The Mercedes-Benz GLA Squeezes In At The Last Minute To Capitalise On The SST Exemptions

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has just managed to squeeze in the new GLA-Class to capitalise on the SST-exemption window. The entry-level into Mercedes-Benz SUV ownership takes more than few leaves out of the A-Class playbook; including the powertrain options and the connectivity with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system as well as the Mercedes Me suite of functions.

Much like the A-Class, there’ll be two variants; them being the GLA 200 Progressive Line and GLA 250 AMG Line.

Powering the GLA200 is the 1.33-litre turbo-four co-developed with Renault. You’ll find it in a couple of Renault models that aren’t sold here. In the GLA200, it’ll make 163hp and 250Nm of torque. With the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission between it and the front wheels, the century sprint arrives in 8.7-seconds from a standstill.

Splurge a little more for the GLA250 and you’ll find an actual 2.0-litre turbo-four under the hood. With an extra gear in the form of the eight-speed dual-clutch auto, the GLA250 makes the most of its 224hp and 350Nm to hit 100kph from a stop in just 6.9-seconds.

The dashboard is familiar, sharing many of the design cues from the A-Class. Taking centerstage are the pair of 10.25-inch displays that serve as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment command centre.

First seen on the A-Class, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system is present and accounted for. You can use voice commands to control many of the system’s functions, activating it by saying “Hey Mercedes.”

Standard kit on the GLA200 Progressive Line includes: - LED headlights - 18-inch twin-five spoke wheels - Keyless-Go keyless entry and start - leather multifunction sports steering wheel - seven-airbags - Android Auto and Apple CarPlay - reverse camera - tyre pressure monitoring system - Active Parking Assist with Parktronic - Mercedes Me connect services - MBUX - live traffic information

Splurge on the GLA250 4MATIC AMG Line and you’ll get the following extras: - 19-inch AMG twin-five spoke wheels - AMG floor mats and door sills - remote engine start - blindspot assist (with bicyclist detection) - touchpad control for MBUX

You’ll find the new GLA-Class in Mercedes-Benz showrooms now. Pricing for the duo starts at RM244,192 for the GLA200 and RM285,336 for the GLA250 AMG Line (with SST exemptions).

Pricing sans exemptions are RM252,888 and RM295,888 respectively.