GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA with EQ Technology marks a new phase for the brand’s compact SUV in 2026. This new generation is fully electric and combines a lower silhouette, a longer wheelbase and a distinctive illuminated grille. Mercedes-Benz quotes up to 657 kilometres of WLTP range, depending on specification, while its 800-volt electrical system can add up to 270 kilometres in ten minutes under the manufacturer’s stated conditions. The cabin also represents a major change, with more space, a large MBUX Superscreen, a panoramic roof and an MBUX Virtual Assistant incorporating generative artificial-intelligence functions. ScanRacer lists the 2026 “with EQ technology” variant, representing the electric GLA family covered by this model entry. Equipment, output and availability may vary by market and by the individual electric version.
Variants by year
2026
2014
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Mercedes-Benz GLA with EQ Technology marks a new phase for the brand’s compact SUV in 2026. This new generation is fully electric and combines a lower silhouette, a longer wheelbase and a distinctive illuminated grille. Mercedes-Benz quotes up to 657 kilometres of WLTP range, depending on specification, while its 800-volt electrical system can add up to 270 kilometres in ten minutes under the manufacturer’s stated conditions. The cabin also represents a major change, with more space, a large MBUX Superscreen, a panoramic roof and an MBUX Virtual Assistant incorporating generative artificial-intelligence functions. ScanRacer lists the 2026 “with EQ technology” variant, representing the electric GLA family covered by this model entry. Equipment, output and availability may vary by market and by the individual electric version.
History
Mercedes-Benz introduced the first GLA in 2013, when compact urban SUVs were becoming an important part of premium manufacturers’ line-ups. Positioned below the brand’s larger SUVs, it combined a relatively short body with a raised driving position and, depending on specification, 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The model established Mercedes-Benz in the compact SUV category with a vehicle designed more for urban use than the company’s traditional larger off-road-oriented models. The second generation was revealed in December 2019. It retained the GLA name but adopted a taller, more SUV-like body. Mercedes-Benz highlighted improved passenger space, a higher seating position and more advanced driver-assistance systems. This generation also coincided with the wider introduction of MBUX across the compact range and provided the basis for the EQA electric SUV in several markets. The completely new GLA announced on July 29, 2026, represents a significant change in powertrain strategy. Its first market versions are electric and use the “with EQ technology” designation. Mercedes-Benz has also announced high-tech electrified combustion versions for early 2027, but those future variants are separate from the 2026 entry covered here.
Generations
The first generation, commonly identified by the internal code X156, was introduced in 2013. It can be recognised by its relatively low proportions, gently tapering roofline and styling links to Mercedes-Benz compact cars. The manufacturer described it as its first urban compact SUV. Depending on market and specification, it was offered with petrol and diesel engines, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive was available on selected versions. The second generation, known as the H247, debuted in 2019. Its body is visibly taller and more substantial, with rounder surfaces and a stronger SUV stance. Inside, it introduced a digital dashboard built around the MBUX interface. The H247 also increased the sense of height for occupants and made more effective use of the cabin. The later EQA electric SUV was closely related to this compact family, although it was not simply a rebadged GLA. The generation announced for 2026 represents a broader technical and design change. It keeps the GLA’s compact SUV format but adopts a lower profile, a longer wheelbase, an illuminated grille and an 800-volt electric system. Available evidence indicates that this is an all-new generation rather than a routine facelift of the H247.
Key differences
The defining difference of the 2026 “with EQ technology” version is its fully electric powertrain. The new GLA is not simply an existing combustion model converted to battery power: Mercedes-Benz describes a new body, a redesigned interior, 800-volt charging capability and several electric output levels. The GLA 200 electric uses a 58-kWh usable LFP battery, while the GLA 250+ electric and GLA 350 4MATIC electric use 85-kWh usable NMC batteries, according to the manufacturer. The GLA 350 4MATIC electric adds a second motor and all-wheel drive, with Mercedes-Benz quoting 260 kW. The single-motor GLA 250+ is positioned as the range-focused model. Commercial names, equipment and market availability can vary by country. The broad ScanRacer label is therefore less specific than the individual electric model names used in Mercedes-Benz launch material.
Photo recognition
A 2026 GLA with EQ Technology is most easily identified by its illuminated front grille, one of the clearest visual signatures of the new generation. Its body is lower and more stretched than the H247, with a longer wheelbase and styling closer to Mercedes-Benz’s latest electric models. The sides are relatively smooth, the glasshouse remains compact and the front end does not use a conventional open grille intended to cool a combustion engine. Inside, the large MBUX Superscreen is another useful identification feature. Depending on specification, it is combined with a panoramic roof, a broadly digital dashboard and a brighter, more spacious cabin design. To distinguish the vehicle from an EQA, examine the overall body shape and front-end treatment: Mercedes-Benz presents the 2026 vehicle as a new GLA generation, while the EQA belongs to the previous compact-model family. Wheel designs, bumpers, lighting details and trim elements may vary between the individual electric versions and market specifications.
Important versions
Mercedes-Benz’s announced launch range includes three principal electric models. The GLA 200 electric produces 165 kW and uses a 58-kWh usable LFP battery. The GLA 250+ electric produces 200 kW and has an 85-kWh usable NMC battery; its single-motor layout is associated with the range-topping figure of up to 657 kilometres under WLTP. The GLA 350 4MATIC electric produces 260 kW, adds a second motor and is quoted by Mercedes-Benz at 5.4 seconds for 0–100 km/h. Another model with a 71-kWh NMC battery is scheduled to follow in early 2027. For 2026, the ScanRacer catalogue uses the broader “with EQ technology” label rather than listing each commercial electric derivative separately.
The name “GLA” follows Mercedes-Benz naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a Mercedes-Benz name
References
- The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA: Designed to excite you every dayMercedes-Benz Media
- Nouveau GLA : un véhicule aux multiples talentsMercedes-Benz France
- Le nouveau Mercedes-Benz GLAMercedes-Benz France
- Yeni Mercedes-Benz GLA, Dijital Dünya Lansmanı ile TanıtıldıMercedes-Benz Türkiye
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA brochureMercedes-Benz USA
- https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/gla-classcaranddriver.com
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mercedes-benz/gla/2026/road-test-report/consumerreports.org
- https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mercedes-benz/gla-class/2026motortrend.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Mercedes-Benz GLA produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2014 - 2026.
- How many Mercedes-Benz GLA examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 9 published scans from 2 members, with the latest photo added in September 2026.