This is the new Mercedes GLA, and the electric one can do up to 408 miles

Like its rival premium carmakers, Mercedes-Benz knows why people buy certain cars. “The all-new electric GLA is the first model in the Mercedes-Benz compact segment to feature the new iconic grille.”

Yup, this new GLA – available in both electric and hybrid guise – gets a grille normally reserved for Mercedes-Benz’s big posh cars, bringing chrome and animated micro-LED lighting and illuminated stars and luxury into the little ‘uns.

Except of course, it’s not that little anymore, because Mercedes has added protein to the new GLA’s diet, resulting in a car that’s lower, longer, wider than the outgoing car, and one replete with “muscular shoulders and flush-positioned wheels”

Said wheels are available in 18in-20in – 20s on a compact car! – and while the overall silhouette feels familiar from the last one, it’s a more compact-looking thing this time out.

Powertrains include an electric one with a 58kWh battery and 222bhp (the GLA 200), a more electric one with 268bhp (the GLA 250+), and a really electric one with just under 350bhp (the GLA 350 4Matic) and the ability to go from 0-62mph in 5.4s.

Those latter cars get a larger 85kWh NMC battery. And one of them – Merc doesn’t say which but count on it being the 250+ – can go up to 408 miles (657km) on a single charge. All come with 800V architecture, mind. 

We’re informed another electric variant with a 71kWh battery will arrive in 2027, along with a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid GLA. That latter version gets a “newly developed” four-cylinder engine, a 1.3kWh battery and small electric motor that can run it on e-power alone, and versions incorporating front- and all-wheel-drive.

Naturally every GLA gets many modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, etc – that adjust all the usual parameters of steering, powertrain, suspension and brakes, lots of tech including something called ‘artificial intelligence’ (wonder if that’ll catch on), many cameras and radars and sensors, assistance, and a completely redesigned interior.

An interior dominated by – surprise! – giant screens. There’s the option of the MBUX Superscreen spanning the entire width of the dashboard made up of a 10.25in driver display, 14in centre touchscreen, and 14in passenger display. If you don’t want your passenger to touch anything, there’s glass-look trim in its place.

Naturally this screen setup is powered by cutting edge chips, can be personalised, and even spoken to. Elsewhere the old circular vents on either side have grown and now look like jets, there’s a new steering wheel, ambient lighting, an optional Burmester stereo, extra sound insulation and lots of trim packages designed to relieve your wallet and make your GLA pop.

Speaking of wallets, we do not yet have UK prices, but in Germany, ze new GLA starts from €48,599 for the 200, €54,978 for the 250+, and €58,107.70 for the 350 4Matic.