Two variants of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover has recently made its local debut.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has recently launched the all-new GLA compact crossover here in Malaysia. Having launched globally almost a year ago, this second generation model is marks a significant refresh to the marque’s smallest and most affordable crossover offering locally.
Growing in height (+10 cm) yet shrinking in length (-14 cm), this new baby Benz crossover sports a more SUV-esque aesthetic as compared to the jacked-up hatchback design of its predecessor. This all-new GLA sports a cleaner, curvier exterior aesthetic too from the outgoing model, bringing it more in line with the current refreshed Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Hints of A-Class can be found round the back, with those menacing triangular LED tail lights. Up front meanwhile, the large grille and the sloping LED headlight combination does make the GLA look strikingly similar to the discontinued X-Class pickup truck. Though it has to be it does indeed add to the rugged look of this compact crossover, of which it is completed with plastic body cladding down the sides and round the back.
Stepping inside, despite the decrease in length, Mercedes claims greater interior volume thanks to clever packaging. Rear leg room for this compact crossover is now touted to be 114 mm longer than the outgoing model. The boot space too has grown in similar proportions too, growing by 14 litres to 435-litres. Just to cap off the practicality side of things, a 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench is standard.
As for the interior itself, the new GLA shares much the same dashboard design as the B-Class MPV, complete with a conjoined twin-10.25 inch digital instrument cluster and central infotainment touchscreen. Running on the current-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), “Hey Mercedes” voice control system is standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Thus far, two variants have made its official debut locally, them being the GLA 200 Progressive Line and the GLA 250 AMG Line. Starting with the former, the GLA 200 is powered by a 1.3 litre turbo petrol four-cylinder that is rated at 163 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 0 – 100 km/h sprint is achieved in a reasonable 8.7 seconds with a claimed top speed of 210 km/h.
Moving on to the GLA 250 AMG Line, a larger 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder now resides under the hood. Outputting 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque, it is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that also only drives the front wheels. The 0-100 km/h time for this particular variant is recorded to be a healthier 6.9 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 240 km/h.
Much like any premium car these days, both variants are reasonably equipped with the usual laundry list of standard equipment. These include keyless go, rain sensing wipers, electric front seats, a powered tailgate, a reversing camera and THERMATIC automatic climate control.
Being the sportier premium offering of the duo however, the GLA 250 AMG Line does gain some additional features over the basic GLA 200 variant. The most notable of which on the outside is perhaps the 10 mm drop in ride height and its 19-inch alloy wheels. Other add-ons worth mentioning on the interior of this particular variant are the flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium interior accents, paddle shifters and the 64-colour interior ambient lighting.
Prices for the both locally-assembled GLA 200 Progressive Line and the GLA 250 AMG Line trim levels currently stands at RM 244,199.82 and RM 285,336.66, thanks sales tax exemption that lasts till the end of the year. Beginning from the new year however, prices will then rise to RM 252,888.00 and RM 295,888.00 respectively.
For further information on both cars, the full breakdown of each spec is listed down below:
GLA 200 Progressive Line
Price (OTR w/o insurance)
- 2020: RM244,199.82
- 2021: RM252,888.00
Transmission & Technology
- 1.3L 4-cylinder petrol engine
- 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds
- Comfort Suspension
- DYNAMIC SELECT
Exterior Features
- 45.7cm (18-inch) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
- Mirror package
- Aluminium roof rails
- Auto dimming interior mirror and driver’s exterior mirror
- Electrically folding exterior mirrors
- LED High Performance headlamps
- Progressive Line Exterior
- Windscreen wipers with rain sensor
Comfort & Interior Features
- 4-way lumbar support
- Comfort Seats
- Double cup holder
- Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
- Folding rear seat backrests
- Leather multifunction sports steering wheel
- Light and Sight package
- Load compartment package
- Stowage compartment in centre console with retractable cover
- Spiral-look trim elements
- Shoulder trim strip in chrome look finish
- Roof liner in black fabric
- THERMATIC automatic climate control
- Velour floor mats
Safety & Assistance Package
- Active Brake Assist
- Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Anti-Theft Protection package
- Cruise Control
- EASY-PACK tailgate
- HANDS FREE ACCESS
- KEYLESS-GO Package
- Kneebag
- PRE-SAFE® system
- Rear seat belt status indicator
- Parking package with reversing camera
- Reverse camera
- TIREFIT
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Interior monitoring system
Multimedia System
- All digital instrument display
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes me connect services
- Extended MBUX functions
- Live Traffic Information
- MBUX Multimedia system
- Media display
- Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
- Touchpad without Controller
GLA 250 AMG Line
Price (OTR w/o insurance)
- 2020: RM285,336.66
- 2021: RM295,888.00
Transmission & Technology
- 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine
- 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds
- Lowered Comfort Suspension
- Direct-Steer system
- DYNAMIC SELECT
Exterior Features
- AMG Line
- 19-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
- Mirror package
- Aluminium roof rails
- Auto dimming interior mirror and driver’s exterior mirror
- Electrically folding exterior mirrors
- LED High Performance headlamps
- Windscreen wipers with rain sensor
Comfort & Interior Features
- 4-way lumbar support
- Sports Seats
- Double cup holder
- Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function
- Folding rear seat backrests
- Multifunction sport steering wheel in nappa leather
- Light and Sight package
- Stowage compartment in centre console with retractable cover
- Light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim
- Roof liner in black fabric
- Galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles
- Ambient lighting
- THERMATIC automatic climate control
- AMG door sill panels with “AMG” lettering, illuminated
- AMG floor mats
Safety & Assistance Package
- Active brake assist
- Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Anti-Theft Protection package
- Blind spot assist
- Cruise Control
- EASY-PACK tailgate
- HANDS FREE ACCESS
- KEYLESS-GO Package
- Kneebag
- PRE-SAFE® system
- Rear seat belt status indicator
- Parking package with reversing camera
- Reverse camera
- TIREFIT
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Interior monitoring system
Multimedia System
- All digital instrument display
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes me connect services
- Extended MBUX functions
- Hard disc navigation
- Remote Engine Start
- Live Traffic Information
- MBUX Multimedia system
- Media display
- Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
- Touchpad without Controller
