FIRST LOOK: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA – see what’s new, disappointing, and what to expect for Malaysia

The new H247 Mercedes-Benz GLA has been quite a long one in the making, but it finally made its world premiere yesterday via digital livestream. Just two models form the introductory line-up, starting with the entry-level GLA 200, and it’s joined by the hotter GLA 35 4Matic.

Now, the new GLA is said to be more functional than its predecessor, and adding credence to that claim is the ballooned proportions. It’s over 100 mm taller than before (it gets 143 mm of ground clearance, nine millimetres more), and the rear legroom space is up by a staggering 114 mm. Boot space is also slightly bigger at 435 litres (up 14 litres), and the rear bench reclines by up to 14 degrees.

Okay, for engines, the GLA 200 uses the familiar M282 1.33 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine developed in conjunction with Renault, producing 163 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Together with a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and maxes out at 210 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is between 5.6 to 5.9 litres per 100 km on the NEDC cycle.

The intermediary GLA 250 4Matic has yet to be announced, so next in the range is the AMG GLA 35 4Matic, which comes equipped with a M260 2.0 litre turbo four-pot churning out 306 PS and 400 Nm. This is mated with an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT and a 4Matic all-wheel drive system, allowing it to rocket to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. More engine options will join the range (like the GLA 45), including a GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid model.

Safety-wise, the GLA gets autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard, while other items such as a Driver Assistance Package that adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Active Steer Assist with Active Lane Change Assist, traffic sign recognition, Evasive Steering Assist, cross-traffic AEB, blind spot monitoring (with a door opening warning) and Pre-Safe Plus, can all be had as an option.

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