Mercedes-Benz has introduced the latest iteration of the GLA in Malaysia. The entry-level model in the automaker’s SUV range arrives in two variants: the GLA 200 Progressive Line and the GLA 250 AMG Line.
The Stuttgart automaker’s latest compact car now certainly looks the part of a proper SUV with the models boasting an increased height of 10cm compared to the previous generation and it has a length of 4.41m, which makes it the shortest vehicle from the current Mercedes-Benz portfolio. It is even shorter than the A-class hatchback but just marginally.
At the front of the SUV, you will find a large radiator grille featuring a single louvre and a central star, complemented by a pair of LED headlights. Both models come with a similar front bumper design, and they even come with a fake full-width air intake.
Along the side, the new GLA features coupé-like side profile that gives the car it’s dynamically elegant flair and offers an interesting play of light and shadows.
Towards the rear you will find the two-piece trapezoidal LED tailights are slimmer than the last version, using rectangular light guides. This is similar to the current generation A-class hatchback. The two models also come with integrated tailpipes.
On the inside, the new GLA offers an elevated seating position for both the driver and the front passenger that is higher and more upright like a typical SUV. Adding to that, Mercedes-Benz has added an extra 114mm of space in legroom for the rear seats, making it more spacious for the back row passengers. Unfortunately, the new GLA line comes standard with single-zone climate control and you don’t get rear air vents.
The two GLA models boast 435 litres of boot space, which is 14 litres more than the previous generation. The rear seat back rest can be split 40:20:40, with each section folding down individually.
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) dominates the dashboard with their twin 10.25″ instrument and infotainment system displays. It also comes with the latest generation of the Mercedes me connect feature along with the “Hey Mercedes” voice control system. The new GLA also comes with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for connecting your smartphone.
Apart from that, you get a host of other standard equipment including keyless entry, push button start, parking assist, hands-free powered tailgate and a reverse camera.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the new GLA comes standard with a host of driving assistance systems including Active Braking Assist, an autonomous braking system as well as Active Parking Assist with Parktronic. Another safety feature that is standard across the line is Pre-Safe plus, which can detect a potential rear impact, whereby it firmly applies the brakes of the vehicle to minimise the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.
The new GLA line comes with seven airbags, this consists of front passenger airbags, kneebags and window airbags. According to Mercedes-Benz, the window airbags cover both the first and second row seats.
GLA 200 Progressive Line
The GLA 200 features a sporty and progressive design. The front section flows over the A-pillar and the power domes on the bonnet give it added character. It also sports a chrome skid plate on the bottom of the front bumper. Besides that, the GLA 200 is equipped on 18″ 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Under the hood, the GLA 200 is powered by a M282 1.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is said to output 163PS at 5,550rpm and 250Nm of torque. It comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and is claimed to go from 0 -100km/h in 8.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210km/h.
For the interior, the GLA 200 comes with comfort seats that are complimented by Artico man-made leather upholstery.
GLA 250 AMG Line
If you prefer a sportier looking SUV, the GLA 250 might be more toward your style. It has a more aggressive appearance with its distinctive AMG-inspired grille. Apart from that, it also has a gloss black trim and trapezoidal grille with chrome pins.
The GLA 250 sports larger 19″ AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels to get around. Powering the GLA 250 is a M260 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is rated to deliver 224PS at 5,500 rpm and 350Nm of torque. The SUV comes with a new eight-speed DCT and can make the century sprint in 6.9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 240km/h.
On the inside, the GLA 250 comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The seats are complemented by Artico and Dinamica microfibre seats.
In terms of safety features, the GLA 250 comes with Blind Spot Assist system. The feature uses short-range radar sensors housed on both sides of the rear bumper to helps drivers change lanes safely. The system informs the driver by illuminating a red warning signal in the glass of the side mirror of approaching vehicles from the side. It even sounds a warning signal sound should the driver fail to see the warning.
There is also an exit warning function that signals to the driver with a visual warning of approaching vehicles or cyclists as they are about to climb out of the SUV.
Pricing and availability
Early bird buyers can grab the 2020 model and benefit from a 50% reduction in the sales and service tax (SST). Currently, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line is priced at RM244,200 on-the-road without insurance while the GLA 250 AMG Line retails at RM285,337.
Effective from 1 January 2021, the GLA 200 and GLA 250 will be priced at RM252,888 and RM295,888 respectively with SST. To put that in perspective, buyers enjoy savings of RM8,688 for the GLA 200 and RM10,551 for the GLA 250 should they buy the GLA models before 31 December 2020.
Both the GLA 200 and GLA 250 can be purchased via the EaseProtect Financing Plan from RM2,488 and RM2,888 per month respectively. For limited time only, buyers can enjoy a two month payment holiday with this offer which is valid until the end of the year.
The new GLA line comes fully imported from Germany and are offered with a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
For more information on the new GLA line visit the product page on Mercedes-Benz’s website.
