This special edition brings with it bits of black and a bit more kit to the baby SUV in the Mercedes-Benz range.
Coming rather coincidentally on the day of a lunar eclipse, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the GLA Nightfall Edition to our market. This special specification is available on both the base GLA 200 and the higher-end GLA 250, priced at RM258,888 and RM295,888 respectively.
Now as its name rather unsubtly suggests, the Nightfall Edition brings with it the Night Package to the GLA, which sees a swathe of exterior trim finished in gloss black. The grille bar, front lip spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper inserts are all darkened, as are the door mirrors, roof rails and exhaust finishers. Even the alloys follow suit too, with gloss black wheels fitted as standard on this small SUV: 19-inch five-split-spoke AMG items on the 200, while the 250 rides on larger 20-inch multi-spoke rollers.
Incidentally, the entry-level 200 benefits further by adopting the sportier AMG Line package as well, replacing the previously more restrained Progressive Line appearance. This swaps in a more aggressive front apron, a diffuser-style rear bumper treatment and the requisite AMG detailing to help it look as quick as its posher 250 sibling. The GLA 250 nevertheless continues to differentiate itself with a newly-upgraded set of Multibeam LED matrix projector headlights, replacing the simpler LED reflector units still found on the GLA 200, to quite literally split the night.
Moving along inside, with the addition of the AMG Line trim, the GLA 200 now gains Artico faux leather and microfibre upholstery, an AMG Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports seats, brushed aluminium trim, alloy pedals and a black headlining. Both variants in turn also now come standard with Thermotronic dual-zone automatic climate control and a 360-degree camera system, ensuring all occupants feel just as cool and composed as the Nightfall theme implies.
In any case, beyond these enhancements, the equipment list remains largely unchanged and still rather generous. Highlights include twin 10.25-inch displays running the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats with memory, 64-colour ambient lighting, a hands-free powered tailgate and a Qi wireless charging pad.
Under the bonnet, the GLA 200 continues with its Renault-derived 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 163 PS and 250 Nm. Drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The GLA 250 meanwhile features a Mercedes-Benz 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 224 PS and 350 Nm. This is to be supplemented further by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system providing an additional 14 PS and 150 Nm under acceleration, with all that power then being channelled through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels via 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Finally, safety-wise, both variants are equipped with seven airbags, stability control and a suite of driver assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, a door opening warning function, driver attention assist and automatic high beam. The GLA 250 further adds adaptive high beam functionality and comes with the necessary hardware for Distronic adaptive cruise control pre-installed…though somewhat frustratingly, a paid subscription is required for activation of the latter feature (which some may well argue borders on daylight robbery…)
