Images of Mercedes' new GLA electric vehicle (EV) leaked online a day ahead of its official unveiling.

Electrek, an electric-vehicle outlet, reported on July 28 local time that Mercedes plans to unveil the new GLA on July 29.

The GLA is the smallest and most price-accessible SUV in Mercedes' lineup. Mercedes is moving to a generational change for the GLA after the larger GLC and GLB. The key change is the name of the electric model. The combustion model keeps the GLA name, but the EV name is simplified to "GLA Electric" from EQA.

The leaked image was published by Spanish automotive outlet Cochespias. Only 1 photo was released, but changes to the front design can be seen. The front features a revised Mercedes grille, and the headlamps appear to include the brand's three-pointed star motif. Electrek noted the photo is not yet an official image but said it is likely to be the new model based on the exterior.

The vehicle underpinnings will also change. The new GLA EV is expected to use the MMA platform shared with the new CLA EV. Mercedes paired an 800-volt electrical system with an 85 kWh NMC battery pack on this platform. It will support ultra-fast charging, and driving range is expected to be at least 400 miles, or about 644 km, under the WLTP standard.

The interior has not yet been revealed, but a layout similar to the new CLA is likely to be used. A 14-inch infotainment screen will sit in the center, and a 10.24-inch instrument cluster will be fitted for the driver. A 14-inch passenger display is expected to be offered as an option. The infotainment runs on Mercedes' MB.OS operating system. Mercedes has previously introduced it as its first infotainment system integrating artificial intelligence from Microsoft and Google.

The powertrain is expected to follow a setup similar to the CLA. Mercedes is likely to offer the new GLA EV in 2 versions, the 250+ and the 350 4MATIC. The benchmarked CLA 250+ is rear-wheel drive and produces 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel drive 350 4MATIC delivers 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft.

The move also aligns with Mercedes' reorganisation of its EV lineup. Mercedes is moving away from its previous approach of giving separate names to EVs and is heading toward grouping combustion and electric models under a single model name. The GLA EV dropping the EQA name is part of the same shift.

Mercedes is expected to provide more detailed specifications at its unveiling event on July 29. Once battery efficiency, real-world range, charging speed and pricing policy are disclosed, its position in the entry electric SUV market is expected to become clearer.