Mercedes-Benz has recently taken the wraps off a new and improved look for its GLA compact SUV. Offered in three variants, the GLA 200, the GLA 250 4MATIC and the hard core version, Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC, the compact SUV receives a host of new exterior and interior upgrades, as well as an improved list of specifications suited for the Malaysian market.
Mercedes-Benz says the new Generation GLA is now all grown up featuring modified bumpers, additional light-alloy wheels and a new attractive colour called canyon beige (pictured below).
With a newly introduced off-road suspension (for the GLA 200 Urban Line and GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line) and many more on-and off-road characteristics, the compact SUV is now geared better than ever to tread all situations.
The GLA 200 is equipped with the Urban line, offering 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels in matt black with a high-sheen finish. The Night Package offers selected design features in black – from the two louvres in the radiator grille through exterior mirrors and light-alloy wheels to the simulated underguard.
The AMG Line on the GLA 250 4MATIC on the other hand can be characterized by powerful AMG bodystyling, a radiator grille with two louvres painted in silver and chrome inserts, and also the twin-pipe sports exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements integrated into the bumper. Its 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, perforated brake disks at the front and brake callipers at the front with Mercedes-Benz lettering round off the striking exterior.
The characteristic distinguishing feature of the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is the sharpened front section. The front apron was given an even more dynamic shape, new air intake grilles, a front splitter insert plus flics in high-gloss black. These guide the cooling air flows to the vehicle radiators even more effectively. The twin louvre on the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille is now in silver chrome, as are the inserts in the side sill panels. Eye-catching features at the tail end are the new diffuser insert in the rear apron, the trim in high gloss black and the new spoiler lip on the roof spoiler. It helps improve the driving dynamics of the SUV. 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels complete its overall looks.
Inside the cabin, several improvements found includes new seat covers and trim parts as well as chromed control panels. The free-standing 20.3cm media display is familiarly slim and is easily legible, as are the new dials with red needles. The controls for switches on the electric seat adjustment in the doors have been given small yet effective highlights and the stowage compartment in the centre console is also surrounded by a chrome frame.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC’s interior has been similarly upgraded. The dashboard is covered as standard with ARTICO man-made leather and has been given exclusive highlights with red contrasting topstitching. A further highlight is the generously sized trim, extending over virtually the entire width of the car: its fundamental structure is printed matt with a high-gloss surface and it bears AMG lettering. The instrument cluster has been given a new number design and the speedometer is divided into 30 km/h stages. New needles with a black needle centre and the chrome frame around the gear display also ensure an autonomous cockpit experience.
Performance stays the same. The base 1.6-litre engine found in the GLA 200 trim still produces 156hp and 250 Nm of torque. With the standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped, it makes for a 0-100km/h time of 8.1 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 215 km/h.
Unlike the GLA 200’s 1.6-litre engine however, the GLA 250 4MATIC feature a 2.0-litre engine with 211hp and 350 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 7G-DCT automatic transmission. As a result, the GLA 250 4MATIC accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds before reaching am electronically limited top speed of 230km/h.
If more speed is you want, then opt for the GLA 45 4MATIC. Its 2.0-litre AMG inline-four pumps out a hearty 381hp and 475Nm of torque, propelling it to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
In terms of safety, the GLA has the “Active Brake Assist” as standard where it warns the driver if there is not sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking. If the system detects that the driver is reacting too late, it initiates autonomous braking in order to prevent the collision or minimise the consequences. Another safety highlight is called the “Attention Assist” where it can detect typical signs of drowsiness via the steering behaviour and warn the driver about an impending microsleep.
The new generation Mercedes-Benz GLA at a glance:
| Model | GLA 200 | GLA 250 4MATIC | GLA 45 4MATIC |
| Number of cyl./ arrangement |
4 in-line | 4 in-line | 4 in-line |
| Displacement (cc) | 1595 | 1991 | 1991 |
| Rated output (kW/hp at rpm) |
115/156 at 5,300 |
155/211 at 5500 | 280/381 at 6000 |
| Rated torque (Nm at rpm) |
250 at 1250-4000 |
350 at 1200-4000 |
475 at 2250-5000 |
| Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km) | 5.8-5.6 | 6.6 – 6.5 | 7.4 |
| Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km) | 135 – 131 | 155 – 152 | 172 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) |
8.1 | 6.6 | 4.4 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 215 | 230 | 250 |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance)
*Price is inclusive of GST. |
RM 239,888
|
RM 269,888
|
RM 408,888
|
Simple and flexible way to finance the new GLA.
Mercedes-Benz Financial is offering two attractive financing packages for the new generation GLA. The attractive Hire Purchase Classic package starts from 1.88% to 2.28%* with tenure ranges from 3 to 7 years.
Mercedes-Benz Financial also offers flexible Agility Financing that comes with so many benefits. Agility Financing is a secure financing option for customers as the future value of the car is guaranteed by Mercedes-Benz.
With Agility Financing, customers enjoy cash flow flexibility. The instalment for five years Agility Financing plan based on 20,000km mileage per year, 10% downpayment for the GLA 200 Urban Line, is at RM3,235* per month which is lower compared to the conventional financing plan.At the end of the agreement, customer is in control with the options to settle or extend a financing contract or even return their vehicles and upgrade to newer models.
To find out more details about the finance packages, download the myMBFS app from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store to estimate the montly instalments for the GLA.
* Terms and conditions apply.
PHOTO GALLERY – MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 45 4MATIC
PHOTO GALLERY – MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 250 4MATIC
PHOTO GALLERY – MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 200
