All-New Mercedes-Benz GLA Before You’re Supposed To See It

Mercedes will soon pull the plug on the second-generation GLA, which was introduced in late 2019 and is now a 2026 model year in the United States of America. However, the company’s smallest electric crossover won’t leave a gap in the three-pointed star brand’s lineup, as a new generation is currently in the making.
 

In case you forgot, the model in question was teased almost two years ago, and it is a little over a month since we first caught it in the open. More recently, our man with the cam managed to immortalize yet another prototype, which was testing on public roads somewhere in Germany, while still having its new body wrapped in trippy vinyl stickers to keep some of its styling traits a secret.
 
So, what can we tell you about the design? The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA looks like an evolution of the current model, sporting similar proportions and still having a slightly arched roofline toward the rear. We don’t expect it to grow in size that much, as it would jeopardize the slightly bigger GLB. The front and rear fascias will be all-new and in line with some of the automaker’s latest models, and we also expect it to feature a new color palette and new wheels.
 

To absolutely no one’s surprise, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA will also sport a familiar cockpit. It is expected to be about the same or probably identical to the one of the new CLA. And yes, that also means the massive pillar-to-pillar display, which will be reserved for the upper specifications. Thus, it will be a very techy premium subcompact crossover that should attract more young buyers into the brand, alongside the rumored base crossover that’s supposedly in the making as the A-Class’ successor.
 
What lies beneath the skin? It is widely believed that the future GLA will retain the MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) construction. Still, we reckon the platform will be updated, perhaps with emphasis on making the ride more comfortable. The upcoming GLA will, therefore, be compatible with electric, hybridized, and internal combustion powertrains. You know, just like the outgoing iteration, which is also available with EV power in the EQA.
 

Some believe a dual-motor setup with eAWD might be part of the family on the electric variant, sourced from the GLA’s more elegant-looking sibling, the new CLA. If that’s the case, it could benefit from the same 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet (515 Nm) of torque. There is also a chance that Mercedes-AMG will have its way with the next-gen GLA, or that’s what we believe, anyway. After all, why wouldn’t there be a successor to the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic?
 
The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA is expected to debut for the 2027 model year with slightly higher prices across the range.