The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has been revealed, ushering in a new era for the German brand's best-selling small SUV with electric power, a larger footprint and a technology suite centred around artificial intelligence and connected-car functionality. Launching first with three battery-electric variants, the new GLA promises up to 657km of claimed range and ultra-fast charging capabilities thanks to its new 800-volt electrical architecture. Electrified petrol-powered variants will join the range from early 2027. As Mercedes-Benz's best-selling compact vehicle globally, it represents one of the brand's most significant tests yet of whether mainstream luxury buyers are prepared to embrace EV-first platforms, cloud-connected software and AI-powered vehicle experiences. While the brand has not explicitly detailed platform sharing in its reveal materials, the GLA's battery sizes, charging architecture, software ecosystem, AI functionality and electric drivetrains closely mirror those introduced by the recently launched CLA range. Mercedes-Benz claims a maximum WLTP driving range of 657km and says the 800-volt architecture can add up to 270km of driving range in 10 minutes at a compatible fast charger. The SUV has also grown in size, with additional passenger room and a larger cargo area than its predecessor. Inside, the optional MBUX Superscreen combines a 10.25-inch driver display with dual 14-inch screens, while the latest MBUX Virtual Assistant uses artificial intelligence from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini to answer questions, control vehicle functions and provide recommendations. The increasingly connected nature of modern vehicles is also becoming a focus for regulators and privacy advocates. Mercedes-Benz says the GLA's AI-powered systems can access information from multiple sources, including navigation, charging and parking data, while connected services help optimise route planning and other vehicle functions. As manufacturers introduce more sophisticated software and always-on connectivity, consumer advocates are calling for stronger privacy protections governing how vehicle-generated information is collected, stored