2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia – H247 GLA200, GLA250 AMG Line, from RM244k without SST

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia – H247 GLA200, GLA250 AMG Line, from RM244k without SST

Almost exactly a year on from its world premiere, the latest H247 Mercedes-Benz GLA has finally been launched in Malaysia. Rounding out Stuttgart’s new-generation compact car range in Malaysia, the small SUV arrives in the same two variants as before, albeit with the latest Modular Front Architecture (MFA).

Prospective early-bird buyers will be pleased to know that they’ll still be able to snag a 2020 model if they act quickly enough, meaning that they will benefit from a 50% reduction in the sales and services tax (SST). At current rates, the GLA 200 Progressive Line is priced at RM244,200 on-the-road without insurance, while the GLA 250 AMG Line retails at RM285,337.

Vehicles registered after January 31 will cost RM252,888 and RM295,888 respectively. Compared to the outgoing X156 model, these prices are RM8,000 (against the previous GLA 200 Night Edition) and a whopping RM21,000 more expensive like-for-like. As before, the new GLA comes fully imported from the Rastatt plant in Germany and is offered with a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

As with the local A-Class, the GLA is offered here with two engine options. The GLA 200 is powered by a Renault-sourced M282 1.3 litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, delivering 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,620 to 4,000 rpm. Together with the Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it’s enough to get the car from zero to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 210 km/h.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia – H247 GLA200, GLA250 AMG Line, from RM244k without SST

Meanwhile, the GLA 250 gets an in-house engine and gearbox combination – an M260 2.0 litre mill that churns out 224 PS at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, mated to a new eight-speed DCT. This one makes the century sprint in 6.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 240 km/h, despite not being fitted with an all-wheel-drive system as per the previous GLA 250.

Most importantly, all models of the GLA come with four-link independent rear suspension, unlike the A 200 with its torsion beam. Passive dampers still come as standard, however, although the GLA 250 gets a lowered ride height compared to the GLA 200. One thing that the 250 lacks this generation is the AMG Line-specific front brakes with cross-drilled discs, which we’re told is also the case globally.

While the GLA retains its position as a smaller, more low-slung alternative to the GLB, this new model is more than ten centimetres taller compared to the old one, enabling the car to offer more headroom and a raised driving position. The increased height also makes it look less like a jacked-up hatchback and more like a proper SUV, although the design is still curvier and less rugged compared to the boxy GLB.

At the front, you’ll find a more imposing face, consisting of a larger grille and shapely LED headlights. Both models come with a similar front bumper design with a fake full-width air intake and a functional centre inlet underneath, although the GLA 200 also comes with a chrome skid plate.

The AMG Line on the GLA 250 gets a slightly more aggressive look with a jutting front spoiler, gloss black trim and a trapezoidal grille with chrome pins. As for the wheels, the GLA 200 comes with rather basic-looking 18-inch split-spoke silver alloys, whereas the GLA 250 rolls on larger 19-inch two-tone items that have a similar design to the A 250.

Along the side, Mercedes has reduced the number of character lines, added an extra rear side window and stretched the doors downwards to cover the side sills and keep them clean. The two-piece trapezoidal LED taillights are slimmer than before and come with rectangular light guides, and while both models feature twin integrated tailpipes, the GLA 250 has extra fake vents and a sportier diffuser-like bumper insert.

Inside, the GLA is pretty much identical to the B-Class MPV, sharing the same dashboard design that incorporates cutouts for the freestanding display panel and the passenger-side decorative trim, as well as the same metallic tubular grab handles on the doors.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia – H247 GLA200, GLA250 AMG Line, from RM244k without SST

Just like its other compact car siblings, the GLA showcases the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with twin 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment displays and the “Hey Mercedes” voice control system. While the car is 14 mm shorter than before, the wheelbase has grown by 30 mm, adding an extra 114 mm of rear legroom and a 435-litre boot that is 14 litres bigger. A 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench is standard.

Both the GLA 200 and 250 are fitted with power-adjustable front seats with memory, upholstered in Artico faux leather in the case of the 200. The 250 adds a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Artico and Dinamica microfibre seats, brushed aluminium trim, paddle shifters and AMG illuminated treadplates. Unfortunately, the standard single-zone climate control means you still don’t get rear air vents on either model.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, parking assist, a reverse camera and a hands-free powered tailgate, with the GLA 250 throwing in 64-colour ambient lighting as well. As for safety, all cars come with autonomous emergency braking, door opening warning and Pre-Safe, although only the 250 is fitted with blind spot monitoring.

