The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is the smallest crossover SUV in the brand’s lineup, and its curvy styling and low profile make it look as much like a hatchback as a cute ‘ute. It competes with the BMW X2, the Audi Q3, and the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
While a new GLA is right around the corner, the second-generation model returns for 2026 with some new styling packages to keep it fresh. For no extra cost, shoppers can opt for an AMG Line Lite to get 19-inch AMG wheels and a rear spoiler. A $1,950 Midnight Edition also co-ops parts from the brand’s performance arm with 20-inch AMG wheels and black exterior accents. A $1,500 Sun and Sound package bundles a panoramic sunroof and a 10-speaker sound system.
The actual AMG GLA can be had with a new Design Package Plus, featuring Alpine Grey paint and the gloss-black accents of the Night Package Plus, in addition to 19-inch AMG wheels and red AMG brake calipers.
Design
The subcompact crossover sports big design elements that make it appear larger. A curved roof and rounded ends offer a sportier profile than the boxy, more traditional SUV shape of the related GLB crossover. Trim lines alter the lower grille and air intakes, but most GLAs have a pixelated-looking grille with a central bar that runs through a big Mercedes badge, evoking aviation themes.
Those themes carry over to the aging but still stylish interior. Circular vents flank the long slab of a dash, and three central vents split the integrated touchscreen from the climate panel. In this iteration, Mercedes goes easy on the screens and uses ambient lighting and flashy metallic trim to take attention away from some of its entry-level plastics.
Powertrain
The GLA uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to assist off the line and overcome any lag from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is tuned several ways. The base GLA 250’s engine makes 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s light on its feet but not as quick as it looks. The standard eight-speed automatic shifts quickly, and the various drive modes delay or hasten the shifts to provide more power or for greater efficiency. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is a $2,000 option.
For more spirited performance, step up to the AMG GLA 35 with standard AWD. The engine is tuned to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft, good for a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.1 seconds, according to Mercedes. That’s at least 1.5 seconds quicker than the GLA 250.
The mild-hybrid system also helps with fuel economy. The GLA 250 has an EPA estimate of 26 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined. Adding 4Matic AWD doesn’t hurt efficiency much, with a rating of 25 mpg city, 33 highway, and 28 combined. The AMG GLA 35 returns 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined. The GLA-Class requires premium fuel.
Interior
Trims for the GLA-Class include base, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Otherwise, it’s based on the powertrain: GLA 250, GLA 250 4Matic, or AMG GLA 35. The options packages are the confusing part. Standard equipment on the GLA 250 includes synthetic leather upholstery, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, four USB ports, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats.
Opting for the $1,600 Exclusive trim adds keyless start, 64-way ambient lighting, wireless device charging, active park assist, and biometric authentication that uses fingerprint, voice, or facial recognition to activate driver profiles and other stored information.
The $5,400 Pinnacle trim includes those features and adds a panoramic sunroof, dynamic LED headlights, navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and other interior lighting elements.
Technology
Every GLA comes with dual 10.25-inch displays under a single pane of glass. The steering wheel sliders can be finicky to toggle through as you scan the display options in the digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen portion curves toward the driver for easier ergonomics, and it includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The latest iteration of the MBUX infotainment system has good responsiveness to “Hey, Mercedes…” voice prompts so you can keep your hands on the wheel.
