The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA is officially here, and it’s leaning more like a hatchback than ever. An evolution from its predecessors, the new SUV looks sleeker and more athletic than before, hinting at its sportier leanings. It gives off baby GLC EV vibes, which is not a bad thing. Up front, it diverges from the CLA and GLB by ditching the unibrow-like LED light bar. Instead, it features individual headlights complete with daytime running lights styled after the Mercedes three-pointed star. On the other hand, the grille looks more conventional, similar to what the all-electric GLC and C-Class have. The rear mimics the front lighting treatment, featuring individual taillights embedded with a three-pointed star LED daytime running light.
Versus its predecessor, the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA looks sportier thanks to its dimensions. It’s 0.8 inches lower, adding to the hatchback-like look. Additionally, the wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer, while the rear track is 1.2 inches wider. Meanwhile, wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. Furthermore, the new GLA is more aerodynamic than before, with a 0.27 coefficient of drag.
Mercedes also touts the GLA’s reduced carbon footprint, which is down 40 percent across the value chain versus the outgoing model. This is achieved by using more than four times as much recycle materials. The bumper structures use 55 percent recycled content, while the carpets use 100 percent recycled Econyl yarn. Additionally, 40 percent of the aluminum used comes from plants powered by renewable energy. What about the batteries? That has a 30 percent lower carbon footprint per cell. In total, the new GLA saves around 400 kg of carbon dioxide per vehicle.
2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Sporty Style and Flair
Looking for an even sportier appearance in your 2028 GLA? The AMG Line and AMG Line with Night package have you covered. The former adds a Dark Shadow-colored illuminated surround and panel grille and revised front and rear fascias. Inside, both add a multi-function flat-bottom sport steering wheel, AMG sport pedals, and unique interior trim like Carbon Grain Aluminum. The AMG Line Plus with Night Package ups the ante with a high-gloss black lip spoiler and door sills, exclusive 20-inch AMG wheels, and a high-gloss black key fob. It also elevates the interior with front sport seats, AMG-specific upholstery, red seatbelts, contrast stitching, and illuminated door sills.
Looking to go all-in on the blackout theme truly? Check out the new Night Edition. Finished in Manufaktur Cosmos Black Magno, it adds high-gloss black details like front and rear under guards, and door and door sill trim. The Night Edition also includes 20-inch ten-spoke AMG black alloy wheels and Dark Shadow climate control air vents. Inside, two-tone sport seats in AMG Crystal White MB-Tex/Black microfiber, Crystal White Pearl contrast stitching and armrest, and Natural Fiber Zen trim.
If that’s not enough customization for you, Mercedes offers a host of new colors. These include Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic exterior colors, a Beech Brown interior, and a host of natural wood and aluminum trim.
All About Tech and Space
The GLA’s growth goes beyond a sleeker, sportier design. Its interior benefits, too. Front occupants gain 0.3 inches of legroom, while those in the rear have 1.5 inches more. Even with its standard panoramic glass roof, the GLA has nearly an inch more headroom for everyone. For added versatility, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats also come standard.
Like the CLA and GLB, the 2028 GLA offers the MBUX Superscreen. It combines a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 14-inch main touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger display all under one single pane of glass. Powering it is the latest MBUX interface, complete with an AI virtual assistant that combines multiple agents, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The infotainment system also has a growing app portfolio that includes video and audio streaming platforms and video conferencing apps. On top of that, the available 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system includes Dolby Atmos for a top-class listening experience. Meanwhile, the built-in navigation system uses Google data to route you through chargers if needed and give you the fastest, most convenient route.
On the driver assistance front, the GLA comes with the usual suspects, including adaptive cruise control. It utilizes five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance control unit with plenty of processing power to support more functions and over-the-air updates. In addition, features like MB. Drive Assist Plus, and MB. Drive Parking Assist 360 with a surround-view camera are also available. The latter even includes a transparent hood function that shows what’s below the vehicle. Furthermore, the MBUX Surround Navigation feature uses the GLA’s cameras and sensors to display real-time 3D representations of the car and its surroundings.
2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Electrified Across the Board
Every 2028 GLA comes with an electrified powertrain. The first-ever all-electric GLA comes standard with an 85-kWh battery and a choice of single- or dual-motor setups. The RWD GLA 250+ has 268 hp, while the GLA 350 4Matic has 349 hp, allowing it to hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Additionally, the all-electric GLA features the same 800-volt setup as the CLA and GLB, giving it a peak DC charge rate of 320 kW at compatible stations. This means it can add roughly 168 miles in just 10 minutes under ideal conditions. As far as driving range goes, the GLA is rated at 408 miles on the WLTP cycle for the single-motor variant. Expect a lower rating on the more conservative EPA cycle. When it arrives late next year, expect the GLA to come standard with an NACS port.
For those not wanting to go fully electric, Mercedes also offers a hybrid variant. It features a new 1.5-liter turbo-four coupled to a 30-hp electric motor, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery. However, the automaker did not reveal this system’s power output. If it’s anything like the CLA 220, it may have 208 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Despite being dubbed a 48-volt system, this setup is a full hybrid since the car can travel in all-electric mode under certain situations like city driving. It can also disengage at speeds over 60 mph and coast. Plus, the system can recuperate up to 25 kW in all eight gears.
The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA goes on sale late next year. Expect prices to mirror those of the CLA and the current GLA, starting in the $40,000 range and topping out around $60,000 on the more expensive models.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
