Reviewed: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250e SUV
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The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 205 e costs from $93,200. Photos: Liz Dobson/Mercedes
The GLA model is popular with New Zealanders wanting a smaller version of the Mercedes-Benz SUVs but not giving up the technology and luxury feel.
Now Mercedes-Benz has added the 2026 GLA 250 e to its line-up with the SUV offering a plug-in hybrid technology, premium design and genuine electric-only capability.
With a WLTP-tested electric range of up to 65 km, the GLA 250 e enables everyday trips to be completed using purely electric power. When more range is required, the 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine with 120 kW output ensures seamless transitions and extended travel.
The GLA 250 e keeps up the premium interior.
In reality, most Auckland commuters could complete their daily drive entirely on electricity if they charge regularly at home or work.
The 250e sits price-wise halfway in the five-model GLA line-up, with the 200 priced from $78,000 and topping off with $114,900 for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC. The 250e costs from $93,200.
Visually, the GLA 250 e strikes a clever balance between city-friendly compactness and premium SUV styling.
It is still relatively small by SUV standards, but the proportions are much better than before. The higher roofline, upright stance and wider track give it a genuine SUV presence, while the smooth surfacing and flowing body lines keep it elegant rather than rugged.
The GLA 250 e has an electric range of up to 65 km.
At the front, the grille and LED daytime running lights now mirror the styling language seen across newer Mercedes models.
Inside, the GLA 250 e feels unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. The cabin design is dominated by the twin-screen layout that merges the digital driver display and infotainment screen into one seamless panel.
Even several years after its introduction, the dashboard still looks modern and expensive. Ambient lighting, turbine-style air vents and metallic trim create a cabin atmosphere that many competitors still struggle to match.
Mercedes has also managed to make the GLA feel larger inside than its compact footprint suggests. Front-seat comfort is excellent, and rear passenger space is respectable for a small luxury SUV.
The boot is slightly compromised by the hybrid battery placement, but it remains practical enough for daily family use. The facelift has also improved software functionality and smartphone connectivity.
What makes the GLA 250 e special, however, is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is not merely a fuel-saving version of the standard GLA — it fundamentally changes how the vehicle can be used day-to-day.
Around town, the GLA moves away silently and smoothly, giving it a refined character that suits the Mercedes badge. Instant electric torque makes the car feel quicker off the line than the numbers suggest, while transitions between electric and petrol power are generally smooth.
The grille and LED daytime running lights mirrors the Mercedes SUV range.
Performance is strong rather than outright sporty. A 0-100km/h time of around 7.9 seconds is brisk for this class, and overtaking performance feels effortless thanks to the hybrid system’s torque delivery. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission works well most of the time, although it can occasionally hesitate at lower speeds.
Handling is similarly well judged. The GLA 250 e is not designed to be a sharp driver’s SUV like a BMW X1, but it delivers secure and confident road manners. Steering is light yet accurate, and the suspension strikes an excellent compromise between comfort and body control.
That softer edge actually suits New Zealand roads well. The GLA absorbs poor urban surfaces impressively, making it a comfortable long-distance cruiser while still maintaining enough composure through corners to feel premium. The added battery weight does increase overall mass, but it also lowers the centre of gravity slightly, which helps stability.
It is still relatively small by SUV standards, but the proportions are much better than before.
My main issue was that once you used the electric range, the hybrid option held the revs too long, while the sports mode was too powerful for around town, so instead I used the Battery Holdoption.
Another concern was that the steering is cautious and more comfort-focused than sporty. But most buyers in this segment prioritise refinement and efficiency over outright cornering precision.
In New Zealand, the GLA 250 e competes in an increasingly crowded premium compact SUV segment. Its main rivals include the BMW X1 xDrive30e, Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid.
