Preview: 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Goes Hybrid and Electric

In the crowded Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, the GLA serves as the sporty alternative to the other entry-level SUV, the more traditionally shaped GLB. With this next generation, Mercedes shifts the focus to strictly hybrid and electric powertrains, reflecting the market interests. 

The incremental size increase should add incremental appeal, providing another reason for shoppers to consider the new one. A chief draw for some may be the interior makeover that moves the GLA closer to higher-end sedans from the German automaker, with available screens galore, audiophile-grade stereo, and abundant ambient lighting. 

We found much to like about the outgoing GLA, which excelled in acceleration, braking, fuel economy, and fit and finish. Where it came up short was outward visibility, ease of controls, and reliability—all of which will take time, testing, and surveys to determine whether this promising redesign improves them.

The GLA employs the bloated, carb-rich styling seen on electric Mercedes-Benz models in recent years, like the EQE and EQS. The slippery exterior helps achieve a drag coefficient of 0.27, akin to that of sporty cars, aiding efficiency and reducing noise. Beyond the rounded bodywork, it uses retractable door handles to further streamline aerodynamics.

The wheelbase has grown 2.4 inches with the redesign, while the overall height is about an inch lower, and rear width gains about an inch; these slight changes give the GLA a more powerful stance. 

The GLA wears an updated Mercedes-Benz fascia, with the grille shape rimmed in chrome and brightened with an illuminated surround. The EV features a mesh grille with over 600 backlit light points and showcases various light sequences animated by 158 LEDs. The hybrid uses 150 chrome stars with an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star emblem.

The changed dimensions contributed to incremental gains in leg- and headroom. Adding to the sense of space is a standard panoramic glass roof. 

There is a Sky Control option for the roof that allows the driver to rapidly change the glass from clear to opaque, and adjust the transparency across seven segments. This allows control of light entering the cabin and directs where it shines. 

Flanked by illuminated, circular vents, the optional MBUX Superscreen spans the dash by combining a 10.25-inch instrument panel, 14-inch center screen, and 14-inch passenger screen. The dependence on screens does mean there is a dearth of physical controls. 

The infotainment system offers myriad connected features, including Google-based navigation and the MBUX Virtual Assistant. One notable trick is the Surround Navigation, which uses the SUV’s cameras and sensors to display a three-dimensional representation of the vehicle and its surroundings. 

The optional 16-speaker Burmester audio system creates a three-dimensional soundscape, and it features Dolby Atmos sound, like in modern movie theaters. 

A new steering wheel design has a flattened bottom to aid ingress, and it employs both roller and touch-capacitive controls. 

The center console is a “floating” design, with two levels for added storage. 

Optional ambient lighting lets the driver personalize the color palette with 64 colors, 10 color schemes, and 20 brightness levels. 

The split-folding 40/20/40 rear seats fold nearly flat, expanding the cargo floor.

There are four powertrain configurations for the 2028 GLA. The hybrid uses a newly developed 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The electric motor can power the vehicle by itself at city speeds (under 30 mph).

The base GLA 220 hybrid puts out 208 hp, and is front-wheel drive. (That is a slight decrease from the 221 hp in the current, nonhybrid GLA.) The GLA 250 4MATIC, with all-wheel drive, has a combined output of 248 hp.

The GLA 250+ Electric is front-drive only, with a single electric motor producing 268 hp. The GLA 350 4MATIC Electric adds a rear motor, enabling all-wheel drive and delivering a more lively 349 hp. Mercedes claims the top sporty version can zip from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Both electric versions use an 85-kilowatt-hour NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery. They are capable of both 800-volt DC fast charging and 400-volt charging, with a DC converter. Based on the European electric car range standard, Mercedes-Benz estimates the maximum range to be about 400 miles. On the U.S. test circuit, that would be closer to 350 miles—quite impressive.

The GLA has driver-selectable drive modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual for customization, with the all-wheel-drive versions adding Terrain to automatically adjust the brakes, powertrain, and steering for tackling gravel roads.

The GLA is equipped with eight cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors feeding into an AI-enabled computer designed with capacity for future over-the-air updates and added features. 

Expect standard features to include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane keeping assistance, and automatic emergency steering.

Available extras will include a “transparent hood” feature—part of the optional MB.Drive Parking Assist 360 package—that reveals a virtual view beneath the SUV. Mercedes pitches this as a top-view to help prevent wheel damage when parking.

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