Generation history
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class generations and next redesign.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has been through 2 generations, starting in 2013 and 2019. The gaps were 6 years, an average of 6.0. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2019. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2024 through 2026, centered on 2025. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The second generation, introduced on 11 December 2019 at Mercedes media event, is revised from the previous generation. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model page.
Every generation
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|
| First generation | X156 | 2013–2019 | The production X156 GLA is closely based on the Concept GLA design and was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. |
|---|
| Second generation | H247 | 2019–present | The second generation, introduced on 11 December 2019 at Mercedes media event, is revised from the previous generation. |
|---|
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class spent 6.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 7 years old. Treat 2024 to 2026 as a range, not a date.
Source: Mercedes-Benz GLA (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class generation changed.
First generation, 2013 to 2019
The production X156 GLA is closely based on the Concept GLA design and was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Orders had been taken beginning from the end of November 2013, and arrived in dealer showrooms during 2014, with Japan and US in the autumn. At launch, Mercedes-Benz claimed the vehicle was the most aerodynamic in its segment, with a Cd figure of 0.29. The GLA's platform makes use of a strut-type front suspension and a multi-link rear setup, and an electric power steering.
Second generation, 2019 to today
The second generation, introduced on 11 December 2019 at Mercedes media event, is revised from the previous generation. The chassis number, 247, is shared with W247 B-Class and X247 GLB. The GLA uses the second generation MFA2 platform and completes the eight-model W177 A-Class compact based line-up. The H247 GLA is 15 mm (0.59 in) shorter in length, 10 mm (0.39 in) narrower, 104 mm (4.1 in) higher than the first-generation model, and the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm (1.2 in).
Generation notes adapted from Mercedes-Benz GLA (Wikipedia).
Today's Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class at a glance
- Production
- 2013–present
- Model years
- 2014–present
- Class
- Subcompact luxury crossover SUV (C)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4Matic)