The Mercedes-Benz GLA was voted as the Premium Compact SUV of Malaysia at the inaugural 2018 Cars of Malaysia (COM) awards and we brought along the most exciting model in the GLA range, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC on the COM nationwide tour. However, even if you don’t opt for the full-blown AMG model, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC also has plenty to offer.
The GLA 250 wears the AMG exterior package as standard which adds a sporty touch to the compact SUV. The Night Package that adds black accents to the front lower apron, side mirror caps, roof rails, side skirt and rear diffuser inserts contrast against the paintwork for an added dose of athleticism.
If you’re wondering why the AMG five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels don’t fill up the wheel arches that’s because the GLA 250 comes with the Comfort Suspension which raises the ride height by 20 mm. The added benefit is it filters undulations much better than the GLA 45 and have the ability to take on some light off-roading.
While the cabin design is from an older era of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, that doesn’t mean it is not a nice place to be in. You still get plenty of bells and whistles such as powered front seats with memory function, 8.0-inch Media Display with Apple CarPay and Android Auto Connectivity, Artico leather with Dinamica microfibre upholstery with red contrast stitching and a powered tailgate.
The AMG interior package adds illuminated “AMG” door sills, AMG floor mats and AMG Sports Seats that adds a sporty flair to the cabin.
Like the GLA 45, the GLA 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and comes with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system – of course, that’s where the similarities end.
The GLA 250’s 2.0-litre blown mill commands 211 hp and 350 Nm, allowing it to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and will register a top speed of 230 km/h. The 4MATIC system adds a layer of surefootedness during slippery conditions and gives the GLA 250 better dynamics around the bends.
Judging publications of the 2018 Cars of Malaysia Awards scored the GLA 250 positively in the areas of price proposition, ride comfort and handling. The full breakdown of the scoring mechanism can be found here.
The GLA 250 offers style, practicality and performance in a compact package. It handles city driving remarkably well thanks to the Comfort Suspension and the increased ride height gives you a better forward view. But if you feel like taking the car out in a more dynamic fashion, its 211 hp and agile handling characteristic can still put a smile on your face.
All in all, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC is still an attractive package for those shopping for a Premium Compact SUV. While some may raise an eyebrow on its RM274,888 (OTR without insurance) price tag, do remember this is a fully imported model from Germany.
IMAGE GALLERY
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, Premium Compact SUV of Malaysia
