Mercedes-Benz Malaysia welcomes two additions to its GLA premium SUV line up—and they’re powerful

It’s easy to see how Mercedes-Benz has become one of the most desired luxury vehicles in the nation. Be it the brand’s reputation for motoring development and technology to the luxurious exterior of the vehicle and comfort experienced from within. The Mercedes-Benz is in itself an entity, then there is the GLA. Making its first appearance in 2013, the GLA revolutionised the power of engine strength capability and broke ground with its advancement in connecting machine to smartphone, as well as its state of the art safety systems.

Now, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA has finally reached Malaysian shores. This second-generation GLA comes in two variants and features four-cylinder engines, each redefined and revolutionised for the new edition of the compact SUV series. Comprised of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, the duo now becomes the eighth model to join the brand’s successful premium SUV line-up and bear all the exclusive hallmarks of their predecessors. This model is ideal for just about anyone—be it living on an isolated hillside or within a busy city—because it combines the elements of a compact car and an SUV. Not to sound cliché, but it is the best of both worlds.

Let’s start with the GLA 200. You’ll find it reaches a top speed of up to 210 km/h with the help of its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. A maximum torque (the engine’s rotational force) of 250 Nm allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. Some of its key exterior features include its LED high-performance headlamps that are perfect for driving at night and an automated rain sensor windscreen wiper because, why not? Focusing on the road during a storm is hard enough.

Then we get to the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. It is powered by the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with the 8G-DCT automatic transmission which allows this beauty to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 240 km/h. You’ll also notice electronically adjustable front seats with a memory function as well as a storage compartment in the centre console with a retractable cover that is perhaps the best place for all your SmartTag-storing woes.

When it comes to protection, the driving assistance systems of the GLA provide one of the highest standards of active safety in the compact car segment. The Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning, for example, warns the passenger of vehicles in the danger area, including bicycles. When the vehicle is stationary, it can signal to the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror that there’s an incoming vehicle and therefore, warning passengers before alighting. This is a first for the GLA series. This action helps prevent accidents even when a car isn’t in motion and is especially ideal for parents wrangling their hyperactive children out of the car. Other safety and assistance systems include the Pre-Safe System, the Anti-theft alarm system and the Anti-theft protection package. These features along with the Parking Assist ensure the safety of the people inside the car as well as others around it.

Featured in both the GLA 200 and GLA 250 models is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). MBUX can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options and are easily connected to both Apple and Android users. The MBUX, along with Me Connect features provide the perfect personal companion on the road. The Multimedia system even updates the driver on live traffic information, a perfect solution so as to not rely on your smartphone while driving.

The interior sees an increase of space with 20cm more legroom from its predecessor as well as being more than ten centimetres taller in height. Taller drivers can rejoice with more headroom allowed from the higher seating position. A four-way lumbar support combined with a classic leather multifunction sports steering wheel is the perfect sporty finish. Not to forget, there’s a double cup holder so you don’t spill on your leather seats.

The rear seat backrest can be split 40:20:40, with each section folding down individually. Passengers in the back no longer have to cramp up with more generous legroom in the rear, an essential part of those long drives Malaysians might take returning to their hometown during this time of the year.

The progressive features of the GLA are designed for the harsh terrain of the wilderness, while its sporty functionality is well adjusted for the streets of the suburbs and manoeuvering through city roads. The GLA is aerodynamic with a powerful shoulder that as Michael Jopp, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia says, “allows the car to cut through air like a knife through butter”.

The GLA 200 is equipped in Progressive Line with 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and comes in four colours: Polar White, Night Black, Cosmos Black and Mountain Grey.

The GLA 250 is equipped with AMG Line bodystyling and is available in five colors which are Digital White, Iridium Silver, Denim Blue, Cosmos Black and Mountain Grey. The new GLA has a powerful proportion in a compact size that combines convenience and comfort with a sporty character and design. What are your thoughts on Mercedes-Benz’s latest addition to its line up in Malaysia?

The GLA 200 Progressive Line is priced at RM244,200 on-the-road without insurance, while the GLA 250 AMG Line retails at RM285,337.

Vehicles registered after January 31 will cost RM252,888 and RM295,888 respectively.

For more information, visit this website.