in the electric derivatives. There are some neat touches like the aerodynamic door handles. There’s a new identity for the rear tail lights.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA shares the same Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform as the recently-launched CLA sedan (which we drove recently) and as a result, has grown in size. Overall length is up 102 mm to 4 565 mm, it is 39 mm wider and the wheelbase has grown by 61 mm to 2 790 mm. One of the criticisms of the outgoing model was its lack of rear cabin space, so this is progress.
With the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA now being offered with both combustion power and battery-electric motors, this means its the end of the road for the all-electric EQA. The internal-combustion petrol engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid tech.
Full outputs were not revealed, but the release suggested the launch range will comprise outputs of 120 kW to 140 kW, with both front-wheel and 4Matic all-wheel drive. There’s a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and the vehicle can run briefly on pure electric power thanks to a 1.3 kWh battery.
There was more info regarding the electric GLA where the GLA 200 offering up 165 kW and 335 Nm from a single motor powered by a 58 kWh LFP battery. The GLA 250+ brings 200 kW and 335 Nm, while the GLA 350 4Matic packs 260 kW and 515 Nm. Both have 85 kWh NMC batteries.
The electric GLA range is assembled on 800V architecture which can accept 320 kW, and the range claims look more than adequate, on paper at least.
- GLA 200 394-447 km
- GLA 250+ 577-657 km
- GLA 350 4Matic 555-643 km
Climb inside and the new cabin is dominated by large screens. Passengers can opt for a screen on their side should the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch central infotainment screen be inadequate. The latest iteration of MBUX now features an AI-powered virtual assistant.
There’s a new panoramic glass roof as standard which Mercedes-Benz says is made of special heat-insulating laminated glass. There’s also a full loadout of driver-assistance tech as well as safety hardware in the form of 5 radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 8 cameras.
When will the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA come to South Africa?
Officially and according to Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA is under consideration for our market. We think that given the recent arrival of the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 proving popular, Mercedes-Benz SA will try get into local showrooms before the end of next year.
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