2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Photos, Range, and Hybrid System

The compact GLA grows in size and offers both a battery-powered and a hybrid powertrain.

Tim Stevens | 

Jul 29, 2026 | 4 min read

Tim Stevens

It may be Mercedes-Benz's smallest SUV, but the GLA has been a big success for the automaker, with sales up 21% in the United States market last year. This luxury vehicle, introduced in 2013, is due for a full reboot, and the 2028 model year brings significant changes, from an increase in overall size to an all-electric powertrain.

Tim Stevens

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Hybrid is an Alternative to Electric

For the 2028 model year, the GLA will be available as a fully electric SUV or with a gas-electric powertrain employing 48-volt hybrid technology. These options should appeal to drivers ready to go emissions-free and to those who want efficiency but prefer using an internal combustion engine.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Electric and Hybrid Specs

On the EV side, the GLA is available in GLA 250+ Electric or GLA 350 4Matic Electric configurations. The former is a single-motor version with 268 horsepower. The latter steps up to a dual-motor layout and bumps the power output to 349 horsepower.

Going with the GLA hybrid model gives you a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. As of publication, Mercedes hasn't given specific performance specs for this model, except to say that the electric side of the system provides 30 horsepower and can be driven purely on electric power in limited circumstances.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Dimensions

The new GLA measures 179.7 inches in length, which means it's grown a significant 6 inches over the outgoing version. The wheelbase expands to 109.8 inches, up by 2.4 inches, but the SUV's overall height is reduced by 0.8 inches. Wheels are available in 18- to 20-inch sizes.

Tim Stevens

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Interior is Remarkably Roomy

Mercedes says the new GLA's interior has been completely redesigned to feature more light and space. The bulk of that 2.4-inch wheelbase growth has likely gone into rear-seat legroom, which is up 1.5 inches over the previous generation. Headroom front and rear has improved by 0.9 inches.

Briefly, I got to sit in the front and back of the GLA and found it surprisingly roomy. Legroom in the back is adequate with the front seats positioned as I'd like them, while I had plenty of headroom above, thanks at least in part to the panoramic glass roof, which comes standard.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Cargo Space

Cargo capacity is one area where the hybrid and electric GLA models differ. According to a Mercedes-Benz media briefing, the hybrid model offers a little more space behind the second row of seats. Still, the EV offers a frunk that the GLA Hybrid doesn't have. So, collectively, the EV provides a little more overall cargo space than the hybrid model. Official measurements for the U.S. market will be available closer to the GLA's on-sale date.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Infotainment System

The new GLA is powered by MB.OS and has the MBUX infotainment experience, which includes integrated Google-backed navigation that will automatically plan for charging stops along the way. The system also integrates with multiple AI agents for intelligent voice assistance. Mercedes-Benz's dashboard-spanning Superscreen is optional and includes a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 14.0-inch central display, and another 14.0-inch display on the far right for the front passenger.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Electric Range

Both electric versions of the GLA feature an 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry. As of publication, Mercedes-Benz could not provide an official EPA range estimate. It will be available closer to the GLA's on-sale date.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Charge Time

The electric GLA is built on an 800-volt architecture and charges at a maximum rate of 320 kilowatts (kW). On the current CLA electric, which also has an 85-kWh battery pack and charges at the same rate, a charge from 10% to 80% takes 22 minutes. That car also adds 100 miles of range in five minutes. The GLA is likely to offer similar performance.

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2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Safety Features

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes standard with a suite of active safety systems and sensors, including five radar, 12 ultrasonic, and eight cameras. This enables a raft of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and lane-change assist.

Tim Stevens

2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Release Date

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA, in both electric and hybrid powertrains, is slated to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2027. Pricing and specific trim details have yet to be released.

Tim Stevens

Tim is a freelance automotive and technology journalist with more than 25 years of experience. He is a frequent contributor to major domestic and international online, print, and broadcast news outlets, sharing his insights and perspectives on everything from cybersecurity to supercars. Tim also serves as a juror for the World Car Awards and regularly acts as speaker and moderator at major industry events such as CES, Web Summit, SXSW, NAIAS, and AutoMobility LA. He formerly served as editor-at-large and vice president of content at CNET. Before that he was editor-in-chief of Engadget and editorial director at AOL Tech.