Mercedes has unveiled the new GLA compact SUV which incorporates the brand’s latest design language and electric powertrains.

The GLA is Mercedes’ smallest SUV and features a lower silhouette, a longer wheelbase, wider rear track and pronounced muscular shoulders to give it a bolder presence out on the road. It features a new iconic front grille with a chrome frame and smoked-glass-effect mesh structure with the Mercedes three-pointed emblem in the centre.

Inside, the cabin features lots of new materials and the centre piece focuses on the MBUX Superscreen spanning the entire dashboard width featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch central infotainment system and optional 14-inch passenger display screen.

Underneath, the GLA can be specced with a choice of two battery packs: a 58kWh set-up equipped with its rear-mounted 221bhp electric motor, while there is an 85kWh model, badged 250+, pumping out 286bhp and can travel up to a claimed 408 miles between charges. Early next year, a GLA 350 model will be added to the range which will be equipped with a 71kWh battery and dual electric motors.

Thanks to the car’s standard on-board 800-volt electrical system, the GLA Electric can be topped up at speeds of 320kW, allowing 167 miles of range to be added in just 10 minutes, according to Mercedes.

Later this year, a hybrid variant will join the GLA line-up with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 48-volt battery, boasting front or all-wheel drive setups.

Prices have not been revealed at this stage, though in Germany, the range starts from the equivalent of £35,000.