Mercedes' Smallest SUV Unveils New Lighting Signature | Carscoops

      New hybrid GLA captured on camera featuring an LED loop around its star-shaped rear lights

      13 hours ago

      by Chris Chilton

      The next-generation hybrid GLA from Mercedes has been spotted up close.

      This mini crossover, set to launch in 2027, shares its platform with the CLA sedan and wagon.

      We have previously caught a glimpse of the electric GLA version, which is expected to debut in 2026.

      The CLA sedan that Mercedes introduced in March is just the beginning of several new small cars sporting the three-pointed star logo, all set to arrive in showrooms over the next five years. Two SUVs will emerge from the same advanced MMA platform; one will be the upcoming GLB, while the other is the GLA featured here.

      Related: New Mercedes GLB Spotted with Unique Tail Light Design

      Regular readers of Carscoops might remember that our spy photography team previously captured some long-range images of the electric GLA. However, this time they have photographed the hybrid version of the smaller SUV and managed to get close enough to uncover some intriguing details.

      Hybrid versus Electric Features

      While both the hybrid and electric GLA share the same overall body structure, the electric variant has a sealed grille, whereas the gasoline engine version has cooling openings to provide airflow to its radiator. We can’t see the grille directly, but it probably resembles the new design revealed earlier this month on the 2026 electric GLC at the Munich Motor Show.

      This prototype appears to also mimic the GLC’s headlight design, featuring a straight daytime running light strip positioned above a star-shaped LED. However, the rear lights are quite different. They also include star-design LEDs but are encircled by an LED loop that extends from the rear quarter panel onto the hatch, potentially spanning all the way across to the other side of the vehicle. This detail, which may be a brake light, wasn’t visible in the August images of the GLA EV, but we believe that both production models will incorporate it.

      Mercedes’ research and development team, as they did with the GLC testing, has applied substantial disguise under the camouflage wrap on both doors to conceal the body shape. It even appears they created a false outline for the rear light and a ridge beneath the rear window.

      Upon closer inspection of the images, we can spot a sliver of the actual panel at the gap between the hatch and rear quarter, confirming that the ridge is not present, which aligns with the design of the GLC.

      Upcoming Powertrain Options

      The electric GLA is anticipated to launch in 2026, and if it follows the setup of the CLA sedan, it will feature an 800-volt electrical system, delivering up to 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) in dual-motor, all-wheel-drive 350 4Matic versions.

      The hybrid variants, set to debut in 2027, will take a different approach. They will replace the previous configuration with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, 48-volt technology, and an electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Two-wheel-drive models could generate 161 hp (163 PS) to the front wheels, while 4Matic versions are expected to share 188 hp (190 PS) across both axles.