GALLERY: H247 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line in Malaysia


GALLERY: H247 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line in Malaysia

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Cute, but for gods sake that price is vile.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 3
    • sam123 on Dec 15, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      luckily just collected my Proton X50 103k. Heh3

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 7
      • Bao Bao on Dec 15, 2020 at 5:27 pm

        New cars getting simpler, and easier to assemble.

        Engines that are used throughout the range. Assembled with fake leather seats , some LCD screens ….. and lots of RGB led strips

        Cost to produce the car ? USD15k

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 0
        • Dredd on Dec 15, 2020 at 7:37 pm

          Nope, beg to differ. If New cars getting simpler, and easier to assemble..P1 wont need kowtow to chinas tech n cont rebadge.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
        • Celup King on Dec 16, 2020 at 9:56 am

          That is how companies like Mercedes Benz became richer… to make a GLA cost not much more than X50 yet selling price is 10X more.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
          • kadajawa on Dec 16, 2020 at 10:13 pm

            Geely Mercedes Benz Volvo Lotus Aston Martin all same group.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
      • Akira on Dec 16, 2020 at 9:47 am

        Geely car want to compete with Mercedes? Jakun betul..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Don’t need to rush n buy this 2020 cars, most likely the sst exemption will be extended, who buy now will a fool

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • Civic Turbo 2018 on Dec 15, 2020 at 11:58 am

    Is an era for electric vehicles. Fossil dinasour at its last breath in this decade

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  • seancorr (Member) on Dec 15, 2020 at 12:22 pm

    Yep the word to use is whooping indeed. Mad price increase especially for the 250 model. That’s about the same price as a GLC200 or C300.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  • Monana on Dec 15, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    They upped their game BUT still far, far away from the Japanesse counterpart. Event X70 and X50. Distronic Plus with steering assist is still missing!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
    • seancorr (Member) on Dec 16, 2020 at 1:00 am

      Upped their game by how many percent? I count single digit of effort coming from MBM. For the price they are asking you are better off with the CKD Volvo XC40 or if you fancy CBU models, the Lexus UX – both have way more kit comparing to the Benz. The ‘Hello Mercedes’ is too overrated. You can now say hello to Proton anyway.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • MeiLi on Dec 15, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    Haha! AMG line, but no rear AC vent.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • Interestedreader on Dec 15, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    No distronic +?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • newuser on Dec 15, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    it’s now imitate Q3 body profile…more feminine looks…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Ahmad on Dec 15, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    Cilaka GLA200 road tax sama harga dengan KING Myvi

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Proton X50 Flagship cheaper yet higher specs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
    • Zoom zoom on Dec 15, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      Comparing Proton vs Mercedes is like comparing Casio watch vs Rolex or Bonia bag vs Hermes. One is meant for the rich and one for lower income group. Luxury brands bring status/prestige/success.. thats why is expensive.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8
  • Dong gor on Dec 15, 2020 at 2:47 pm

    So cheap… Oh wait, it’s half Renault.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Datuk on Dec 15, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Premium Renault Captur, for the Rich

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Most of those who are talking about how expensive the price is, even if MBM sold it at the previous model’s price, would you buy it? Why would they want to even appease those who compare this to a X50.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 6
    • seancorr (Member) on Dec 16, 2020 at 12:55 am

      Of course people will buy it since you get more for paying the same price as before. What we’re not happy is that the Lexus UX 200 has WAY MORE safety kit for about the same price as this GLA and both are CBU models. Heck even the base UX has adaptive cruise control. If Lexus can do it, why can’t MBM?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
      • Corolla Altis, Civic, Kona and CRV also have adaptive cruise control, should they be compared with the UX?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Akria on Dec 16, 2020 at 9:48 am

      Those are Proton salesman or Trolls.
      Anything also X70 or X50, Jakun Kampung semua tu.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
  • Luxury on Dec 15, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    True. That’s why the poor usually look for “value” buy while the rich will pay more for luxury brands. Two diff groups of ppl.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • this is more or less nissan almera engine with another cylinder. The HR13DTT.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Better buy Volvo XC40

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
 

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