New Mercedes GLA 2026 Rendered: Electric Power, Hybrid Punch, Bold Design Changes

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is quietly stepping into its next chapter with familiar proportions and a much bolder face. Up front, the crossover wears a larger grille framed by headlamps that trace the brand’s star with light emitting diode signatures, a small detail that instantly feels premium. Retractable door handles clean up the side profile, while new wheels and tighter surfacing give it a more planted stance. The rear is the biggest surprise: near-square taillamp segments echo the “star” motif, tied together by a full-width light bar and a relocated license plate on the bumper for a wider, more modern look.
Underneath, the Mercedes Modular Architecture links the GLA to the new CLA family. Expect hybrid and fully electric choices, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the FAME family, paired with a 27-horsepower electric motor inside an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Electric variants should include a front-motor setup rated around 272 horsepower and 335 newton-meters, plus an all-wheel-drive two-motor version targeting 354 horsepower and 515 newton-meters. The world premiere is expected in 2026, with whispers that future gasoline engines could come from BMW.