New Locally-Assembled GLA By Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM)

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has unveiled two locally-assembled GLA variants during a grand launching session at the Kuala Lumpur Performing art centre (KLPac), with a starting price of RM 232,379.

The locally assembled GLA was launched alongside the CKD A-Class Sedan, with the H247 debuting in the same two variants as the CBU variants introduced here last December, namely the GLA 200 Progressive Line and the GLA 250 AMG Line.

In terms of pricing, both cars had become cheaper due to local assembly, and they maintained the equipment levels as the imported versions. The GLA 200 Progressive Line is currently priced at RM232,379 (on-the-road without insurance), while the GLA 250 AMG Line goes for RM266,164, with the sales and service tax (SST) exemption that is in place until the end of the year.

The event started with a magnificent performance by local artists entitled ‘There’s something about M’. The audience was served with great vocals and acting before ‘M’ (Mercedes-Benz) was officially revealed on the grand stage. 

So, what makes this ‘M’ stand in its own class as a luxurious ride?

As for the engine, nothing much has been changed or improved. There are two engine options available for the car. The GLA 200 is fitted with a Renault-sourced M282 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder mill that offers 161 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,620 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a 210 km/h top speed.

As for the GLA 250, it is driven by the automaker’s M260 2.0-litre engine, with 222 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm in the way of output. Working together with an eight-speed DCT, the unit gets the car to 100 km/h from standstill in 6.9 seconds and has a 240 km/h top speed. Unlike the previous-gen GLA 250, this one doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive system.

Both GLA 200 and GLA 250 are equipped with LED High-Performance headlights, a mirror package and aluminium roof rails. The GLA 200 gets a Progressive Line exterior and rides on 18-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels. At the same time, the GLA 250 features AMG Line body styling that caught our attention, such as a front spoiler, gloss black trim and a trapezoidal grille with chrome pins and retains the two-tone 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels.

Other standard equipments are Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system with twin 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment displays, keyless entry, push-button start, parking assist, a reverse camera, a Light and Sight package, a hands-free powered tailgate and power-adjustable front seats with memory.

Variant specific kit on the GLA 200 includes a Comfort suspension, Comfort seats and spiral-look trim elements, and the CKD version adds on front fog lamps to the kitbag. The GLA 250 AMG Line gets a lowered Comfort suspension, while the interior features Sports front seats and light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim.

Also, there’s the flat-bottomed steering wheel, paddle shifters found on the said variant, and AMG illuminated treadplates, as well as a remote engine start function.