2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA - An all-new GLA, offered electric or hybrid

The 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a fully new generation of the brand’s best-selling compact SUV, and it is set to reach Canadian dealerships in the second half of 2027. For the first time, the GLA will be offered with two powertrain families: a fully electric version and a high-tech hybrid built on 48-volt technology. Both share a longer body, a completely redesigned interior and the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which runs nearly every function in the vehicle. The electric models use an 85-kWh battery and 800-volt charging, while the hybrid pairs a 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor built into the transmission. At Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud in Longueuil, our team is following the launch closely and can keep you informed as details are confirmed for Quebec buyers.

What’s new on the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Exterior

The new body sits lower, with pronounced shoulders and wheels positioned flush with the body sides. Up front, a new grille surround with chrome trim brings the brand’s iconic grille to the compact segment. On electric models, an optional illuminated grille panel uses 158 micro-LEDs and 608 backlit light points to create its own light signature, and the Mercedes-Benz star is integrated into the hood. Hybrid models get a grille hot-stamped with 150 chrome stars, which can also be illuminated as an option. LED High Performance headlamps and the LED Intelligent Light System are available.

The GLA now measures 4,565 mm long, which is 143 mm longer than the previous model. The wheelbase grows by 61 mm to 2,790 mm, and a wider rear track gives the SUV a more planted stance. Buyers who prefer a darker, sportier look can choose the AMG Line, the AMG Line Plus with Night Package or the exclusive Night Edition. The electric GLA also adds a front trunk, or frunk, for smaller items. Around Longueuil, the compact footprint stays easy to manage in tight South Shore parking lots and on daily runs over the Jacques-Cartier or Samuel De Champlain bridges.

Interior

The cabin moves away from the previous sculpted look toward a clean, minimalist layout. The optional MBUX Superscreen spans the full width of the dashboard, placing a driver display, a central display and a front passenger display under one large glass surface. Round air vents with Silver Shadow rings sit at each end, and the centre vent replaces traditional louvers. The door panels have a concave lower section and floating centre panels with open storage. A two-level floating centre console holds a three-dimensional trim piece with cupholders and a smartphone tray, with wireless charging available. Ambient lighting offers 64 colours.

Space improves in every seat. Front occupants gain 7 mm of legroom, while rear passengers get up to 38 mm more. A higher roofline and the standard glass panoramic roof add 23 mm of maximum headroom up front and 24 mm in the back. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats fold down to create a nearly flat cargo floor for longer items. For listening, the optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos uses 16 speakers.

Features

Powertrain

The electric GLA comes in two versions. The GLA 250+ Electric produces 268 hp, and the GLA 350 4MATIC Electric produces 349 hp with all-wheel drive. Both use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery with 85 kWh of usable capacity. Mercedes-Benz quotes a preliminary WLTP range of up to 657 km. Thanks to 800-volt technology, the GLA accepts DC fast charging at up to 320 kW and can add up to 270 km of range (preliminary WLTP) in as little as 10 minutes. A standard DC converter also allows charging at 400-volt stations.

The hybrid GLA uses a newly developed 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT). An electric motor integrated into that transmission adds a boost of up to 30 hp, powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with up to 1.3 kWh of usable capacity. In city driving, when less than 30 hp is needed, the GLA can move on electric power alone. It can also coast with the drivetrain disengaged above 100 km/h and recover up to 25 kW of energy in all eight gears. The hybrid will be offered in two outputs.

Technology

MB.OS powers nearly every function in the 2028 GLA. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses generative AI, so it can follow multi-part conversations and keep track of recent requests. A Zero Layer display approach keeps relevant information, recently used apps and suggestions on the main screen. Navigation is based on Google technology, and through Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent, the assistant can answer questions about routes and points of interest using the Google Maps platform. MBUX Surround Navigation is also available. On a trip from Longueuil to the Eastern Townships along Autoroute 10, the assistant can help find stops along the way.

Every 2028 GLA comes with MB.DRIVE driver assistance as standard. Drivers who want more support can add MB.DRIVE ASSIST or MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS through Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras. MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 are available for tight spaces, along with a reverse manoeuvring function. On 4MATIC models, the TERRAIN drive program adjusts the drivetrain, steering and brakes for dirt and gravel roads, and the optional Transparent Hood function shows a view of the ground beneath the vehicle. ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL drive programs are also offered.

Versions

The 2028 GLA lineup is split by powertrain. On the electric side, buyers choose between the GLA 250+ Electric, rated at 268 hp, and the GLA 350 4MATIC Electric, which adds all-wheel drive and raises output to 349 hp. The hybrid GLA will be offered in two outputs, both built around the 1.5 L turbo 4-cylinder and 48-volt system, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available. Appearance choices include the AMG Line, the AMG Line Plus with Night Package and the exclusive Night Edition. The MBUX Superscreen, illuminated grille and Burmester sound system are offered as options.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA

How Much Does the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA Cost?

Pricing for the 2028 Mercedes-Benz GLA will be announced as the model approaches its Canadian launch. Final figures will vary by powertrain and by the options selected. To hear about Quebec pricing as soon as it is released, contact the sales team at Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud in Longueuil and ask to receive updates.

When Will It Arrive on the Market?

Mercedes-Benz Canada states that the all-new 2028 GLA will reach Canadian dealerships in the second half of 2027, with both electric and hybrid powertrains. The 2028 GLA is expected to arrive at Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud during that window. Contact our Longueuil team for the latest timing updates.