We’re in the middle of the winter testing season, and several European automakers are evaluating their upcoming products in the coldest weather they can find, including Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker has been seen working on its first electric C-Class, a new, smaller version of the G-Class, and in these latest spy photos, the next generation of its smallest crossover, the Mercedes-Benz GLA. On a new platform, the GLA will be getting bigger, and the test mule in these images appears to be far along in its development cycle, with plenty of production-ready elements apparent, but it’ll be a few months yet before Mercedes is ready to show its true appearance.
New Platform Means Fresh Styling and More Space
SH Proshots/Autoblog
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover will be underpinned by the Mercedes Modular Architecture, the same platform that is found beneath the highly innovative all-new CLA, and that means it will grow in length, increasing from 173.6 inches to over 177 inches. This will translate to more space for passengers and a more capacious cargo area. Speaking of the rear end of the next GLA, these spy shots show a more square taillight design, which harkens back to the first-gen GLA. However, the graphics in those taillights will feature contemporary elements, like a three-pointed LED motif. At the front, the headlights will adopt the same tri-lateral accenting, while the wheelhouses will retain their squared shape. The glasshouse will also be sloped to a similar degree as the current GLA, with a small spoiler on the roof for a sporty look. Both gasoline-powered and all-electric GLA variants will be offered, and whichever powertrain buyers choose, they’ll get similar styling for their subcompact luxury crossovers.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA Coming This Year with Upgrades
SH Proshots/Autoblog
The all-new GLA is expected to arrive before the end of 2026, but only the EV will be available at that time, with the hybrid expected to follow in the spring of 2027. Like the aforementioned CLA, the GLA will be an 800-volt EV, allowing for ultra-fast charging, and numerous levels of performance are expected to be offered, including a GLA 250+ with around 272 horsepower and an 85kW battery and a GLA 350 with all-wheel drive and up to 354 hp. Over 430 miles of range is expected, depending on trim. For those who still have range anxiety, a hybrid model will be offered with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 27-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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In Europe, pricing is expected to start at €50,000, or just under $58,700 at current exchange rates. U.S. trade policies make the GLA’s pricing for North America far more unpredictable this early in the year, but with production to take place at Mercedes’ Rastatt plant in Germany, tariffs will doubtless play a role.
SH Proshots/Autoblog
