2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV

Performance

The GLA 250 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. It features a mild hybrid that produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, routed to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 250 is available in either front-wheel drive or the advanced 4MATIC® all-wheel-drive system. Thanks to its relatively low weight of around 3,500 lbs, the GLA 250 and 250 4MATIC® can get from 0-60 mph in only 6.8 and 6.6 seconds, respectively.

Those who want a little extra grunt with their SUV can step up to the AMG® GLA 35, which features AMG® Performance 4MATIC® all-wheel drive with an AMG®-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with hybrid assist that produces 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This setup makes it very competitive with modern sports cars. The engine is mated to an AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 8-speed dual-clutch. When tested by Car and Driver, the AMG® GLA was able to hit 60 in 4.7 seconds and pass through the ¼-mile in just 13.4 seconds at 102 mph. That is genuine AMG® performance.

Mercedes-Benz says the GLA has a drag coefficient of just .30, which is very good for an SUV. This definitely helps the GLA achieve an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Optioning 4MATIC® all-wheel drive drops those numbers by only one mpg per cycle. The AMG® GLA 35 is also quite good for a sporty vehicle, at 22 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

The 2026 GLA benefits from a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain that adds 13 additional horsepower. It doubles as a starter and generator, allowing the main gas engine to be shut off while coasting and then starting quietly without disrupting the cabin. When accelerating and braking, the system can recover energy and feed it directly back to the SUV’s 12-volt and 48-volt battery systems.

Exterior

Every GLA model features striking LED headlights and taillights that are distinct and unmistakably GLA. While both the GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC® come standard with 18-inch twin five-spoke wheels, four different wheel options are available, ranging from 18 to 20 inches. The AMG® GLA 35 comes with 19-inch AMG® twin five-spoke wheels, with six wheel options available from 18 to 21 inches.

Interior

Stepping into the cabin of the GLA, you will notice the standard Nappa leather steering wheel on all models. This luxurious steering wheel features buttons to control almost everything in the car. A heated steering wheel is optional.

All models feature MB-Tex upholstery, which is environmentally friendly and very comfortable. AMG® GLA models feature an added microfiber seat insert to help hold you in place during sporty driving. Mercedes-Benz says that MB-Tex seats are made with mostly recycled materials: 65% of the middle section and 85% of the bottom fabric.

Technology

Like all new Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the 2026 GLA comes standard with some of the most advanced technology features in its class, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and standard 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display. By simply saying, “Hey, Mercedes,” you can give your car a whole host of commands, and since the GLA has Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding, you can basically have a conversation with your Mercedes and ask it for directions, the latest news, or to change the temperature or music.

All models come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, hands-free Bluetooth®* audio streaming and phone, a wireless charger with NFC pairing, SiriusXM, and five USB-C ports. A 10-speaker Advanced Sound System is optional, as is a 12-speaker, 590-watt Burmester® surround sound system** paired with Dolby Atmos® that will have you thinking you’re attending the best private concert for one.

Each GLA model can also be optioned with an 8-inch Head-Up Display, which helps keep your eyes on the road by displaying directions, current speed, the speed limit, fuel range, and more on the windshield.

Safety

Every GLA model comes standard with advanced safety equipment that includes Active Brake Assist, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service, ATTENTION ASSIST®, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blindspot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, rearview camera, Crosswind Assist, Adaptive Braking Technology, Downhill Speed Regulation, seven airbags, and more.

All models can further be equipped with Active LED Headlamps, Traffic Sign Assist, Surround View System, rear side-impact airbags, and heated windshield washers.