Before we say goodbye to the most extraordinary year we’ve experienced in recent times, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has given us one last surprise to wrap up the year – and it’s the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA in Malaysia.
Available in two variants – GLA 200 and GLA 250 – the latest baby of the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up in Malaysia starts at RM244k, on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions in place until the end of 2020.
Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, you’ll find a 1.33-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.
For those looking for a little more poke in their crossovers, the GLA 250 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, which pushes out 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque. You also get an extra gear ratio on the GLA 250’s dual-clutch transmission (8G-DCT), and a faster 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds, onward to a top speed of 240 km/h.
In terms of equipment, the higher-end GLA 250 gets an additional Direct Steer variable-ratio steering set-up, a lowered comfort suspension, alongside a blind-spot monitor in addition to the usual safety kit. Otherwise, the two variants are very similarly equipped; most of the differences are on the aesthetic side of things.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 gets a Progressive Line exterior body kit which looks a little more subtle, while the AMG Line kit on the GLA 250 is – as the name suggests – sportier and looks a lot more aggressive. You’ll also get 19-inch AMG-styled wheels on the GLA 250, while the entry-level GLA 200 only gets 18-inch items.
Inside, the AMG Line treatment on the GLA 250 includes the Sport Seats wrapped in Dinamica microfibre, galvanised aluminium pedal shifters, AMG door sill plate with illuminated ‘AMG’ lettering, as well as AMG floor mats. Aside from those, the two variants are very similarly equipped, featuring the dual 10.25-inch screens running on the MBUX system.
For a full rundown of all the specifications for both variants, be sure to check out our launch coverage here. Following the announcement of the sales-tax exemptions, for the full updated price list of all Mercedes-Benz models here in Malaysia, click here.
