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By Jonathan Crouch

The Mercedes GLA Electric is a big step forward from its predecessor, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 33

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.

Backgroundword count: 175

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 Experienceword count: 259

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.

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