Driven: Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line

The second-gen (H247) Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line debuted locally last year with several minor changes inside and out.

So What’s New Here?

Introduced locally last year, the refreshed second-gen (H247) Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover in 250 4Matic AMG Line guise couldn’t arrive any sooner. Against the other three variants that from the full GLA line-up, the 250 guise featured arguably remains an ‘ideal’ choice for many.

Key to this are the light upgrades and tweaks endowed into this refreshed 2024/2025 model year version, which continues to roll off the line locally from the marque’s plant in Pekan, Pahang, thus its ‘CKD’ status, which also perhaps explains its price too.

The 250-guise denotes this posh crossover's status as a mid-specced offering, whereas newly added 4Matic badge signals this variant's adoption of all-wheel-drive (AWD).

One big change to note lies under the hood as this variant’s 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol heart gets beefed up with a new mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, as well as the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) suite – the latter being absent in the pre-facelift version this new one replaces.

This being a mid-cycle refresh, aesthetic changes inside and our are minimal to say the least, though we reckon some of which are very much welcomed. Otherwise, little else has changed, and that’s perhaps not entirely a bad thing for this small, posh and punchy crossover.

Revised LED DRLs in the all-LED headlights is one change shared across the entire GLA model range.

It Does Look Quite Handsome

Agreed. Perhaps that’s the desired effect from the AMG Line treatment primed inside and out. Versus the ‘basic’ GLA 200 variant slotted below, this mid-specced guise has a more desirable and sportier stance mirroring the pricier AMG-badged 35- and 45-series performance variants slotted above it.

Key highlights outside include 19-inch AMG five-split-spoke alloy wheels, the sport cross-drilled front brake rotors, and the distinctively sportier AMG Line front and rear bumpers combo. By the way, all of these come on top of the GLA range’s restyled all-LED head- and taillights.

AMG Line brings arguably sportier rolling stock plus more aggressive front and rear bumper combination. The LED taillight graphics, on the other hand, remains unchanged.

Changes are equally minimal on board, though AMG Line does sees this mid-specced offering gain sporty and plush power-adjustable AMG sports seats wrapped in faux leather and microfibre combination upholstery.

Step inside and you’ll find a pair of snug yet plush AMG power-adjustable front sports seats wrapped in a combination of faux-leather and microfibre. Elsewhere, you’ll find tasty brushed aluminium cabin décor, shiny alloy pedals, black headliner, as well as illuminated side-sill scuff plates.

As you can guess, the AMG Line’s extras detailed all come on top of basic interior changes. The latter sees a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, redesigned centre stack with the annoying MBUX touchpad control now deleted, and lightly updated dual 10.25-inch digital displays.

Overall, if you liked how the pre-facelift GLA model looked and felt, you’ll certain find little faults in this refresh. Moreover, the news gets better once you thumb the start button, pull the shifter stalk into D, and get it going. Here’s where this mid-specced guise’s real merits shine.

Minor changes done to the powertrain and chassis have indeed gone a long way at further refining the GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line's ride and handling.

Has The Drive Improved?

Yes. Starting with pep, the new MHEV system mentioned brings an extra 14 PS and 150 NM boost granted by its 48-volt belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) felt very welcoming. Whilst the base 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol lump wasn’t lacking punch or grunt, added mild electrification has helped refine things.

Compared to pre-facelift version’s non-MHEV heart, this new one is smoother in delivery, and it offers easier, more rounded control across in entire rev range. Additionally, it’s also a much easier mill to coast at high speeds with – in a sense, it’s more Germanic than ever here.

For 2025, the GLA 250 sees its powertrain gain an added MHEV system that delivers  much more rounded and refine performance.

What remains slick is the 8-speed dual-clutch (DCT) box paired with the mill derailed. Certainly, the added 4Matic AWD suite also seamlessly brings more traction and grip into this crossover’s drive dynamics, which easily offsets any concerns of new driveline’s added weight.

Surely, the ability to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 6.8 secs and hit a capped V-max of 240 KM/H is plenty fast enough for most. Having said pep, plus the ability to sip as low as 7.5 litres/100 KM of fuel on average? This is yet another bonus of the newly added MHEV system detailed.

As for ride and handling, this lifted crossover’s long-travel springs and dampers primed at each corner predictably felt adept and versatile enough to handle the Klang Valley’s typically imperfect asphalt. Just don’t expect sharp, corner-carving guile as its lowered, booted A250 Sedan twin.

While it does not boast the largest cabin and luggage real estate in segment, the GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line still packs plenty of conveniences such as a powered tailgate function.

Are There Any Other Quirks?

Yes, but only a few, and they’re mostly predictable. We’ll skip the obvious, like how this second-gen GLA is still not class-leading in terms of cabin and luggage real-estate, and focus on some of the more jarring omissions instead.

Surprisingly, what is absent here are both Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane-keeping assist (LKA) – features now seemingly common in cheaper and larger but less ‘prestigious’ Sino-badged alternatives.

Having both these Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) features mentioned would have at least ‘completed’ this crossover’s safety package - it’s already brimmed with both Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) from the get go.

Despite having both FCW and AEB primed as standard, the GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line does lack in several ADAS packages - features common in larger, cheaper but 'less prestigious' Sino-branded alternatives.

What's good though is the presence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Control over which is made easier too via the touchscreen following the deletion of the cumbersome MBUX touchpad in the centre console.

What Does It Get Right?

Well, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for a start, followed a respectably crisp-sounding six-speaker audio suite, a newly added wireless smartphone charging pad, keyless entry and ignition, as well as a powered tailgate function.

Notably, basic safety is covered well by seven airbags and ISOFIX childseat anchors, amongst other things. However, we’ll be the first admit that we’d perhaps happily trade the 64-colour cabin ambient lighting suite for the missing ADAS features noted, or a 360-degree parking camera at least.

Otherwise, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line has covered all its angles well, and this perhaps ought to somewhat help justify its seemingly premium price tag…

The 64-colour cabin ambient lighting suite is rather novel, but we'd happily trade it for the missing ADAS features noted, and perhaps an upgrade to a 360-degree parking camera too.

Rolling off the line from MBM's plant in Pekan, Pahang, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line commands a price tag of RM295,888.

What’s The Cost? And Should I?

RM295,888 sans insurance is a hefty price for most indeed, especially considering the small size and somewhat low kit count this posh crossover with the coveted three-point star emblem has versus premium segment peers, as well as other similarly-priced alternatives.

However, it’s clear that many of the latter simply lack the style, prestige and Germanic drive dynamics possessed by the refreshed GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line featured. Against its peers, perhaps the marque’s impeccable after-sales service quality should seal the deal for many.

Included in the stated price is MBM's usual four-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage.

If it eases your mind even further, said price does also include a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage to boot. 

Overall, the refreshed GLA 250 4Matic AMG Line has certainly carved its own niche to woo those who don’t mind paying extra for something with a little more style, sophistication, tech and luxe. You would too, right?

SPECIFICATIONS

MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 250 4MATIC AMG LINE

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