Mercedes-Benz has revealed the all-new 2028 GLA, and the brand’s best-selling compact model has been rebuilt rather than refreshed. It sits 0.8 inches lower on a wheelbase stretched by 2.4 inches, with a wider rear track and, for the first time in the compact segment, an illuminated iconic grille. Buyers get a real choice of powertrains: the all-electric GLA 250+ and GLA 350 4MATIC make 268 and 349 horsepower from an 85-kWh battery with 800-volt charging, while a 48-volt hybrid pairs a new 1.5-liter turbo-four with an electric motor built into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Inside, there’s more space in every direction, a standard panoramic roof, and an optional MBUX Superscreen spanning the dashboard. It arrives at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2027.
The all-new GLA grows in every direction that matters. The wheelbase stretches 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches, giving front occupants an extra 0.3 inches of legroom and rear passengers as much as 1.5 inches more. Maximum headroom climbs 0.9 inches front and rear, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats drop nearly flat for cargo duty.
A fixed glass panoramic roof is now standard, built from heat-insulating laminated safety glass with an infrared-reflective coating and an ultra-thin low-emissivity layer that keeps the cabin cooler in summer and traps heat inside during winter.
Buyers who want more control can specify the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof, which switches between transparent and opaque in 10 to 20 milliseconds. The glass is divided into seven individually controlled segments, so sunlight can be dialed in area by area.
The sculptural look of the old GLA gives way to a clean, minimalist concept built around a handful of striking high-tech elements. Door panels use a concave base that visually recedes beneath floating center panels with open storage, while a classic tubular pull handle adds a sporty accent.
The centerpiece is the optional MBUX Superscreen, a floating glass surface spanning the full width of the dashboard. It houses a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display and a 14-inch passenger display, powered by real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.
Circular climate vents bookend the Superscreen with outer rings in Silver Shadow that appear to float in front of a conical form, and the center vent ditches traditional louvers entirely. Below, a floating two-level center console integrates cupholders, a phone cubby and optional wireless charging beneath a large three-dimensional trim element.
The redesigned multifunction steering wheel adds a roller for volume and a rocker for Distance Assist DISTRONIC, with capacitive control panels that deliver tactile feedback so drivers can navigate menus without looking down.
Ambient lighting offers 64 colors, ten color schemes, 20 brightness levels and three brightness zones, and the optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos steps up to 16 speakers and an 850-watt amplifier, complete with new Sound Zone and Auto Selection modes that direct audio to specific rows.
The all-new GLA leads with powerful SUV proportions, an upright front end and a flat-angle windshield, but the whole package reads far more dynamic than before. It sits 0.8 inches lower than its predecessor, rides on a wheelbase stretched by 2.4 inches and gains 1.2 inches of rear track.
Muscular shoulders and wheels sized from 18 to 20 inches sit flush with the bodywork, pulling the stance outward. The silhouette makes the intent obvious before you spot a single badge.
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