Mercedes-Benz Gla GLA 350 4M 260kW AMG Line Executive 85kWh 5dr Auto

Ten Second Review

With the GLA Electric, Mercedes brings us its first really properly credible entry-level compact EV. Here's an electric car from the Three-Pointed Star that can do more than merely trade on its badge.

Background

It's not a new concept to be able to plug a Mercedes GLA in; but this is the first time we've seen a full-electric GLA. It's taken three years for this compact premium SUV model line to respond to the trend set in this sector by the BMW iX1 (and even earlier by the Volvo EX40), but Mercedes has set about the task with its customary thoroughness. The arrival of an all-electric GLA was inevitable given that all the engineering necessary for it had already been developed for the brand's two most recently developed compact models before this one; namely the second generation GLB compact family SUV and the avant-garde CLA four-door coupe. Those MMA underpinnings help this EV version of the third generation GLA (there's also a mild hybrid variant) set new range and charging standards thanks to its advanced 800V electrical architecture. It's all a big step forward from the rather disappointing EQA model that represented Mercedes in this segment from 2022 to 2026. Let's take a closer look at the GLA Electric.

Driving Experience

Like its almost identically engineered CLA and GLB showroom stablemates, this third generation GLA was designed to be an electric car first and a hybrid second. Though Mercedes of course, thinks the advanced MMA platform is ideally suited to either drivetrain. What it isn't suited to is Plug-in Hybrid drive, so unlike with the second generation model (and rivals like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1), you can't have that. This GLA Electric comes in various flavours, with the emphasis being on the mid-level GLA 250+, which has 272hp from its rear axle e-motor and uses an 85kWh Lithium-ion NMC battery capable of up to 406 miles on a single charge (up from 346 miles with the EQA 250+). If that's more range than you really need, ask your dealer about the entry-level GLA 200 Electric variant (not offered from launch), which has 224hp and uses a smaller 58kWh LFP battery offering up to 278 miles. If you want AWD or more performance, then there's the dual motor GLA 350 4MATIC, with the same 85kWh battery as the 250+. This adds another e-motor on the front axle to boost total output to 354hp and lower the 0-62mph sprint time to 5.4s. Range is 371 miles. As with other MMA-platform EV models from the brand, all GLA models use a clever two-speed auto gearbox to maximise efficiency at higher speeds. If you add in the optional Trailer coupling package, the 250+ can tow a braked weight of up to 1,500kg; with the 350 4MATIC, it'd be up to 2,000kgs.

Design and Build

Mercedes wants you to see this car as the 'ultimate sporty city SUV', a reference to the quite dynamic-looking side profile. The first thing you're going to notice is the enormous imposing retro style front grille, something the brand seems to have decided that all its latest models have to have. It's illuminated and has finishing treatment bespoke to this EV powertrain. More significant perhaps is this car's overall size, which at 4,565mm is 145mm longer than the previous generation model. To give you some class perspective, that makes this GLA a little bigger than a BMW iX1 and a little smaller than an Audi Q4 e-tron. There are short overhangs and wheel sizes vary from 18 to 20-inches, with the sleek alloys contributing to sleek aerodynamics also aided by the squared-off tail lights. The Mercedes three-pointed star is used in the headlamps and even in the panoramic sunroof. Inside, as you might expect from the shared MMA underpinnings, most of the front cabin design is shared with the CLA and GLB Electric models, which means a dashboard dominated by screens. Mainstream versions get a 10.25-inch driver's instrument display and a 14-inch central monitor. But with upper spec, there's the brand's MBUX Superscreen set-up which adds a third passenger-side display - to suit the prevailing trend. This GLA is what Mercedes calls 'a software-defined vehicle', which means smarter technology, more meaningful over-the-air updates and a more intuitive AI-enabled voice control system. Not everything's great of course: there are some scratchy interior plastics and don't expect the kind of materials quality you'd find in a GLC Electric. But it's all certainly a step up from the previous generation model, with eye-catching ambient lighting, smart stitched man-made leather and Alcantara-style soft-touch furnishing. In the rear, thanks to the generous wheelbase length, a six-foot rear passenger can easily sit behind a front seat occupant of similar stature. That standard glass roof doesn't compromise head room either and there is a completely flat floor. Boot capacity is rated at 410-litres and there's also a 107-litre under bonnet 'frunk' for the charging leads. Fold down the 40:20:40-split rear backrest and up to 1,400-litres of cargo room is on offer.

Market and Model

Pricing for this GLA Electric starts from around £45,000, but you'll probably need to pay significantly more than that for the version you'd ideally want. The available trim levels are familiar - 'Sport', 'Sport Executive', 'AMG Line Executive', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. As you'd hope for the money be asked here, even base 'Sport' trim includes quite a lot. Features like a glass panoramic roof, an 'EASY-PACK' powered tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, an illuminated front grille and LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist, plus the brand's 'Parking assist' auto-parking system with PARKTRONIC and a Reverse manoeuvring function. Inside, there's ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch driver display, heated front seats, THERMATIC automatic climate control and a selfie and video camera. Media stuff's taken care of by a 14-inch central monitor with built-in MBUX navigation. GLA camera safety features fitted across the line-up as standard include Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist Plus, Traffic Sign Assist, an Emergency Stop Function, an Evasive steering function, a Lane keeping function, Manoeuvring assist and Exit warning. Plus the brand's Distance Assist DISTRONIC system for easier highway cruising. 'Sport Executive' spec adds larger 19-inch wheels, ambient lighting, keyless entry and a wireless charging mat. 'AMG Line Executive' spec gives you AMG body styling and sports seats. 'AMG Line Premium' adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive damping and the MBUX Superscreen set-up with its extra 14-inch front passenger-side display. And 'AMG Line Premium Plus' spec gives you MULTIBEAM LED and adaptive high beam assist plus headlights, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, heat for the steering wheel and wiper blades and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Cost of Ownership

The GLA Electric has a powerful regen braking system that can provide up to 200kW of stopping power off-throttle, helping to keep the battery topped up. And the 4MATIC EV model retains impressive range because its additional front motor is decoupled from the front axle when it isn't needed, reducing energy losses to friction by 90%. At the right public charging station, the GLA Electric can be DC rapid-charged at up to 320kW thanks to its adoption of an 800V electrical architecture. This enables 201 mile top up in just 10 minutes. And a full DC top-up in 22 minutes. As for AC charging at home, well if you've an 11kW three-phase supply, your GLA EV can be fully charged in 9 hours. That figure will rise to 13 hours 45 minutes if you've only a single-phase 7.4kW wallbox. For £850 more, Mercedes offers the option of a direct current charging system, which allows owners to charge the car with up to 100kW at compatible 400V fast-charging stations. With this, you can have what's called 'lossless charging' - which means you avoid losing energy when converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) in the form of heat and the battery can be charged with higher power.

Summary

This is more like it. For a brand like Mercedes, the quality of its entry-level EV model is crucially important - the starting rung on the ladder to more expensive and profitable cars. And for this role, the company's first really compact EV, the EQA, simply wasn't good enough. This GLA Electric is miles better - quite literally. And it's not just that this replacement model can go much further on a charge. It looks better, feels much nicer to sit in, is better connected and charges at a vastly faster speed. There's also more room in the back and a better quality, more 'Mercedes'-like feel. Of course, as ever with the brand, there's a price to pay for all this. But you'll feel much better about paying it then you would have done in the past for a plushly-specified EQA costing much the same. Finally then, the Mercedes EV revolution is getting properly into gear. And not before time.